Silmarillion - Chapter 17 - Of the Coming of Men into the West

[Galadriel55]

I don't think that anywhere in his works did Tolkien imply that Elves are superior to Men in a racial point of view. I'd say quite the opposite - Men are favoured with the Gift of Iluvatar (no matter what Morgoth turned it into).

As for Turin and Saeros: Saeros tries to prove that he is superior, but he's wrong, and is punished for it. Conclusion: Elves are not superior in that sense.

When Finrod sang to the Men, I don't think he knew yet about the lies that Morgoth told them. He just told them about what there is.

One of the lies that Morgoth used to make the Noldor rebell was that Men would take over. Finrod would be very familiar with them. And now he finally sees Men face to face. And his reaction is the most curious thing in the chapter, even though it's predictable.

Anyone have other ideas? I'm not in the mood for detailed analysis of Finrod right now.