Why Were the High Elves So Powerful? Middle-earth Explained

[@heathenbreathinfire]

“I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which they defend.” - Faramir, my favorite character in Lord of the Rings, and perhaps a sentiment the Elves often shared in regards to the waning of their power.

[@Cheddar_Wizard]

@Alex Agreed. Hate how unlikable they made him in the second movie.

[@LordVader1094]

@Dream Youniverse Debatable, but also not worth bringing up in this context.

[@docvaliant721]

@Dream Youniverse Something a female mind would come up with.

[@daveconrad6562]

@Dream Youniverse vaccines

[@rickdeckard1075]

@@Cheddar_Wizard he seemed a bit effeminate, but not totally unlikeable. they gave him that albrecht durer look...

[@xtremeranger30]

Absolute mad lads for the Noldor carrying out a 400 year siege against Angband.

[@agustinvitti]

I can't get over Fingoflin going "fuck this" and charging to the gates of Angband to duel Morgoth

[@mornen-bb]

@@agustinvitti Supremacy of the King of Mad Lads, Yolofinwe, who has the steeliest of balls.

[@thekillers1stfan]

@@agustinvitti Still not as based as Luthien skipping into Angband with her boy toy, BTFOing Melkor, robbing his ass, and skipping back out

[@lizardlegend42]

@@thekillers1stfan and of course there's Huan, who while not really a "lad" was without doubt the goodest of boys. Realising your master is shit and so helping Luthien kill off a bunch of warewolves, even fucking Sauron himself in wolf form, then later giving his life to defeat the worst wolf of them all to protect Beren.

[@agustinvitti]

@@thekillers1stfan "robbing his ass". Beautiful.

[@potandpoliticswithmr.broph1420]

You know I've watched so many Lore videos and no one ever talks about how Aule must have reacted when Gimli arrived at Valinor. I imagine there was one hell of a conversation.

[@Kinuhbud]

He was like, " *My man* !"

[@v1e1r1g1e1]

@@Kinuhbud Well... to be precise... more likely ''My DWARF!''

[@lauraknight5973]

"LOOK IT'S ONE OF MY CHILDREN. LOOK HOW LOVELY HE IS" he yells while taking Gimli to every single elven and Valar function for all eternity.

[@lauraknight5973]

Aule's nice to Legolas too but in the way your best friend's mom is nice to you

[@deriznohappehquite]

@@Kinuhbud “My Nauglar”

[@thorshammer7883]

"All those moments will be lost in time, like tears... in the rain." - Roy Batty.

[@oldoddjobs]

There's no "the" but who cares about quoting things correctly when you're quoting things

[@connormcmillan6761]

This man got Mandela’d real gud with that “the”

[@El-Chad]

You've done a man's job sir.

[@Splucked]

@@oldoddjobs 🙄 get a life

[@thorshammer7883]

@@El-Chad A bit late of me but I am glad you appreciate it. To elves time passes the ancient world turns from stone to collapsing sand.

[@federicaesu8580]

Immortality is not living forever, it’s seeing everyone else die. This is a quote of the Twelfth Doctor, but I think it applies also to Elves. They were overwhelmed by memories and nostalgia for all that they’ve lost. They’re not weaker, they’re immensely sad

[@user_____M]

So they die from sadness like a Star Wars princess.

[@AncestorEmpire1]

@@user_____M 1: Highlander showed it first 2: She died from her force bond with Anakin being severed, not sadness.

[@pedroribeiro7922]

Any of us who had places we loved in childhood, gone forever replaced by something else as if it was never there as time went on, knows exactly the feeling the Elves suffered by seeing the World change as they lived on.

[@rofflestomp684]

This is the coin we spend as humans too.

[@user_____M]

@@AncestorEmpire1 same thing

[@apdarkness905]

A most masterful tale of how the Eldar almost seemed to diminish with the each passing age. From their creation and awakening to their later days and eventual decline it becomes clear that just as time devours all things that the People of the Stars are also subject to its passing.

[@kauetadaieski3131]

They diminish in ME, in Aman they live as long as the world lives.

[@finrodfel06]

3 years later but here we go; they diminish in ME as it's Arda Marred. It's broken by Melkor due to him changing the song. Valinor is the only place unmarred, so they don't diminish there. On ME, they diminish as they are dying lands; everything eventually fades there. Be it elves, or trees, or other fantastical creatures. That's why the fantasy left the world altogether eventually, and only men were left.

[@r.blakehole932]

Galadriel, as she grew older also increased in Wisdom. Wisdom IS power. While distance from the Valar might decrease physical power, the gaining of wisdom could offset that decrease.

[@chadwhitfield6946]

She and Glorfindel were both as powerful as in the 3rd age as those in the 1st age. Of course they were from the 1st age.

[@FantasticExplorers]

And she surely gain some knowledge from Melian the Maya.

[@kauetadaieski3131]

Only her body may suffer a bit not her spiritual power.

[@allenrussell1947]

Her power is revealed in her rebukes of Celeborn whom she's names as the wisest in Middle Earth. She is obviously the one in charge of Lothlorien.

[@elgodofcanaaniamwhoiam7649]

One could also argue that the Wisdom attained by Galadriel was her greatest burden as well. Definitely displayed in the cinema adaptations-especially the Prologue in Fellowship of The Ring.

[@erieperry8241]

I think, barring imparting some of their spirit into objects, it's not a weaking over time but a weariness brought on by time and loss. After losing so much, either by forces of evil or their own folly, the just didn't have it in them to do again. This also feeds into the sense of nostalgia you mentioned. Memories of things gone by and cannot be restored.

[@helplmchoking]

I feel this is the nearest explanation, the light of the Trees and of the Valar seems to be purifying and empowering, essentially making the Calaquendi more 'perfect' versions of themselves, stronger, faster and more beautiful but not permanent. Those who went East (or who never made it to Valinor) weren't corrupted, as such, but the light of the trees faded over time as it was overtaken with the sorrows of the world through millennia of life. It seems that the Elves were never 'meant' to live forever in Middle Earth, it was a land of sadness and struggle as well as hope and change but instead living in the light of Aman, learning and growing in purity - although since the world went on according to Illuvitar's plan, I suppose they were 'meant' to do whatever it is they were doing.

[@kauetadaieski3131]

Exactly, their spirit didn't lose power (unless they put some of It in objects), their bodies however, were subject to wearines to the point where they didn't have energy to "hold their spirit" and so they fade. The ultimate example of that was when Feanor's body was battered and couldn't hold the greatest spirit of all, so he turned into ash immediately. A regular elf would also have that fate if they stayed im ME but It would take ages...

[@jagpro91]

I imagine it's because they lived in the light of the Two Trees and near the Valar, unlike other Elves who were born after the trees fell or never made the journey out of Middle-earth in the first place.

