I respect Aragorn for sure but the stakes were so much higher in the First Age with Morgoth and all those mighty Balrogs and Dragons. I think you are underselling Beren's achievements. Húrin and Tuor stand tall in wisdom and mightiness and Túrin who suffered most from Morgoth's curse will play a special role at the world's ending.
Agreed! Hurin and Turin (was also raised by elves and Melian who was the wisest being in middle earth) were the greatest and probably then Beren and Tuor. Their fears were against a far superior enemy and did not have magic Numenorean / half elven / Luthien ancestry. Aragorn is awesome of course! No shade on him.
I'd give Prince Imrahil an honourable mention, too. He played an important role in the defence of minas tirith, and led the counterattack. And he was the one who noticed eowyn was breathing. There's that line in the books about how, he, eomer and aragorn were unscathed after the battle partly due to their skill and might of arms
Honorable Mention add: Bard the Bowman of Laketown from The Hobbit. His skills changed the face of Middle Earth and guided his people on the battlefield and after The Battle of the Five Armies
man that was cool. honour Tolkien and make the world ur own interpretation. there is no way my child is watching the movies before reading the books completely. likewise with song of ice and fire.
Turin in my opinion was the most powerful man in the history of Tolkien’s works. Cursed, yes, but any other man couldn’t have had such power with such a curse of Morgoth.
I can't see Aragorn as the greatest man. In him was the majesty of the Elder Days, but i see him as equal to the earlier Kings of Numnenor. Elendil seems to be the wisest and mightiest of men, save for Tuor Turin is the deadliest of all of Men
The fact that Aragorn was maybe 18-20 when he made the decision to pursue Elronds daughter and the fact that the severity of his will almost seemed to change reality itself. He is easily the greatest. For it wasn’t in the heat of a great battle but rather in the steady onslaught of cold nights long journeys, and lose for 60+ years he kept his dream alive. It’s really a reflection of the task of all men , not to lose hope in between the highs and lows but to live the sum of a good life.
My man Hurin is super underrated. The guy stood his ground in the Battle of Unnumbered Tears, last man standing, killing 70 odd orcs on his own with a battleaxe, defying someone like Morgoth who is near God level of power for so many years mentally (which is something I don't even think Aragon could do for that long). So glad you really considered him for his will and strength. Another great video! 😄
Great list but Beren deserves a place in the top tier. To go up to Morgoth, even if the latter is asleep, and cut a Silmaril out of his crown is truly impressive. Beren was also able to linger in the Halls of Mandos long enough for Lúthien to move Mandos and the pair to be sent back to live 2nd lives together.
Gandalf certainly didn't think that Aragorn (nor any of the Fellowship) could handle Durin's Bane. I think that the general decline of Arda shows in that by the Third Age most of the heroes were less epic and more just good fighters. I would actually give more points to Bard, for successfully killing Smaug by hitting the exact spot needed to do so with an arrow.
Huor had nearly the same battle prowess as Hurin, and a measure of foresight, but since he died in the battle and didn't face the test of wills that his brother endured for years, I might put him at at least an honorable mention as well.
@@thaynealexander That's speculation also. It's just how I see it, it doesn't need to align with your opinion. Neither of us are correct because it was never written to play out that way, so we're both just speculating.
If there is one thing that the LotR universe teaches us, it is that strength and power do not automatically equate to a great destiny or ability to change the world. Many people who were not at the top of this list still achieved great deeds, for they chose valor, courage and the will to act regardless of the personal cost when the time came. We should always be inspired by the greatest, yet remember that despite not being great ourselves, we can achieve great things if we set our minds to it and find the courage and support through cooperation.
I think you're doing Tuor a disservice by suggesting he was only a warrior. He's the only man to be accepted as one of the elder kindred after sailing West. Tuor to my mind is undoubtedly one of, if not _the_ greatest of all men in Middle Earth's history.
What, do we not get to count Beorn? All the others were from the same royal family (i.e. mythified and magnified in official stories) and most of them were students of elves. If you want to talk real power from just mannish lineage (or is it? lol), then Beorn is your guy. Even Tolkien treated him as a 1-man army, saying approx, "In the end, even Beorn himself came" meaning he brought all the native natural shamanistic power of the old mannish communion with him. He shrugged off all weapons and blows, scattered the high-guard of the orcs and crushed their king, just because he'd gotten worked up a bit. He was an avatar of those older traditions that even the main-plot storyline treated as above the bar, like Bombadil, Caradhras, the Watcher, and so on. Beorn wasn't just a man, he was a force of Nature unto himself. On the other hand, is it fair to rate mere men against the Bear Spirit? In the norse-germanic traditions from which Middle-earth is drawn, the berzerkermannr ("the Bear who wears a man like a cloak") are the ultimate warriors. Also, unlike the other characters and types mentioned in these mythologies, the Bearmen do... still... exist.
