Arwen vs. Galadriel

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

Originally Posted by Finduilas

This seems to me as if it aught to be a poll.

Is there any Skwerl for off topicness?

I think it is an off-topic owl. ..

[MatthewM]

Just wanted to point out that I was referring more towards your own image of the characters from the books than the movies, but I see no wrong in comparing (through personal preference and opinion) the beauty of Liv vs. Cate - in which case I would have to go with Liv. Cate is not too far behind, however.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Tolkien tells us the basic facts about the two ladies, but beauty is a factor that can't be described. Therefore, when reading the book, we can only see them through the eyes of the other characters. The words of the humblest of the Fellowship, Samwise, describing Galadriel, have always fascinated me:

Beautiful she is, sir! Lovely! Sometimes like a great tree in flower, sometimes like a white daffydowndilly, small and slender like. Hard as di'monds, soft as moonlight. Warm as sunlight, cold as frost in the stars. Proud and far-off as a snow-mountain, and as merry as any lass I ever saw with flowers in her hair in springtime.
TT, 'The Window on the West'

I rather agree with those who think that comparing the two is like apples and oranges, but if I had to choose, it would probably be Galadriel because of the above passage.

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

If, in the Silmarillion, Tolkien says that Galadriel was fairest of the House of Finwë, then that suggests that there must be a definite answer out there somewhere, and that it is not a matter of different opinions. Tolkien seems to say that the two are equally fair when he makes the analogy between morning and evening, so that would be my answer: equals.

(Although that raises the issue of who wrote the Silmarillion!)

[Knight of Gondor]

I honestly do not hold up either actress from the movies as a model of beauty. (Now Miranda Otto on the other hand...)

In the book, it's hard to say, having not seen either of them. I am sure that many of the impressions (such as of Eomer and Gimli) come not so much from appearance as from presence.

Galadriel had issues of her own from earlier Ages, and is obviously made of sterner stuff than Arwen. As a Ringbearer, her responsibility and experience was so much greater than Arwen, who was but a maiden of Imladris. She bore no Ring, nor responsibilities of leadership.

Arwen's love and devotion for Aragorn is to be admired, although her actions after the death of King Ellesar are a bit selfish. (Abandoning her children to wander Lothlorien in grief.)

[MatthewM]

Originally Posted by Knight of Gondor

Arwen's love and devotion for Aragorn is to be admired, although her actions after the death of King Ellesar are a bit selfish. (Abandoning her children to wander Lothlorien in grief.)

Were they really, though? I do not see her actions as selfish.

That would be a good question for a new topic, indeed.

[Knight of Gondor]

I was certain it had been already discussed, under a title like "Arwen not a good mom?" but a forum and a google search did not turn up anything.

[Boromir88]

Just a quick little correction if I may...I'm not as good at French as I used to be, it's been a while. Anyway:

'chanson de geste' actually translates to 'songs of heroic deeds.' In my post I said 'songs of war' but the French word for war is 'guerre.'

Just a little correction, I think this can still be applied to Eowyn, as she is more infatuated with Aragorn's impressive elven and dunedain friends...and she believes Aragorn can give the 'heroic/courageous' life she desires:

"Shall I always be chosen?" she said bitterly. "Shall I always be left behind when the Riders depart, to mind the house while they win renown find food and beds when they return?"~The Passing of the Grey Company

[Lalwendë]

What would be the male equivalent of an Arwen Vs Galadriel face-off?

Faramir Vs Boromir?

Aragorn Vs Boromir?

Aragorn Vs Legolas?