High Elves and the Balrogs

[Raynor]

Originally Posted by Boromir88

Not only was Galadriel powerful enough to go into Dol Guldur and clean out all the 'evil' done by Sauron, but she was so powerful, Lorien would only be overcome unless Sauron had came there himself.

Hm, I always took these to imply the power of Galadriel's ring, not her own. I had the same understanding when reading her statement that "[not] only by singing amid the trees, nor even by the slender arrows of elven-bows, is this land of Lothlorien maintained and defended against its Enemy".

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Originally Posted by Raynor

Hm, I always took these to imply the power of Galadriel's ring, not her own. I had the same understanding when reading her statement that "[not] only by singing amid the trees, nor even by the slender arrows of elven-bows, is this land of Lothlorien maintained and defended against its Enemy".

I agree. Nevertheless, that does not undermine what Boro said about Galadriel. She was surely capable and powerful - in whatever means you think. I also think no one contested this. I think the only problem we have with her is that it's hard to imagine her with a sword (and in armor???) fighting against, let's say, even Fëanor's hordes at Alqualondë (hmm... was that even canonical? I think this is but one of the versions in UT, from whose no one knows which one to choose as granted...) Though, as I said, we have evidence that she was mighty even in that, as Boro said, so it's our limited imagination in which the problem lies.

[Boromir88]

Well Raynor, I think Nenya is part of 'that power' that dwells in Lorien. As the Elven Rings were made to sustain and protect against the 'weariness of time.' But if you are saying that Galadriel's power (and the 'power' that dwells in Lorien) is solely due to Nenya, than I would disagree. As Galadriel was already one mighty and great elf before getting Nenya.

[Raynor]

Originally Posted by Boromir88

But if you are saying that Galadriel's power (and the 'power' that dwells in Lorien) is solely due to Nenya, than I would disagree. As Galadriel was already one mighty and great elf before getting Nenya.

I agree. However, I doubt that Galadriel "alone" would come close to the same results if she didn't have her ring.

[The Saucepan Man]

Originally Posted by Tolkien

Three times Lorien had been assailed from Dol Guldur, but besides the valour of the elven people of that land, the power that dwelt there was too great for any to overcome, unless Sauron had come himself. Though grievous harm was down to the fair woods on the borders, the assaults were driven back; and when the Shadow passed, Celeborn came forth and led the hose of Lorien over Anduin in many boats. They took Dol Guldur, and Galadriel threw down its walls and laid bare its pits, and the forest was cleansed.~Appendix B: Tale of Years; The Third Age

The fact that Celeborn led the host of Lorien while Galadriel threw down the walls of Dol Guldur has always suggested to me that she was wielding 'magic', while Celeborn led the physical assault.

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Originally Posted by The Saucepan Man

The fact that Celeborn led the host of Lorien while Galadriel threw down the walls of Dol Guldur has always suggested to me that she was wielding 'magic', while Celeborn led the physical assault.

Eexactly. Nevertheless, it's a wonderful demonstration of her power...

But let's not forget our main topic. I think, as much as Galadrielist I am, you can see her not expressing any fear of the balrog of Moria when she hears the news (actually, I sort of suspect her of knowing more than she says, and so maybe even knowing about the presence of the balrog), quite differently from Celeborn, for whom it's not only a new information, but also a thing that scares him, or at least that's how I always took it.

Originally Posted by Mirror of Galadriel

"Alas!" said Celeborn. "We long have feared that under Caradhras a terror slept. But had I known that the Dwarves had stirred up this evil in Moria again, I would have forbidden you to pass the northern borders, you and all that went with you. And if it were possible, one would say that at the last Gandalf fell from wisdom into folly, going needlessly into the net of Moria."

[Morthoron]

In regard to Galadriel throwing down the walls and laying bare the pits of Dol Guldur, this is more extraordinary in the fact that she accomplished the feat after the One Ring was destroyed; thus, I would think the power that demolished Dol Guldur was innate and not necessarily due to her wielding the ring Nenya, whose power would have waned after the One Ring's destruction.

[Boromir88]

Raynor, with regards to protecting Lothlorien I would say she had the aid of Nenya. As that was the purpose of the Elven Rings. However, the Elven Rings were not made to enhance it's bearers power, so any display of power 'or magic' of Galadriel I would say was all her own ability. As the Elven Rings did not lend out power boosts in the way the One Ring was made to do.

Just as I would argue the benefit of Gandalf bearing Narya was not in giving him extra power to fight the Balrog, but assisting him in his 'weariness,' exactly as Cirdan said the Ring was for:

'Take this ring, Master,' he said, 'for your labours will be heavy; but it will support you in the weariness that you have taken upon yourself. For this is the Ring of Fire, and with it you may rekindle hearts in a world that grows chill.'~Appendix B: Tale of Years; The Third Age