Edith Bratt Tolkien (1889-1971): An illegitimate child who was orphaned in her early teens, she was an excellent piano player and an Anglican when, in 1908, she found herself living in the same home as J. R. R. Tolkien -- three years younger, Catholic, and of a very different temperament. Nonetheless they fell in love. Forbidden to see each other for five years by Tolkien's guardian, they eventually reunited and were married in 1917. Four children followed. It was not an entirely happy marriage, especially for Edith, but they remained together for more than half a century -- and when Edith died, Tolkien had the name Lúthien inscribed on her tombstone, after his most beloved character whom she had inspired.
