I was about to say that worked out so well with Sauron, sarcastically, but I looked it up and it turns out Sauron was an Ainur which is basically a full power Maiar, or in other words Sauron is the reason the limits were established, lol.

[–] AEsheron@lemmy.world 14 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) (2 children)

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.

[–] UndercoverUlrikHD@programming.dev 4 points 2 years ago (1 children)

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.world 2 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) (1 children)

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.dev 2 points 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.