No, I'm the biggest....
 

When you think about power, there are a lot of different ways to look at it. So this post is limited to physical power.


Excluding Eru, who is easily the most powerful being there is, there are many mighty beings. So the question is: Who do you think is the most powerful being in the circle of Arda?


My vote would have to go to Ungoliant. At the height of her power, she single handedly made Morgoth cry like a baby. She was chased away by a bunch of Balrogs, but in a fair, one-on-one fight, I think she could take anybody.


So, any challengers for this champion?

This topic asks for opinions more than actual book discussions, so I'm moving it to the Novices and Newcomers forum where the opinion threads are located. Please continue to read and post there. Thanks!

Tulkas. It was my impression he beat the batsnot out of melkor when the chain was placed on him. And also in domination of the world the powers that be would diminish. also I think Ungoliant appeared stronger then she was in holding melkor; as much of his spirit was spent already. I think

I wouldn't pick a fight with Tulkas ... but powerful females terrify males :P

If your a powerful female; then why would you not pick a fight with tulkas? If males are scared by powerful women.

....but if men are scared of powerful females, wouldn't that be a pyschological power, not physical?

My vote also goes for Tulkas, or Morgoth...I haven't read Sil yet, so I'm not quite certain.

Melkor. You know "He Who Arises in Might" and all that. :D

Abedithon le,

~ Saphy ~

Eonwe. He captured Morgoth and cast down Thangorodrim, something the Valar didn't do.

*waves 'Go Eonwe' flag*

2. Melkor/Morgoth- Was very powerful. Most everyone feared him.

1. Manwë- I would definitely say he was most powerful.

Call me old fashioned, but I think psychology is magic... and it scares me alot. :cool:

*quirks eyebrow*

Psychology is just us femailes using what we know of you to predict your actions.

Not really all that hard.

*considers changing her name to Elenwe, just for kicks*

I would have to agree with Nimrodel on this one. Manwë was definitely the most powerful. Yes, he and Melkor were of equal strength at first but then Melkor fell to darkness and that was his own undoing.

Definitely Melkor! Since he's my master, I should definitely know....

Tevildo, Prince of Cats

I'm going to go slightly off-topic here and say that Melian was pretty powerful, not the most powerful, but fairly powerful. She controlled the borders of Doriath with the Girdle of Melian and kept the forces of Morgoth at bay, while still keeping Doriath looking like an elf-haven. Pretty good house keeping skills, I'd say. She also influenced Elu Thingol and seemed kind of like a person (elf) who wouldn't allow anyone's opinions to influence him. She's kind of a "pillow-talk" elf which I would say is a pretty powerful thing and I'd say that most of the ladies in here would agree. She's like the ultimate house wife! I bet the boys from Queer Eye are jealous. ;)

Of course He Who Arises in Might was the mightiest, what was that comment when Feanor shut the door in his face, well anyway that was before he spent his power making balrogs, dragons and general shenanigans.

I still hold to what I said b4. Melkor was the greatest but once he fell he became less than Manwe.

Mumaks, Shelob, Ungoliant, Balrogs, Dragons, etc. The topic's about sheer power, and these dudes have just that.

Interestingly enough, in a discussion about the power of the fea of Men, Nienna says that the valar hold Mandos to be the most powerful:

Since this post is limited to Physical power, I'm gonna have to say Tulkas. Not Melkor, Tulkas beated the crap out of that guy...... Manwë didn't do that either... :D

I'll also say Tulkas. Of all the Valar he's said to be "greatest in strength and deeds of prowess".