Edith is to Luthien as JRRT is to... Beren? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Galadriel · 02-14-2011, 07:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Galadriel55

I know that Tolkien dedicated the character Luthien to his wife, Edith. I also know that after they died, Edith had "Luthien" engraved on her grave, and JRRT had "Beren".

I understand how Edith could "be" Luthien - her character, cheerfulness, and of course Tolkien's love for her (also, Luthien=enchantress; Edith enchanted Tolkien?). But I just cannot connect JRRT with Beren. Does he really see himself as that character, or is it just a coincidence that he made Beren what he is, without any hints about himself? As far as I know, Luthien was the only character who "lived for real".

Your opinion?

I always thought JRRT based himself on Faramir?

I agree with Morthoron. I think JRRT idealized their relationship. He was rather the extravagant sort, wasn't he, when it came to drama?

Dilettante · 04-01-2011, 06:28 PM

Extravagant? Probably. Although, I kind of wish I could find a man that would write about me like that.

Bêthberry · 04-01-2011, 09:38 PM

It is worth noting that the fair copies of Tolkien's early manuscripts were written in Edith's hand, according to Christopher Tolkien. (And I do enjoy bumping spammers off the page.)

04-01-2011, 06:28 PM	#2
Dilettante Animated Skeleton Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: As my whimsey takes me. Posts: 43	Extravagant? Probably. Although, I kind of wish I could find a man that would write about me like that. __________________ "One equal temper of heroic hearts,Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will. To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield. " Tennyson, Ulysses

04-01-2011, 09:38 PM	#3
Bêthberry Cryptic Aura Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 6,003	It is worth noting that the fair copies of Tolkien's early manuscripts were written in Edith's hand, according to Christopher Tolkien. (And I do enjoy bumping spammers off the page.) __________________ I’ll sing his roots off. I’ll sing a wind up and blow leaf and branch away.