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Old 06-19-2013, 07:11 PM   #3
Aiwendil
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Join Date: Mar 2001
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Alfirin
Luthien did NOT have innate shapeshifting. Her ability to shapeshift came from her shaping cloak, which she took from Thurwingwethil after she was killed.
I'm not so sure about that. The Lay of Leithien certainly does not particularly ascribe any special power to the cloak, but speaks of 'elvish magic Luthien wrought'. And indeed, it was not only Luthien who was transformed into a likeness of Thuringwethil, but also Beren who putting on Draugluin's hide became like a wolf (indeed, like enough to fool Carcharoth, if it hadn't been for Luthien's fair smell and the fact that he knew Draugluin was already dead).

We also see Elvish shapeshifting ability when Finrod disguises himself, Beren, and their companions as Orcs.

Is there another source you have in mind that specifies the cloak as the source of Luthien's shapechanging power?
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