Quote:
Originally Posted by Galin
I much prefer the rebel Galadriel. Possibly Tolkien desired to make Galadriel 'unstained' so that she could be better compared to the Virgin Mary (I have seen this argument anyway), but anyway I don't think an unstained Galadriel is a better character, and I see nothing necessarily 'less Christian' (if someone were to point out the arguable importance of Tolkien's faith with respect to the Galadriel matter) about a penitent Galadriel as compared to an unstained one.
Her great test is the One, why not begin with the proud 'young' Galadriel as one of the leaders of the Rebellion? Banned from Aman at the end of the First Age and proudly replying that she had no wish to do so.
To my mind the history of the early 1950s works fine with respect to the Rebellion (and even the Kinslaying, although granted this much could be altered). This version appears in the 1977 Silmarillion (with no mention of any role at Swanhaven), and it agrees well with JRRT's already published accounts.
There is both earlier and later text (compared to the early 1950s) that supports Galadriel and her brothers having no part at Swanhaven, although the earlier text only has Galadriel's 'ultimate brothers' of course, as it pre-dates The Lord of the Rings.
Again, if I recall correctly RGEO didn't reveal anything about Swanhaven, so I would have no great problem with adding Nerwen's defense of the Teleri here (noted in late texts for example)... but not with Celeborn however, as he was back in Beleriand...
... being Sindarin  |
I too personally think that Tolkien close to the end of his life tried to make his work too Catholic.
On Galadriel, after much thought I think I will go with the prideful, willful Noldor, with a noble spirit we see early.
In my personal cannon I would leave her as one of the leaders of the Rebellion, but have her still fight fiercely to defend the Teleri.
Celeborn will remain a Sindar and they will meet in Doriath. Then it is easier to accept the version of the Elessar in, which Galadriel request Celebrimbor to make it. This fits in with Galadriel and Celebrimbor failing to find the will to destroy the One Ring. It also illustrates the difference between her attitude and Elrond's. Elrond would rather the three have never been made, but Galadriel would rather the One have never been found. Not to mention it displays the difference in their wisdom concerning Sauron. Gil-galad and Elrond did not necessarily perceive that Sauron was evil, but rejected his council. Galadriel perceived that Sauron was not, who he said he was and rejected him personally.