Sauron vs. Your Mama - A Discussion of Power in Middle-earth

[The 1,000 Reader]

Originally Posted by obloquy

Maybe. On the other hand, the Dagger of Westernesse may have done the whole job, overcoming completely the protective power of the Witch-King's ring. This idea that a power can be "broken" permanently though the body is not yet slain fits with Saruman's death. It explains why he would ultimately die to a weak creature like Grima, using no supernatural weapon. He maintained the power of his voice, that power that was peculiarly his, but he was otherwise nothing more than his physical presence.

This makes sense. It even carries over to Sauron's possible deaths with the one ring. Either somebody could force his will out of it (master it) or they could simply destroy it, killing him regardless.

As for power in Middle-Earth, this is not like Dragonball Z where the highest power automatically wins. Tulkas whooped Melkor good, Sauron never beat anyone, Thingol got owned by dwarves, Sam beat Shelob, upgraded Gandalf was grim/serious about a confrontation with the Witch-King, Bard killed Smaug, etc. We honestly have no idea who could win.