power vs greatness

[lord of dor-lomin]

Well, since you guys are using my quote, I think I have the right to butt in. [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

For one thing, how about the use of "most powerful" and "greatest" within Tolkien's books. I don't recall seeing most powerful written very much, actually I can't remember any instance right now, which is exactly why I think it's so open for opinions.

I believe that Tolkien valued greatness over power, which was why he used that particular word. LOTR is essentially the triumph over a foe who was obviously more powerful. The leaders in Sauron's downfall (Frodo, Aragorn, Gandalf) certainly couldn't match up guns for guns with Sauron and his empire, but they were perhaps "greater", because of their nobility, goodness, mercy, and wisdom. They were superior beings in the overall scope of things, though they were certainly not as powerful.

Yes, as my quote says, I believe that power and greatness are not the same thing (therefore, using a "greatest" quote shouldn't work in debates about power).