[@andrewthomas891]

the Judean People's Front agree

[@margaretalbrecht4650]

I actually think that Glorfindel, like Gandalf, came back stronger and more purified by his sacrificial death killing a Balrog. There's a reason why he was the only Elf sent by the Valar to Middle-earth after the First Age. Didn't it say, or imply, in Volume 12 of The History of Middle-earth, that the Maiar considered Glorfindel to be their equal?

[@peopleskarmasquad1042]

Good observation.

[@Torstenn-b3x]

I agree that the Glorfindel of the LOTR is more powerful than the one who slew the Balrog (and was slain by it) at Gondolin. The mistake made in the narration is to assume that he did not play much of a part in the War of the Ring, other than rescuing Frodo from the Nazgul. Undoubtedly, he would not have been sitting pretty in Rivendell doing nothing all that time. The LOTR focuses rightly on the journey of the Fellowship and on Frodo and Sam in particular; however, we do know there were events going on which were not directly told. For instance, the Dwarves and the Men of Dale were not idle either but had battles of their own to fight. Doubtless, Rivendell and Glorfindel were doing their own part in the fight against Sauron, it's just that it was not part of the story told in LOTR. In fact, it would make sense for Glorfindel to issue forth from Rivendell to carry out missions while Frodo was on his own quest; for Sauron did not know who carried the Ring until the very end. It "should" in his mind have been someone like Glorfindel, Elrond, Galadriel or Gandalf because that is what he would have done in their position. So to have Glorfindel fighting out in the wilds somewhere would have proven a great distraction to Sauron and giving Frodo some more room - much like what Aragorn would do later with the march on the Black Gate.

[@margaretalbrecht4650]

@@Torstenn-b3x Interesting thought.

[@jadav1987]

Dont forget that Tolkien and CS Lewis were great friends. As the world of Narnia aged and became less intrinsically powerful and productive, so did middle earth. And Tolkien very explicitly says that elves are bound to the fate of Arda. As time wears and even the powers envy the gift of men, so the elves will wear on in middle earth and ne destined to dwindle. Damn the superb nostalgia of Tolkiens writing gets me every time...

[@musicilike69]

I can't even recall which book it's in and I may be incorrect with the names..But I'm not sure time was properly set in Arda until the Sun and Moon rose..there were 3 ..gnomes? That came to Valinor and vaguely I remember Ranuin, Fanuin, Danuin? Day month year..and they bind golden chords around the sun and Moon and this is when all things in Arda become subject to time...they were very strange figures, clearly Vala but unknown to the other Valar...I think the book is -The shaping of Middle Earth one of 12 compiled by C Tolkien...and yes..his writing is so deep :)

[@musicilike69]

@@nickolas.vicente yes, he seemed to use the term a lot on his early writing..and Sauron was a cat named Tevikdo if I recall:)

[@moistmike4150]

From what I understand of Tolkien's works, as far as the Firstborn Elves are concerned, their decision to remain in- or return to Middle Earth is what caused them to diminish. Although Tolkien himself stated that he consciously avoided Christian allegory in his works, the desire of the Elves to possess realms in which they themselves could rule and order things as they saw fit was, at lest to my mind, a metaphor for Christian 'Original Sin' (e.g., analogous to "The Sin of Pride"). For this reason the Sindar Elves forsook the Journey to Aman; and as for the Noldor Elves, who completed The Journey, they still held a desire to possess realms in Middle Earth, similar to how the Valar ruled and ordered things in Aman. But as the Lesser-Created, their desires were vain and prideful and not aligned with the original intent of Eru in the music of Ainulindalë, wherein he designed and created them. Due to these "Middle-Earthly/prideful" desires, they willfully departed from the light of Aman and set up for themselves dominions in Middle Earth, where they would for long years rule, but as the years passed, were also doomed to diminish in stature and power.

[@abcjuniormilton]

Relating to the theme of nostalgia, GeekZone made a video called "Why the Elves Must Leave Middle-Earth". JRR Tolkien had written that the elves had both a spirit and a body. Their body was made from the Earth, but because Morgoth had corrupted it, the Elves' bodies would slowly fade as the years passed on, until eventually their soul would take over and fade their body. As the years passed, the land would also change drastically and disappear, as although the Elves were immortal, That would not happen while in Valinor/the Undying Lands, where their bodies would be secure and the land would live forever along with the Elves, or if it ever did fade, it would happen very slowly, far slower than in Middle Earth. Valinor is natural to the Elves, and that is why, as this video says, the Elves who were closer to the Trees in Valinor would be the stronger ones. This is also why, as prophesied by Galadriel, Legolas, after hearing the cry of the seagulls, would never again find rest in the forest. It was the Undying Lands calling to him.

[@longliveclassicmusic]

Humility is an extremely important lesson to learn. I think it's a beautiful lesson in humility. The high elves being so powerful had no reason to appreciate all they had and were, whereas those that came after them appreciated that nothing in life is guaranteed, even for immortals.

[@shadowofchaos8932]

The true power of the high elves was what they created. I see a pinhole into the mind of Tolkien of the glory of the Cities and buildings they built while on Valinor. The artwork, paintings, architecture food and music can only be imagined.

[@FantasticExplorers]

This is one of the few things I'm actually worried about them ruining in the Amazon show... I don't think humans have ever seen anything like the glory of the Elves in Valanor!

[@FantasticExplorers]

@Joe Dirt 😅 Definitely could be, but, I don't know man... literally everything they write has to go through the Tolkien estate (which is why I have hope).

[@Kinuhbud]

@@FantasticExplorers that gives me a little bit of peace to know that at least

[@thorshammer7883]

I got say that's a very sad and tragic fate. To be force to live for long years as the centuries pass for you to see your people and kingdoms slowly decline and crumble losing what made them great and see it fade away like tears in the rain. It kinda reminds me of what happened in the Bible after the Flood where men once had 900 year lifespans but then have it slowly shrink to only a 120 years and lower. I wonder if Tolkien was inspired by that since he was a Catholic and would of noticed the decline of man throughout the book. Perhaps, who knows.

[@theeffete3396]

Its been a while since i read the Silmarillion, but I seem to remember something about how the Valar rejoiced when the elves arrived in Valinar because the Children of Eru had finally been born, and so they blessed them. This blessing seems to have imparted a "grace" upon the High Elves that the Avari didn't receive. It's plausible that as elves perform "magic" and rely upon this grace, it diminishes... almost like it gets used up.

[@Spiro55]

The power of your message and belief in the good in everyone in every video is so immense! You have my respect sir. Tolkien would have been proud of your interpretation of his works. Cheers!

[@orrointhewise87]

"They're leaving middle earth.... I dont know why, it makes me sad" As powerful as they were in the first age they were also flawed, just look at feanor and the kinslaying, yikes But they were the firstborn to come into Arda, which is why they hold a special place in the grand scheme of things ❤

[@timonsolus]

Feánor was subtly corrupted by Morgoth after Manwé released the Dark Lord from the Halls of Mandos. So it’s not all Feánor’s fault that he turned to evil ways, although his arrogance and pride were a big part of his downfall.

