Power

[Keeper of Dol Guldur]

Power in Middle Earth was definitely not simple physical prowess. Everyone knows that. I'd be willing to bet Eomer could beat Aragorn arm-wrestling. And in a fist fight, I'd pick Glorfindel over Elrond. But we all know that it's not just strength or talent. It is mental. Tolkien had such a love of intelligence. Galadriel, lady of Lorien is more powerful than her Grey-Elf husband. We all know this. But as for simple physical prowess, there is no doubt that the A-List is the likes of Aragorn, Eomer, Imrahil, Glorfindel, Ecthelion (To the max), Boromir, and the sons of Elrond. All the great warriors are great, but when in a power comparison we seem to take the side of the gifted. Elrond was talented, he could definitely kick some butt. Same goes for Sauron, Feanor, etc... But they all possessed a little more than the usual talent. Whether some fateful bloodlines and a Maia for a great grannie, or being a Maia themselves. Now here's the clincher. I think in just basic weapons expertise, swordsmanship and agility the greatest warrior ever was; Ecthelion. That is an obvioius choice, no doubt as he slaid hundreds of trolls and Gothmog himself. Why not a Balrog as most powerful warrior? Well since a Balrog is made from material that kills people, and are significantly larger, they don't count. Not to mention that Ecthelion took out their leader. Next I'd go with Feanor, since he was greatest of great. But Gothmog killed him (with some help of course) and therefore he as a mere fighter wasn't as skilled. We all know he could shape great crafts and gems, forge great armours and weapons and was remarkably powerful, but that was in a 'magical' kind of way. No not magic, just elf skill. But you get the point. (I don't doubt in a battle Feanor would waste Ecthelion, but ECT was simply a warrior of Gondolin and had nowhere near the amount of 'gifts' just a sword and some talent.) Now, some may not agree with me but Glorfindel was not second most. He was valiant in sacrificing himself to save Tuor and the folks, but I think the fall killed the Balrog. No the honor of next greatest goes to Mablung. Beleg and a few others also (maybe Celeborn) go there as well. Now I know that the Vanyar and Noldor all have much more 'power' than these Sylvan elves, but we are talking about basic combat here.