Glorfindel reincarnated

[cellurdur]

Originally Posted by Andsigil

You asserted, however, that "she [Galadriel], Feanor, and Luthien were the greatest of the elves in the history of Arda". That's a bit different than being extraordinary.

Tolkien in more than one place has said that Galadriel was the second greatest of the Noldor or the greatest of the Eldar apart from Feanor and Luthien.

That being said greatness and power are not interchangeable for Tolkien.

[Andsigil]

Originally Posted by cellurdur

Tolkien in more than one place has said that Galadriel was the second greatest of the Noldor or the greatest of the Eldar apart from Feanor and Luthien.

That being said greatness and power are not interchangeable for Tolkien.

That makes more sense. And it reinforces the quote I posted about her being "mightest" of the Noldor in the 3rd Age.

[cellurdur]

Originally Posted by Andsigil

That makes more sense. And it reinforces the quote I posted about her being "mightest" of the Noldor in the 3rd Age.

When Tolkien talks in terms of power or the best he uses mightiest. For example Beleg was the mightiest woodsman to ever live, Maglor the second mightiest singer etc.

It's harder to define what he means by greatness, but it is a combination of social standing, achievement, power and respect.

Tolkien only describing her as the mightiest Noldor to remain the 3rd Age means there was at least one other Noldor more powerful. Feanor for certain, but I am not sure the other Noldor princes were. There is no definitive answer, for this though. Earendil for sure was more powerful, but he does not count as a Noldor.