Where does this quote come from?

[elbenprincess]

Tolkien often changed his mind, and early in the conception Galadriel didn´t even exist, Luthien of course did. In the course of time the character of Galadriel grew more and more important to him, but alas he never was able to finish her story, so maybe his opinion changed about that matter, but probably I´m wrong. Was just a thought.

In the appendix of LOTR he said she was "the greatest of even women". What do you think? Is that time - related and excludes Luthien because she no longer lives on Arda or does that include Luthien?

I anyway don´t get what people like about Luthien so much! I know great love story and all that but Galadriel is much cooler, greater and more brave. So enough Galadriel adoring, couldn´t resist.

"A queen she was of the woodland Elves, the wife of Celeborn of Doriath, yet she herself was of the Noldor and remembered the Day before days in Valinor, and she was the mightiest and fairest of all the Elves that remained in Middle-earth. "

Interesting quote it is! So is she even more beautiful than Arwen? How can this be, if Arwen is the likeness of Luthien? Or is Arwen excluded because she, until he end of the third age, didn´t decided to what race she wants to belong?

Regarding the "might" is that a political might or a spiritual might? So is she more mighty than Glorfindel who was nearly of maian status?

[Galadriel55]

Originally Posted by elbenprincess

In the appendix of LOTR he said she was "the greatest of even women". What do you think? Is that time - related and excludes Luthien because she no longer lives on Arda or does that include Luthien?

Well, firstly, "greatest" is not necessarily "most beautiful". And I guess that Luthien doesn't count as she isn't alive anymore.

Interesting quote it is! So is she even more beautiful than Arwen? How can this be, if Arwen is the likeness of Luthien? Or is Arwen excluded because she, until he end of the third age, didn´t decided to what race she wants to belong?

Arwen's beauty was like an echo of Luthien's. That's how I see it. And they are both beautiful. Beauty is a thing of opinion, and there were some disputes *coughGimliandEomercough* .

[Mithalwen]

Originally Posted by elbenprincess

Tolkien often changed his mind, and early in the conception Galadriel didn´t even exist, Luthien of course did. In the course of time the character of Galadriel grew more and more important to him, but alas he never was able to finish her story, so maybe his opinion changed about that matter, but probably I´m wrong. Was just a thought.

In the appendix of LOTR he said she was "the greatest of even women". What do you think? Is that time - related and excludes Luthien because she no longer lives on Arda or does that include Luthien?

..."A queen she was of the woodland Elves, the wife of Celeborn of Doriath, yet she herself was of the Noldor and remembered the Day before days in Valinor, and she was the mightiest and fairest of all the Elves that remained in Middle-earth. "

...
Regarding the "might" is that a political might or a spiritual might? So is she more mighty than Glorfindel who was nearly of maian status?

Superlatives are difficult in Tolkien - eldest and tallest as well as fairest!!!

Of course it is possible to find ways round a lot of these - Glorfindel did not remain in ME in the sense of he did not return once the ban of the valar was lifted having died already and was sent back later. Though I think Galadriel might have the edge over Glorfindel anyway though their skill sets are rather different.

Luthien and Arwen with their maia and mortal blood may not have been counted. But they are so dull that I reckon Galadriel (And Idril) win hands down. Tolkien deifies the brunettes but the blondes are more fun !!!