Luthien & Galadriel

I'll add my thoughts to this worthy topic. There's a lot going on and we have two very worthy elf-women. In terms of overall 'power'-the ability to exert one's will on Arda, its matter and its inhabitants-my choice rests with Galadriel.

The main reason I say this is because Galadriel desired power; Luthien really did not. Furthermore, Galadriel was naturally placed into a position of power, as one of the few High Elves left in a darkening Age. Luthien's power was used to save her true love.


It has been said Galadriel was a big fish in a small pond, but this is misleading. She is one of the powerful Noldorin elves, in a class almost with Feanor, and she left Aman in order to gain power-specifically, her own realm and lands. She isn't a Third Age elf; she's a First Age elf, and a strong one.

Naturally, Elves are less 'powerful' than Maiar, speaking very generally. But Luthien was an elf before all, albeit an elf with half-Maiarin blood. This allowed her to work 'magic' in a sense, yes, but not to wield 'power' any more than normal.

Whoever said the Light of the Trees didn't strengthen Elves: I disagree with this.

Pressed for time now, more later. To finish for now:
Luthien had the potential, if she wished, to become a power; but it wasn't in her nature or her desire. Besides, who wouldn't be content being the "loveliest maiden of Elvenesse?"