[@jaapuitroepteke2750]

And the three shinies he made, really feels like a nod to the one ring. As in they both cause a wanting in peoples souls for the item(s). The war kinda started of them

[@sapherno11]

Éomer of Rohan came riding to the City, and with him came an éored of the fairest knights of the Mark. He was welcomed; and when they sat all at table in Merethrond, the Great Hall fo Feasts, he beheld the beauty of the ladies that he saw and was filled with great wonder. And before he went ot his rest he sent for Gimli the Dwarf, and he said to him: ‘Gimli Glóin’s son, have you your axe ready?’ ‘Nay, lord,’ said Gimli, ‘but I can speedily fetch it, if there be need.’ ‘You shall judge,’ said Éomer. ‘For there are certain rash words concerning the Lady in the Golden Wood that lie still between us. And now I have seen her with my eyes.’ ‘Well, lord,’ said Gimli, ‘and what say you now?’ ‘Alas!’ said Éomer. ‘I will not say that she is the fairest lady that lives.’ ‘Then I must go for my axe,’ said Gimli. ‘But first I will plead this excuse,’ said Éomer. ‘Had I seen her in other company, I would have said all that you could wish. But now I will put Queen Arwen Evenstar first, and I am ready to do battle on my own part with any who deny me. Shall I call for my sword?’ Then Gimli bowed low. ‘Nay, you are excused for my part, lord,’ he said. ‘You have chosen the Evening; but my love is given to the Morning. And my heart forebodes that soon it will pass away for ever’ (RotK, 953).

[@timonsolus]

Manwé was an idiot to release Morgoth from the Halls of Mandos. It’s all his fault.

[@thorshammer7883]

I remeber something said in Dagor Dagorath that a passage said something similar to the Valar growing old and wary when Morgoth returned. So I guess whatever affect on Arda that's causing the light of magic to slowly disappear is also affecting the Valar though alot slower throughout the thousands of years.

[@brahmansam]

I think the "fading" of the elves that lived in Middle-Earth was linked to that place and how it changed over time due to different elements, but also to the fact that, by nature, the elves are nostalgic creatures, bound to purpose and deeds, some ending in tragedy, other in happiness. It's a staple of Tolkien's work that happiness can't happen without sadness and the other way around.

[@Steel-101]

Mr. West: “ why were the Elves so powerful?” Me: “ The Lembas bread 🍞 gave them powers” lol 😆

[@FirionFF2]

Lembas bread; the senzu bean of middle earth

[@Steel-101]

@@FirionFF2 Lol 😆 GOOD POINT 👍🏼

[@jaapuitroepteke2750]

“Oh look more lembas bread” At the end of their Journey Frodo and Sam returned as Chads. “And upon the bare rock of mount Doom amidst the currents of fire, there Gandalf saw the visage of two hobbits, no longer the hobbits he knew from the Shire. But big and though hobbits, nay Chad hobbits”

[@1mol831]

@@FirionFF2 senzu dies

[@theflammiferofwesternesse6122]

I SO wished you went into more detail about the actual powers they possessed. For example, the battle between Finrod Felagund and Sauron, or how Fingolfin managed to hold his own against Morgoth. And even later, how the Noldorin elves managed to hold their last remnants of Belleriand against dragons like Ancalagon the black. These examples are things that make me bewildered by the "High Elves"

[@ingold1470]

Fingolfin's fight with Morgoth in the Silmarillion reads like a Dark Souls boss encounter

[@manicpixiefangirl4189]

Honestly, I never really was enamored of the high elves. There is just something more touching to me about the elves who kept close to Middle Earth.

[@timonsolus]

Not much is known of the Avari who never set out on the long road to Valinor. Morgoth caught many of them and corrupted them to breed the race of Orcs.

[@aesir1ases64]

There is a reason why thr Vanyar barely show up in the story, who wants to read about a perfect group of people? Thats why I love the Noldor, they basically the Vanyar had they fell from grace. The Sindar are pretty cool too though, after the Noldor they are the ones I like the most.

[@tucker8071]

@@aesir1ases64 yep you got it. But still I can’t help but desire that I was Vanyar.

[@GUMMRUCHK]

Imagine being such a chad Elf that you get a demi-god to marry you. lmao

[@KyleJordanGaming]

That’s definitely some Legend-tier Chadliness... 💪

[@theflammiferofwesternesse6122]

@@KyleJordanGaming "Again she fled, but swift he came. Tinúviel! Tinúviel! He called her by her elvish name; And there she halted listening." He was a megacahd

[@patricklapointe4979]

Im doing it right now, its kinda nice

[@Grey-ub5ds]

Sir I like your thinking are u subscribed to drew?

[@setro5582]

His death is anticlimatic though

[@DreamMorpheus42]

I was under the impression that in Valinor, Elves could visit their fallen loved ones in the Halls of Mandos. I thought this was one of the biggest reasons that Elves sought to sail to the west.

[@tucker8071]

I think all elves get re-embodied after a few thousand years. If they were really good then they may get re-embodied immediately like Glorfindel. Or if they were really bad then they may never leave the halls of Mandos till the end of time, like Feanor.

[@Sarrdai]

@@tucker8071 I don't think there would be much of a judgement. It is just not fitting the world. The Valar are no gods like we know them in our religions, they just try to form the world and do after Eru Illuvatars will. That's why I don't think they would judge someones souls after death. Thats more a Illuvatar thing than a Valar thing. And people being sent back is definitely not the norm.

[@tucker8071]

@@Sarrdai agreed on the point of judgement, but I’m quoting from the silmarillion. All elves are re-embodied, unless you are really bad like feanor. This is why the “gift of men”, which is death is for men only. Elves can never leave the world even in death.

[@Sarrdai]

@@tucker8071 Ah thank you! I remember the consequences of the elven immortality, but thought the elves will stay in mandos halls until the dawn of time.

[@g-5615]

Elves: Fighting for their people, for Middle-earth, for Aman, for the light of the trees,the silmarils, to destroy evil that corrupts. Meanwhile Ingwë high king of all elves: Aight i'm just gonna chill here, oh War of Wrath? Naaah.

[@guardsmangaming3775]

Elves: Fight morgoth for so long they go crazy & start murdering eachother. Thingol: Yeah no imma stay inside whats the worse that coul- **gets stabbed by dwarves**

[@brohan914]

This channel inspired me to get back into Tolkein, including picking up the Silmarillion for the first time. I'm just getting into the Beren and Luthien section!

[@tommykawaii]

OMG Yoistan, what did you start at 7:32? 🤯🥲🤯! The song named “Sweet Feelings” sounded actually also so nostalgic as it followed your narrative from that point on. Still, a nostalgia that at same time had a ray of hope in better days, even if not brighter than those of old. That was really poetic! Keep it going, such an amazing work!

