The bearers of the Three

[Gorthaur the Cruel]

Do you think that when the bearers of the Three set sailed to Valinor, they became greature in personal stature than any eldar there, even Olwe?

[obloquy]

Why might that have happened?

[the phantom]

In other words, you are asking what place Elrond, Galadriel, and Gandalf took in the hierarchy once they arrived in Valinor?

[Gorthaur the Cruel]

Originally Posted by the phantom

In other words, you are asking what place Elrond, Galadriel, and Gandalf took in the hierarchy once they arrived in Valinor?

Sure. I'd like to include that too, but my main point was that since the great rings, especially the Three had the greatest powers & when worn, who knows what kowledge or wisdom the bearers gained, even Gandalf, so not so much of their heirarchy but of their "hero-ness".

[Son of Númenor]

I don't know that the rings could imbue their wearers with wisdom. Their primary functions were preservation and kindling hearts to great deeds. It makes sense that the ringbearers would be greeted with respect and admiration on their arrival in Eressëa and Valinor, but I doubt that at this late stage in Elven history, when "an end was come for the Eldar of story and of song" (Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age), much emphasis would be placed on social standing.

[Elrian]

The Rings could not have gotten them greater standing than what they had. Galadriel was rebelious in the first and second ages causing her to be banned from returning to Valinor until she refused the lure of the one ring. Gandalf who was really Olorin the Maia was already greater than Olwe. When the Rings were made by Celebrimbor in the Second age, they were made using the knowledge that was given to him by Annatar (Sauron). His hand may not have touched them, but they were still tied his one, when his ring was destroyed the power of theirs failed. They Valar would have rewarded perhaps for great deeds they had done.

[Gorthaur the Cruel]

You're forgetting that the Three were not just for preservation, but also enhanced the natural abilities of their bearers. And I doubt that once the Great Rings lost their powers, the "enhancements" they've been gifted for using it would simply disappear. Take Frodo for example. Only a couple of times has he placed the ring on his finger & already acquired some "otherwordly" knowledge such as percieving Galadriel's invisible ring. And even unto the end, Bilbo & Frodo were "tainted" with the One's power & had to sail for West. With the three, perhaps they were "tainted" with the same knowledge as well but of the good side. Surely Galadriel & Elrond would seem a little higher in personal character (for they held their rings for thousands of years & who knows what attributes they've gained & increased), strength, wisdom, & endurance compared to the remaining high kings of Valinor who bask in the protection of the fence of the Valar.