Luthien & Galadriel

[davem]

Originally Posted by Mithalwen

I would say Eowyn was braver then for she faced a enemy far beyond her and did not flinch and she was not motivated by Luthien's self interest.

I'd say Morgoth was far beyond Luthien - in terms of physical (& 'magical') power - Morgoth was outwitted. That makes Luthien both brave & cunning.

Galadriel's greatest struggles were internal. Was not refusing the ring for one as ambitious as she a mighty struggle.

I suspect that there was a great internal struggle on Luthien's part - one doesn't walk into 'Hell' easily. If Eowyn was motivated by love (for her king) on the field of Pelennor, then I don't see much difference between them apart from the much greater courage required on Luthien's part - after all, Eowyn didn't know she would have to confront the WK - Luthien walked into Thangorodrim in full knowledge of what she would face...

Not to forget that Eowyn and Galadriel have personalities...

Beren & Luthien's story is a legend told by the characters at the end of the Third Age - of course there's less 'psychological depth' shown. The tale has survived in various forms over thousands of years. It won't have the 'immediacy' of the story of the WR - which is told in a different form.