[@srdjanvitorovic5795]

Yeah, I've always tought that children of Noldor that were born in Middle-earth after return of their ancestors to Beleriand, were weaker than those ancestors who lived under the light of the two trees...

[@kauetadaieski3131]

That is correct.

[@PhilBoswell]

Fun fact, JRRT had Elwë, aka Elu Thingol, be the tallest ever Child of Ilúvatar at something in excess of 8 feet (in comparison to Elendil who was either about 7' tall or 7'11" depending upon how you interpret the text ;-)

[@kauetadaieski3131]

Yeah there was a passage where he was said to be "only" 7 feet just like Isildur

[@aussiechicken6737]

Elendil the Tall was probably the tallest of men, but I do remember the reference of Thingol being the tallest of the Children.

[@hecate235]

Galadriel was supposedly the tallest elf-woman.

[@mokomoko1654]

I think the Noldor were the mightiest of the Eldar (physically/knowledge), Feanor the mightiest of the Noldor. The early Elves are so strong because they are the first ones of their kind and "the light of Aman was still strong inside them" and they arent tired of the many tragic ages of arda, because they didnt happen until then. They also lived day by day with the valar with gave them knowledge and power, which later elves didnt. Its like these prints with Ink Pads: You dip the print into ink, then onto paper and with every print on paper you make, there will be less ink and it fades away more and more. That explains even Galadriels aging, elves do age, but only if the arent in valinor and over many many thousands of years, they get tired of living

[@marionbaggins]

I just arrived at my Uni to have my Second Breakfast, when I saw you uploaded this video an hour earlier!!! What a nice gift for Second Breakfast l!!! Man, Tolkien must have a thing for Nostalgia, because different races have a rekindled memory of days old...Just like everyone!!! Thanks for this Video, *even thou, I voted for a Firey Battle* Until TRD aka my Brother's Birthday...Marion Baggins Going of to my Class!!!

[@geviesanta3631]

I want to give a huge thanks to Yoystan, Men of the West. I've been inspired to write my own fan-fictions that's kind of like Star Wars meet Lord of the Rings where there would be a massive conflict between the light elves and dark elves on a fictionalized forest planet that I've created called Yavanna for my writing. I must thank you so much for everything you've brought to this channel! You've inspired some of us to develop our imaginations, and to come up with ideas for what we want to pursue in creative writing.

[@FantasticExplorers]

Dope!

[@geviesanta3631]

@@FantasticExplorers Thank you man. I'm still making progress on this! 😊

[@shanenolan8252]

Thanks , your videos have been dropping earlier recently , no complaints here

[@monitor-mindtheover-void6712]

No matter which clan or age of elves was fairest or strongest or whatever, when compare Fingolfin they all get dwarfed (no pun intended). Dude literally harassed the 2nd most powerful being in the universe by standing in front of Melkor's entire army, called him a coward and gave wounds that never healed. That's what we call "powerful".

[@yongo1304]

Feanor

[@monitor-mindtheover-void6712]

@@yongo1304 feanor was more of an artist than, unlike finarfin who was more wise fingolfin was more powerful and a great leader.

[@yongo1304]

@@monitor-mindtheover-void6712 "mightiest of all the children of iluvatar" - i think thats the quote in the book.

[@monitor-mindtheover-void6712]

@@yongo1304 I don't remember it so correctly but yes something like that, its arguable who's the most powerful but by the evidence of feats we can easily say Fingolfin was the strongest. Also Tolkien uses mightiest for Melkor but he's not the most powerful since he got scared and defeated by Tulkas easily.

[@yongo1304]

@@monitor-mindtheover-void6712 It depends on what your definition of powerful/mightiest is. However, Tolkien has written mightiest for feanor and melkor so I think that is something that needs to be respected as he is the creator. In terms of feats, I wouldnt say its "easy" to see who is more powerful. Feanor fought against an army of Balrogs which are maiar. An army of Maiar could possibly beat Melkor...? Who knows. Nonetheless, Fingolfin and Feanor both lost. You could also make an argument that Melkor preffered to send the balrogs instead of fighting Feanor himself as he might have been scared of defeat. But anyway, in your first comment, you say "they all get dwarfed" which is a clear hyperbole which might show you are quite emotionally invested in this universe and Fingolfin might be your favourite character (so you might be a little biased). My opinion is to stick to what Tolkien says - if feanor is the mightiest, then he is. Just like Melkor.

[@DanielRodrigues-oe1bw]

I do think that Galadriel was more powerful in the third age that she was on the ages before. It can be assumed that her power dwindled through the ages, but I think that Nenya prevented that. Also, we need to consider that, in the first age, although Galadriel was very old, she still had a lot to learn and much gilt to overcome (that gilt being related to the kinslayin, even though she didn't take part in it). In the third age, I belive that Galadriel has overcome most (if not all) of that gilt and that she is much more wiser. In the third age she fully understands herself and I think that's what makes her more powerful. If we look, for example, to the battle between Finrod and Sauron, we can see that Sauron only wins when he uses the gilt Finrod still had related to the kinslaying (although he didn't attach anyone). Now that Galadriel has overcome the nightmares of her past, those memories could not be used against her. Also, I must say that, although I agree that the Vanyar are more powerful than the average Noldor, I do think that the most powerful elves of the Noldor are also more powerfully that any of the Vanyar (those being: Feanor, Fingolfin, Finarfin, Fingon, Turgon, The Sons of Feanor, Finrod, Galadriel, Glorfindel... with no particular order). BTW, great video! 👍

[@ruBenes94]

Currently reading the books for the first time (200 pages into Fellowship) and loving them as much as I do the movies. Your channel is really nice. Thanks for the video!

[@ErelasInglor]

@Men of the West I think you answered your own question, in later years it was truly more a period of not participating with their innate power than it was a waning of their innate power. The power was there, but as we see with the ring-bearers to openly use their power was to show themselves to Sauron...and for those without a ring like Círdan or Glorfindel--as incredibly powerful as he was--they took on more of a role as watchers and counselors to the men of the west and the last of their kin before they departed. 😊

[@Longshanks1690]

They can’t be that powerful if the people of Cyrodiil aren’t even sure they exist and have to keep asking each other if they’ve heard of them.

[@just_cade]

😂😂😂

[@FantasticExplorers]

Oh come on, the people of Cyrodiil hardly remember anything... Muchtheless remember things CORRECTLY 😜

[@Longshanks1690]

@@FantasticExplorers Yeah well, you can’t blame them, patrolling the Mojave Wasteland almost makes them wish for a Nuclear Winter.

[@Chtulhu1204]

@@Longshanks1690 this one almost killed me. Death by suffocation brought on by an amazing exchange of memes. Know that Chtulhu approves.

[@Longshanks1690]

@@Chtulhu1204 So I’ve heard. Farewell.

