• teft@lemmy.worldEnglish
    671·
    2 years ago

    Why send a near-Maiar when you already have a full strength Maiar?

    • phdepressed@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      391·
      2 years ago

      Wizards are like specifically not full strength maiar. They were limited in order to not do too much collateral damage.

    • AEsheron@lemmy.worldEnglish
      14·
      2 years ago

      Well, Istari were not full power Maiar, that was kind of the point. Honestly, there may have been some elves from earlier ages that were stronger than some of the wizards.

        • AEsheron@lemmy.worldEnglish
          7·
          2 years ago

          The Istari were conceived because the last time Maiar went to war a continent sank. They have their memories altered in order to greatly weaken them and prevent that kind of power from being thrown around. Their mandate is to do exactly as you say, get the kids to get themselves straightened out, but they very specifically are not powerful enough to do it on their own, by design.

      • UndercoverUlrikHD@programming.devEnglish
        4·
        2 years ago

        Considering what Fingolfin did to Morgoth, you’d think so. Gandalf claimed he was the most dangerous person on Middle-Earth save for the dark lord himself though, which would imply he still held more power than the likes of Galadriel.

        • AEsheron@lemmy.worldEnglish
          2·
          2 years ago

          Gandalf’s danger didn’t come from raw power though. Olorin was considered the mightiest Maia they could send, but Olorin’s power was greatly diminished when he became Gandalf. The danger Gandalf presented was due to his ability to inspire and organize the mortal races, not in his prowess or main force.

          • UndercoverUlrikHD@programming.devEnglish
            2·
            2 years ago

            I thought Fangorn was dangerous.

            ‘Dangerous!’ cried Gandalf. 'And so am I, very dangerous: more dangerous than anything you will ever meet, unless you are brought alive before the seat of the Dark Lord. And Aragorn is dangerous, and Legolas is dangerous. You are beset with dangers, Gimli son of Glóin; for you are dangerous yourself, in your own fashion. Certainly the forest of Fangorn is perilous — not least to those that are too ready with their axes; and Fangorn himself, he is perilous too; yet he is wise and kindly nonetheless.

            I guess it’s up to interpretation, but personally I interpret that as dangerous as in lethality. Only Sauron had the power to best Gandalf the White in direct confrontation.

  • dditty@lemm.eeEnglish
    43·
    2 years ago

    Glorfindel knew that the time of Elves in Middle Earth was coming to an end and he had already killed a balrog, died, and been resurrected so he passed the torch to Men. Props to him for that