Luthien & Galadriel

[Bêthberry]

Originally Posted by Cirdan

Luthien had the potential, if she wished, to become a power; but it wasn't in her nature or her desire. Besides, who wouldn't be content being the "loveliest maiden of Elvenesse?"

Originally Posted by Formendacil

Me. And most guys, I hope.

Originally Posted by Cirdan

Amend my previous statement to read: "What female would not...Elvenesse?"

Originally Posted by Mithalwen

Oh, sorry, now I really have got to explain why for any self respecting woman there is no choice between Galadriel and Luthien. And since it is clearly not blindingly obvious to everyone - Galadriel wins..... But you will have to wait 'til Saturday now........

Here, here, Mithalwen.

Perhaps Formendacil would have been happier with the phrasing "having
the 'loveliest maidern of Elvenesse' ?

And, no, that isn't a comment 'applicable' to Formendacil alone.

Sadly, one need only read all the comments here at the Downs about Celeborn to understand just what some of the problems are the characterisation of Galadriel.

Originally Posted by Cirdan

Again, this is not power but her [Luthien's] natural gifts of beauty, charm, and immense courage.

As if 'beauty, charm and courage' do not give power?

One problem with Middle-earth is the idea that beauty cannot represent evil, only ugliness can. Tolkien mentions this in one of his Letters. It's a given you have to accept in order to remain enchanted by the subcreated story, but it's a given that unfortunately limits the very applicability to the primary world which Tolkien might have wished his ethical view to have.