[@JoshMorgantheNinja]

Mae Govannen mellon-nin. May the Valar be with you all.

[@Nebula_Ultra]

DURRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

[@FantasticExplorers]

And may your beard grow ever longer my friend!

[@ObligedUniform]

And well met indeed.

[@FantasticExplorers]

I've said it before and I'll say it again YOU SIR are one of my all-time favorite KZbinrs!!!

[@FantasticExplorers]

(you ARE my favorite LOTR KZbinr!)

[@laura-bianca3130]

I was watching another one of your videos: HOW DARE YOU INTERRUPT ME? 😅

[@jesuscoyt-munoz2753]

Great video yoystan! And I believe that the high elves were powerful due to the exposure of the light of the two trees I feel like the closer they were the more empowered they were such as the noldor and their descendants due to being separated from that light and the mixed blood lowered the power their ancestors had, but as you said I think you were right when you said it made them wiser because beings of great power are not always wise due to sometimes gaining arrogance from that power, and perhaps that is the one thing the descendants of high elves truly outrank their ancestors in which is wisdom.

[@conrradocaballero7461]

As a fellow Tolkien fan, I appreciate you and this channel, my friend.

[@kaidorade1317]

Mae Govonnin Mellon-In! The answer to this question is simple: the elves had lembas flowing through their blood stream!

[@Uphier]

My week is complete. Thanks for another excellent video :)

[@sweeperboy]

This is an interesting topic and a complicated one. One can never really know if Galadriel grew weaker over time, as she had a functioning Ring of Power right up until the fall of Sauron, so her fading if it was due, would be delayed. She also learned much from Melian in the *years* she spent with her in Doriath, so no doubt she actually grew stronger for a while after leaving Valinor. And let's not forget the wisdom of the ages, and of having to rule in difficult times. I contrast that with the Vanyar, who may have been the most favoured by the Valar and who clearly lived in the Blessed Lands the longest (along with the Valinorean Noldor under Finarfin, and the Falmari); however they never really had a tough time and probably could afford to concentrate more on music and poetry rather than the "harder" skills of crafting or warfare, which isn't to say that they weren't skilled in those since clearly they did fight in the War of Wrath. However, I find it personally hard to believe that any Vanyar was ever mightier than the likes of Feanor and Fingolfin or their direct children, all of whom beheld the Light of the Trees just as long as the Vanyar did (since the Trees were killed before the Noldor left). Another interesting thought is that there were of course Calaquendi who never themselves beheld the Light of the Trees, but have a genetic tie to those who did. Gil-Galad for instance was born around FA 455 in Middle Earth, so while he became High King of the (High Elven) Noldor, he was not technically one who had seen the Light himself but inherited it from his father (be it Fingon or, as later clarified, Orodreth). Elrond also had a significant amount of Vanyarin/Noldorin blood but did not ever behold the Light of the Trees as he was too young.

[@arturleperoke3205]

Gil-Galad and Elrong are very good examples! I also suspect that this "living nearer to the Valar"-thing is a little overrated.

[@Championarcade]

Well continuing the journey through middle-earth and I'm journeying through Cardolin. And also I needed some insight into the elves. Nice video

[@HamsterHand777]

Excellent video, as always, and love your reflections at the end: keep up the good work!

[@nosotrosloslobosestamosreg4115]

This is exactly the video I needed for my work on my Fantasy TTRPG! THANK YOU! Edit: at 3:01 my heart skipped a beat.

[@sotiriospeithis6659]

I always understood the weakening of the elves to refer to them diminishing in number, and getting exhausted by grief toil and pain. I never really saw it as referring to them essentially loosing "rpg levels", as it were. Galadriel, as stated was technically at her mightiest in the third age despite being diminished. Glorfindel also seems to have been at the top of his game, despite bearing no ring. He and Elrond also mention that there are still a few elves in Imladris capable of facing the nine openly. Again, I always understood this phrase as meaning that the rest who were powerful enough to do so had left, not that they had gotten weaker

[@PleaseNThankYou]

I can hardly wait for Tolkien Day. Thank you for tonight's beautiful subject matter and the art.

[@petteraven3761]

I think you are spot on about the relative - and changing - powers of the High Elves. That the Noldor who returned to Middle-Earth gradually lost some of their power during the First Age is clearly stated; as is the reason for it. However, the effects on those who stayed on into the Second and Third Age is to my mind more nebulous, yet also fundamental. Was Galadriel as mighty in body and spirit at the end of the Third Age as she was at the end of the First? I don't know. Her role had certainly become less glamorous compared to the heady days of her youth, but I would be careful to equate that with diminished power. Rather, I see it as maturity and acceptance of changing realities. If I were to guess, there is instead something else at work: The time of the elves in Middle-Earth is slowly coming to an end. Humans were the race made by Eru Illuvatar to inherit Middle-Earth, whereas the fate of the elves was to journey into the West. This is their part of Tolkien's "Long Defeat", which you allude to - that all things decline in the long run even if they for a time can rise to greatness.

[@kauetadaieski3131]

They did not lose power, but they would start to fade during the fourth age, like Mandos said.

[@abelingaw5070]

Fingolfin, IMO is the most powerful (both elements & physical) elf ever lived. Dude scared Morgoth's entire army and challenged a vala in a one on one fight to the death, managed to deal several wounds (with a permanent one) before dying. You can say Morgoth was weaker than his original self, but still. Challenging a vala and able to inflict damage maybe the greatest feat an elf can have.

[@aleclightwood721]

this what makes tolkien's work great. its the nostalgia we get from the characters. and just the diminishing of the elves, along with the powers that once the world holds is sad enough.

[@kayskreed]

I've always wondered if living so long aka being "immortal" in a _mortal_, constantly shifting and changing world eventually took it's toll on the Elves. Even as humans we can relate to feeling nostalgic, to remembering what was and what may never be again. And that is in spite of being human and being mortal. Now imagine experiencing something like that for centuries, millennia. Everything you know, everyone you knew and held dear, the world itself and the places you once ventured, all of gone, again and again... and again. The mortal lands of Middle Earth were a constant reminder of everything they had lost and were destined to lose, and yet they persevered for a time like trying to hold onto something that one simply cannot hold onto and yet trying in vain nonetheless knowing the outcome beforehand. The last straw was the loss of power of the three Elven rings following the destruction of the One. At that point the only choice left was for them to leave for good. We understand why the humans were jealous of them for their immortality and yet we also understand why mortality was dubbed the 'Gift of Man' in spite of it sounding ironic at first. It wouldn't be easy to live as a elf, especially carrying around centuries worth of nostalgia and pain in a world that seemed to fundamentally clash with what they happened to be. Hence, I figure why most left for the Underlying Lands thereafter.

