: In the story of Beren and Luthien, as well as the story of Aragorn and Arwen, however, you'll find one theme which is drawn straight from Tolkien's life: the forbidden love of a young man for an older woman.

: Edith Bratt was about three years older than Ronald (J.R.R. was called Ronald in his youth) and when he met her he fell deeply in love. But Father Francis, his guardian, didn't want Ronald to have anything to do with her.

: Edith had inherited a little land around Birmingham which provided for her income. But unlike Luthien and Arwen, she was illegitimate, and perhaps this was part of why Father Francis objected to her. He certainly felt strongly that the young man should be focusing on his studies, so I guess it was the story of Beren and Luthien somewhat reversed. I suspect the story of Ronald and Edith would actually make an interesting movie.

: Anyway, it's been long understood that Beren and Luthien are Tolkien and his wife, and the names "Beren" and "Luthien" are even inscribed on their tombstone. The stories are metaphorical, btw, and not allegorical.

I do think Cuivar alluded to their greater mening in the great scheme of Middle-Earth, not in the great tale of Ronald's life. Ie. how did he fit the story of himself and his love in the grand tale of Endor.
Apart from that, you are of course right- the tale of his own hopeless love and how it was not so hopeless must ahve been foremost in his head throughout his life. The thought of how fortunate he was (I am speaking from experience- a love where you have indeed been more fortunate than most and beaten the odds does dominate your thoughts ;-))
:-) Neithan Turambar
:-) Palle