[@TigercatDesign]

In the Silmarillion, at the end of the chapter "Of the Beginning of Days", Tolkien writes about this very subject. He writes "Whereas the elves remain until the end of days, and their love of the Earth and all the world is more single and more poignant therefore, and as the years lengthen ever more sorrowful." And later in that paragraph: "But the sons of Men die indeed, and leave the world; wherefore they are called the Guests, or the Strangers. Death is their fate, the gift of Iluvatar, which as time wears even the Powers shall envy." Even the Valar are bound by the circles of the world (both Valinor and Middle Earth) and the Music of the Ainur just as the Elves are, while Men are not--a point Tolkien makes in a few different chapters of the Silmarillion. Tolkien clearly notes that Melkor corrupted the 'gift' of death as he corrupted everything else, but that its true value becomes apparent--even to the Valar--in the fullness of time as an escape for the weariness of the world.

[@alirezasobhani3101]

I really like this ideas and thoughts of the end really interesting and refreshing

[@eacalvert]

Ty as always for another great video 💖

[@tobiusgregory2805]

Excellent video, thank you! I think for mine a theme that Tolkien returns to (among many) is that Power is finite in his Universe. We read of Morgoth becoming more and more diminished the more of his followers he passed his malevolence into, of Sauron losing abilities, of the Rings of Power diminishing once the One Ring was destroyed. And overall, there is a theme of "Magic", synonymous to Power, starting to diminish and disappear from the world as the Ages went by. Perhaps it is quite as simple as the High Elves having proximity to power, both physically and temporally. It may run deeper, however, as we see events run their course throughout the Ages. The First Age was nothing but constant warfare for often selfish reasons on the part of the High Elves and concluded with the Sundering of Beleriand. The Second Age also saw Men ascend to Great Heights and be brought down by Pride and Envy, and finally end in the First Downfall of Sauron, at great cost and not complete victory i.e. the One Ring was not destroyed. The Third Age really saw proper decline as the remnants of the Children of Iluvatar were diminished and finally managed to achieve a last ditch victory thanks to the not-foreseen ability of the Hobbits to survive (which is not quite the same thing as Power). Perhaps as the Beings of Middle Earth realised the Ultimate Lesson of Tolkien, that Power tends to corrupt and Absolute Power corrupts absolutely, they came to rely less on it and so it disappeared from the World, not an exhausted resource, but one which was let go as unnecessary.

[@billmiller4972]

There's much to learn from Tolkien. Thanks for giving us the chance to do so!

[@donaldscholand4617]

Ulma, the master of the waters of the world, was said to be most involved with the unfolding of the events in middle earth. He sent dreams and visions to the inhabitants of the mortal lands to guide them in the right path. I recall the dreams sent to Frodo in the house of Bombodil and the dream of Faramir in Minith Tirith; both experienced while near rivers, part of Ulmos domain.

[@cyndrannathariel6317]

Hey :) always love your videos

[@kathleenhensley5951]

You always do such a wonderful job ! It seems to me that living forever, immortality in a temporary, mortal, transitory world would be very painful and nearly, a curse. I think that is why the elves seemed to use to their rings to preserve and maintain. Also, the burden of the centuries would weigh them down after awhile and their power would dim. Did Elrond ever miss Elros, his brother? His wife awaits him in Valinor, will she weep when she finds out her daughter decided to become mortal? Maybe that is because I am old myself and have lost those I have loved. I think about how much the world has changed since I was young and I do not want to live to see what the world will become. I don't want to be involved much longer. I think that is how the elves have begun to feel by the beginning of the fourth age. Their bodies don't age, but their hearts and minds, do. I never thought of the elves as powerful or less powerful, but you are right, it was those that lived with the two trees, before their destruction, who were more powerful.

[@pmurraymusic]

Regarding Galadriel, I think it's extremely important to remember that Tolkien was very deliberate in just how gendered his characters were in this mythology. Specifically, he was intentional in the level of importance women played, most especially in relation to their male counterparts. I don't know enough about his life to determine whether he himself was in any way chauvinistic or sexist, but this anthology was clear in having its women be the heroes that the men in any part of the story didn't realize they needed. Looking at her character Arc alone, I think galadriel and her power never lost any of its potency, but rather, she was extremely calculated with when and where she used it. I think that it was deliberately calculated because of the ways she saw the men in her life use and misuse their power, far too often at the expense of her own kin. When she utilizes her power to do things like destroy Dol Goldur, the men around her are amazed at her ability, and I think she's very well aware of that. A lot of theorists like to paint her as some sort of a rebel, but I think that is more tied to just how much we've invested in Tolkien wanting the gender roles in his anthology to be clearly defined. As far as her power is concerned, we'll actually never know just whether she actually felt that it was waxing or waning, because, like a lot of things she experienced, she kept them very close to her heart. In a way, galadriel and her character traits are very much in line with the Virgin Mary in the canonical Gospels, as both women use their observations and experiences to underscore the times when their power and influence are needed. Put simply, galadriel was a she-elf that you did not want to mess with, but she would do everything in her power, which really never lost any of its potency and was only amplified by her possession of a ring of power, to help her people, and fight for her understanding of Justice. Her self-expressed prophecy of diminishing into the West had more to do with her life force and the importance of returning to Valinor so that it would diminish no longer.

[@hecate235]

Apparently he loved his wife very deeply. The inscription on her tombstone reads "Luthien," and his reads, "Beren."

[@adamnmn86]

You hit the nail on the head when you say, "it isn't power that's important, but how you use it." I think one of the most important things Tolkien was trying to tell his readers was that power is usuallly a bad thing. Melkor was the most powerful of the Ainur, Numenor was the most powerful nation to exist, and Sauron's Rings of Power come to threaten peace and freedom in Middle Earth for thousands of years. The most powerful of the elves, Feanor, Thingol, Fingolfin, Glorfindel, Ecthelion, etc., all die tragically and violently. True greatness, according to Tolkien, is in nuance and subtlety and grace: the overwhelming greed inspired by the One Ring ultimately leads to its own destruction when poor Smeagol falls, Earendil is able to move the Valar to take mercy on Middle-Earth and the Noldor exiles, Luthien puts Morgoth to sleep so Beren can take a Silmaril, and then she moves Mandos himself to pity for Beren and herself. While I have always felt ranking power levels of characters and cultures in Tolkien's work kind of reduces the lore to that of an MMORPG, I get that it's fun. So, for what it's worth: - Tokien himself said Elu Thingol was, "the mightiest of the Eldar save Fëanor only," and I've always thought Thingol didn't get enough credit. Fingolfin ceded high-kingship of Beleriand to Thingol more than just to make peace after the Kinslaying. - The Vanyar were objectively wiser and holier than the Noldor, but the Noldor were pretty militaristically minded and there were many more of them it seems, so I don't know if you can judge the Vanyar to be more powerful. - The Sindar may have been more powerful than the Noldorian exiles. They were less aggressive militarily, but through Melian and her Girdle it is said Doriath almost rivaled the elven kingdoms of the West. There were also likely many more Sindar than Noldor. Just my two cents. Great video!

[@rg3825]

I like yer video. Great research and explanation.. Might I please recommend sound treating your recording environment. Jump in a carpeted closet to test the difference. And pull the midrange out of yer baking track to reduce conflict with yer voice. Keep it up

[@alifa4982]

i love the way you put finarfin as the thumbnail 🥺

[@krystianklima2503]

Can not agree that Glorfindel power was higher on the first than on the second age. As is it said that when he was resurrected, his power was almost the maiar ones.

[@garrettdrudik5913]

Rewatched this and seeing Bernard Hill join in late was bittersweet as it's funny until remembering he passes away last week.

[@davidbrennan660]

The bonus on stats helps, living so long, having the sorrow of seeing everything change ....never for the better....it has got to have something.

[@gabrielebertoni7593]

I would *love* to see a lore video on the genealogy of the elves and in particular how some names that are so far away in space and time are related to one another. I know it's a lot, and is quite difficult (euphemism) to squeeze everything into a single video but, ehi! aren't you guys always up for a challenge?! 😅 (Won't complain if the video were more than one. I love all of them!!) Thank you guys! You are awesome!!

[@kesaclingman5899]

Your comment about the nostalgia of days gone by as a recurring theme in Tolkein's works is correct. However, he also said that great deeds are done by small hands because they must, while the eyes of the great are elsewhere. The High Elves had had their day, and were lingering until their individual times had come to leave. Galadriel said she would diminish and go into the West and remain Galadriel. The 3rd Age was the fading time of the Elves overall. So yeah, their power waned as the ages went by.

[@Fan_Made_Videos]

I think Tolkien's goal with the existence of the Elves is that they embody the life-force of nature itself. Thus, whatever they touched would flourish to its greatest potential. Feanor represents the height of this embodiment but also the destructive nature of having too much power to create and inevitably manipulate and bend nature to his own will. The Silmarils, although beautiful were not suppose to exist and in turn Feanor violated the natural order of things by creating objects that created lust and desire rather than provide healing and warmth.

[@sethmiller2534]

Perhaps one day you make a video on why you are so powerful? Truly I know these high elves must be high up, especially after watching this video, but it is clear. Your powers far outmatch them. Charm alone could make an entire world submit to you. This world wouldn’t stand a chance

[@blazednlovinit]

Great video man, only thing I wish you had included was some background definition and philosophy on what "power" actually means in this context.... Are they physically more supreme, faster reflex, stronger and the like? Is it some kind of spiritual power? I've heard it discussed before but I've never truly known what a "powerful" elf is capable of that a less "powerful" elf isn't? It's always been very nebulous to me.

[@kreuzrittergottes9336]

Gives you a good perspective on just how old galadriel is

[@exharkhun5605]

I feel there's a few other forces at work too. The fact that they lived in "Arda marred" for all those years and the fact that all that time they carried the burden of fighting or "willing" off Sauron. So in my mind someone like Galadriel is as powerful as she ever was, but more "tired" from carrying those burdens. But that's just the way I personally like the story more and maybe not how mr Tolkien intended it.

[@benbrown8258]

I wonder if we don't sometimes value the past because we have prospective to realize the good and potential that was there that we may not have taken advantage of and it's no longer at our beck and call. Options are fewer as time moves on so in a sense power has been lost. In another sense though a brighter light is revealed through the gift of perspective as what remaining light is focused. I think something like that can be seen in galadriel's choices compared to her siblings and uncles, even compared to Thingol..

[@hydradominatus3641]

Came for the lore. Left with the feels.

[@kingschaitza]

the art for Fingolfin vs Morgoth is my screen saver

[@jorislemoine1488]

Considering the soft magic system of Middle-earth, it is difficult to determine what "power" really is. The greatest power among all of the children of Ilúvatar seems to me to be foresight. The Valar and the Maiar have personal foresight in their own domains, for they saw much of the Ainulindalë unfold before them in the vision that Ilúvatar showed them, but do not know all that their brothers and sisters know, so in that they are limited. Beyond that, the Valar and Maiar have extraordinary powers to shape the universe, but even in that they seem to have dwindled. Where once they created stars and planets, and then continents and seas, now they create mountains and islands. It is clear that no Elf or Man could have foresight in the same way that the Valar or the Maiar do. And yet, the Elves say that water is the element that is closest to Eru, and that if one learns to listen to the water, one can gain wisdom surpassing any that could come from study, knowledge, insight, experience or age. I believe that for the Tolkien, power in his system came from a combination of factors. The Valar and Maiar are innately powerful, for they came as spirits to Arda, and they have an intimate knowledge of all things, and a near-complete knowledge of the things in their sphere. Knowledge is power. And knowledge over plants - for Yavanna for instance - is the same as being able to grant life to them. The Eldar gained power because they associated with the powers. That is the best assumption we can make. But concretely, I think they gained power because they learned from the Valar and the Maiar. In this sense, wisdom is power. It is no great mystery why Galadriel, Thingol, Círdan, Elrond, Gil-Galad, Turgon and Fingolfin were some of the most powerful Elves in Middle-earth. All of them were accounted to be among the wisest of the Eldar, and the most pure of spirit. I am sure that Tolkien valued wisdom over knowledge. As such, I think Galadriel grew in power in Middle-earth over the long years, because her wisdom ánd knowledge increased through her interaction with Melian. And maybe, as others say, it is the fate of the Elves to wane as Arda wanes (and as the power of the Valar seems to have waned). So at some point, any individual elf would reach a limit to how powerful they can be before the "entrophy" of living on Arda would counteract them.

[@jet687]

Transfer of crafts from the Varda and long years to develop them would be the practical explanation.

[@kauetadaieski3131]

High-Elves Noldor: - 7 feet tall - Physically strong - Nimble/lithe - Spiritual power - Smartest Yes they were a very powerful folk lol...

[@KyleJordanGaming]

- Effectively harnessed and *weaponized* the Light of the Two Trees in the form of handheld portable Death Star lasers- which was *not* their intended purpose. Mostly, Feanor just liked really shiny things. ‘Death Star lasers’ were merely a convenient side effect of extreme shininess. #Priorities

[@kauetadaieski3131]

@@KyleJordanGaming He also put some of his spirit in that object, one of the reason he didn't want to be separated from It. To ask Feanor to give up his shiny object would be like asking Sauron to give up his own ring of power.

[@felipe96150]

Perhaps it's not the weakening of the good, but the strengthen of the evil throughout the ages is what matters. The ambition and the sinister egocentric pursuit of power by evil beings is a contrast to the fairness of wisdom and altruism.

[@petersenseney1029]

No, the power of evil also declined. Morgoth was destroyed, Sauron was not as powerful. Its interesting that most of goods decline was because their power was spent fighting evil. Though not all (looking at you Feanor, Thingol).

[@finnbruton7274]

Good looks will get you anywhere 😂

[@leonsarsfield5445]

Keep up the good stuff

[@quaffdowngin]

Great stuff!

[@seanlong2642]

In regards to Galadriel I think we have to see power as more than just raw physical power. In other videos about her there's a discussion about how a hot blooded, hot tempered young elf comes to middle earth looking for adventure and a place to rule, but by the time she leaves she's a wise leader and a powerful being for her counsel as much as her destructive abilities. So by the end if you we her waning innate power being tempered by her growing wisdom and knowledge, on balance she ends as an even greater character overall. The same can be said of Aragon only taking up the kingship when he's older but wiser and more balanced. Tolkien sees power as much than just fighting power and his complex characters reflect that.

[@plamen2530]

Good old light of the two trees

[@golwenlothlindel]

6:46 yes and no. Look at what is said of Morgoth when Fingolfin challenges him. He is said to have diminished because he “spent his power on himself”. Those who use their power to pursue their own goals, like the Sons of Fëanor or Eöl, will lose it. But those who use their power to lift up others like Galadriel will maintain their power. Remember, she kicks Sauron’s butt at the end of the Hobbit. Some time in the 2nd Age too, she reverse-engineered Fëanor’s inventions: the palantiri and the silmarils. Her mirror is apparently hooked up to the palantir network, because Sauron can reach out to Frodo through it. One could even argue the mirror is an improvement: since merely disturbing the water disrupts the signal. Similarly, there is apparently no functional difference between Galadriel’s phial and a silmaril: and one could even argue it is superior due to being password protected. Shelob is burned by it’s light, indicating that it is just as holy as Eärendil’s gem (from which it was made). Basically, Galadriel at the end of the 3rd Age is showing up heroes of the 1st Age left right and center. Galadriel is clearly just as strong at the end of the 3rd Age as she was when she left Valinor, if not stronger. But it is clear that people like Maedhros lost their power over time. He was so strong Morgoth felt the need to capture him by trickery when he first came. In the Nirnaeth Arnoediad he’s putting the fear of God into dragons. But then Fingon dies and Maedhros begins to unravel. At the siege of Doriath, Dior is able to give him and his two brothers the run around (now THAT is a fight I want to see on screen). By the time he’s besieging the Havens, he’s a shell of his former self. Look also at what is said about the knights of Gondolin when they come to the Nirnaeth Arnoediad: the *least* of them has arms to rival those of the elven princes. Fingon has been forced to spend all his strength just to hold the territory the Eldar still possess after the Dagor Bragollach: Turgon has been building up his kingdom during the same time. Although Fingon obviously still has his intrinsic power: it takes 2 Balrogs to kill him.

[@JM-dw8eq]

I dont think the Vanyar are the most powerful, probably the fairest and most liked by the Valar, but still, we see the Noldor create the most amazing things like the silmarils and the elessar and the Noldor also fought balrogs and even Morgoth himself. In my opinion Feänor and Fingolfin were the two most powerful among the calaquendi.

[@TETASARAIVACS]

I am sure the elves don’t lose their power due to time. That’s why Galadriel remains as the most powerful of the elves in Middle-Earth. Other things make the elves diminish and perish, such as sadness, nostalgia, frustration, physical pain/torture.

[@eduardovisuette47]

Such a good video, I think at the end, wisely, you didn't answer the question because its a matter of subjectiveness and that's (I humbly think) the whole point behind it. But you hit the nail pointing out the nostalgic view all about JRR masterpiece.

[@mckster56]

Thanks as always

[@magmar7118]

I’ll attempt to answer your question: did Galadriel lose power over time while she resided in Middle Earth? Yes. Magic and power slowly erode away over time. Tolkien never directly addresses why, but he harks on this theme repeatedly. This is why the forging of the 16 rings was so enticing to Celebrimbor; to preserve the powers in the world that still remained. Unfortunately they were all linked to the One Ring which doomed the world as a whole. Either Sauron eventually wins yet the magic remains, or Sauron is defeated and the magic fades with it. Even Galadriel said she would “diminish and go into the west” proving that her own powers were fading. I think you have your answer.

[@kchuk1965]

I would say that her ring held off that fading and diminishment while it held sway but could not do forever.

[@kauetadaieski3131]

Wrong, elves dont lose power, in fact they fade because their bodies and mind grow weary thus their spirit (power) starts to "eat" their bodies until they become spirits. That happens In ME of course. When Feanor had his body destroyed his spirit consumed him instantly, thats what happens to a normal elf in ME though It takes ages. The rings were made to slow he passage of time and thus the fading proccess. In the end Galadriel wanted the cake and to eat It too. She wanted to rule and also live in a place similar to Aman Itself, without fading. The diminish thing is that if Frodo succedes her ring will lose power and she will start fading again so she will go back to the West.

[@kauetadaieski3131]

@@kchuk1965 When the one ring is destroyed the others dont work anymore either.

[@kchuk1965]

@@kauetadaieski3131 body and mind growing weary and losing power are basically the same thing.

[@kchuk1965]

@@kauetadaieski3131 yes that’s what I meant. Until the one ring was destroyed Galadriel could hold off the change both for herself and her kingdom.

[@Carlb328]

I don't remember Tolkien ever describing the Vanyar as powerful, other than being in the war of wrath.

[@samuelguzman2405]

If i remember correctly, Glorfindel was not weaker. In fact, he was stronger since the Valar allowed him to reincarnate on Valinor. He was said to be near the height of the lesser Maiar in terms of power.

[@rofflestomp684]

I would myself say the Vanyar were the most powerful in spirit, but the Noldar had might and craft unrivaled. At least this is what I feel Tolkien's assertion was as I read into it. They held the mightiest Vala Melkor at bay for a very long time. They also overthrew the dark elves as they saw fit for the most part if it served their purpose. The Noldor were ever the force in Beleriand to be reckoned with. They had no rival other than Angband.

[@minatodroger7890]

No doubt I means 400 years and seiging angband is so damn Impressive. Plus it was the noldor elves who wound the dark lord and killed some of his strongest too

[@kauetadaieski3131]

Vanyar wren't even the most powerful in spirit either, Tolkien never said anything close to that, if anything FEA(spirit)nor was one of the Noldor...

[@rofflestomp684]

@@kauetadaieski3131 Indeed, Feanor crafted the spirit of the trees into the Silmarils. Did you read a different book?

[@rofflestomp684]

@@kauetadaieski3131 Also, the Vanyar were close to Manwe, who is closest to Ilúvatar. Read it dude, it's in the books.

[@Dyundu]

I get that Thingol was a very powerful Elf lord, and the Noldor are of course the Noldor, but I’m still of the opinion that Luthien outdid them all; she went *into* Angband, cast a sleep spell on Morgoth, AND GOT AWAY. Not too many Elves who went up against Morgoth could make the same claim. Strength in battle is not the only measure of power or worth.