For me number one is Hurin in physical and mental strength. He watched his kids suffer sitting still for 28 years and mocked melkor in his face. And all that because he refused to reveal details for Gondolin's location after sacrificing himself to save Turgon and his people.
No way, sorry but no. Aragorn is amazing yes but Hurin Turin Tuor Barahir Beren Didn’t Tuor and Hurin grow up in Gondolin? Also yeah Aragorns will regarding Sauron is good but not Hurin mocking Melkor to his face strapped to that chair seeing his line crumble and still didn’t give up Gondolin. Turin has the honour of sticking the knife into Melkor in the final battle courtesy of Eru himself. The fact Turin kept fighting until the end after everything that happened to him.
They spent time there but didn't grow up there. That being said Turin was so baller that people assumed he was Noldor. And the Noldor thought he was so cool that Orodreth effectively left Nargothrond's fate to him.
@@jrs8031 I was unsure about their staying Gondolin, thanks 🙏 Isildur is another that goes under the radar because the films did him a bit dirty. He saved the saproling from numenor, builds Minas Ithil and after taking the ring has the temerity to realise it’s evil and the effect it is having on him and is killed at the Gladden en route to have it kept with Elrond as he knew it was too much. Another non mention if we are talking about spirit would be Aragorns son. Aragorn was the end product of a worn out line whereas due to Arwens ancestry that line was reinvigorated with the Elros gene via Elrond and the distant ancestry of Luthien, Beren and Tuor. Even though we do not know much about him his bloodline speaks for itself.
Firstly, yes Turin was very strong but not in everything like Aragorn. Also that part about "stabbing Melkor" didn't actually happen. It was just a prophecy Mandos and token himself said that he had changed his mind and that wasn't going to be the ending. Second, Isildur was strong but not strong enough to resist the ring and toss it into Mt Doom. He only had for just a little bit and it already had a hold of him. As far as building, anyone can build. There were plenty of non "strong" people who built things. Thirdly Hurin, he didn't actually know where Gondolin was, which is why when he was finally freed, he wondered around looking for it. He only knew the general area. So him not telling Melkor can't solely be attributed to his will. I'm not trying to say these characters are week but they are not as strong as Aragorn, imo and obviously many others. Aragorn did many feets on his own, unlike Beren for example, who did few feets alone. Beren got a lot of help from Luthien, Huan & Finrod (without Finrod, Beren would have died sooner then he did the first time). Tolkien's Beren and Luthien were based on his wife and himself and it shows how strong he thought his wife was compared to himself. I'm not saying you're wrong, these are just my opinions thrown in with actual facts from the Legendarium. I hope you have a wonderful rest of your day, namárië!
@@kitamibu I don’t think the ring could willingly be destroyed by anybody let alone Isildur. Ok Hurin did not know where Gondolin was but the point was is he did not give up what he knew until morgoth let him go (he spent a good while in the chair) Turin got knocked down so many times and always got back up and he slew Glaurung. Anyone more tragic? It’s not that I don’t think Aragorn is great I just don’t think he is the best. The army of the dead was more Isildurs doing than his. He killed lots of orcs but so did everybody and everyone was on their arse in the third age. Elves were leaving, Dwarves were just in the North really and men were far less numerous. There were so many great beings in the first age it was harder to stand out and men had no Numenorian blood then. 🤷♂️
No way Aragorn is on the level of Turin Hurin or others of the first age or even the second age. Aragorn just stands out because there are no more of those type of men around
Aragorn may just be my favourite character in Tolkien's legendarium, however I strongly disagree that he is the most powerful regardless of how you perceive power. He is far from the likes of Beren, Turin, Hurin, Tuor and perhaps even Elendil.
Folks tend to undersell Aragorn's martial prowess a bit because many tend to forget all his achievements before the events of the LOTR, during his 20s-30s, traveling anonymously and doing things such as aiding King Thengel of Rohan and Echthelion II (the then-Steward of Gondor). Under the alias Thorongil, he achieved great victory over Umbar in the south. He single-handedly defeated the leader of the latter in the Battle of the Havens. A lot of this is only barely mentioned and isn't part of the main LOTR story narrative, but in whole, Aragorn has just a huge list of feats.
No doubt, but were his foes as mighty as his predecessors? Need to remember the earliest men were facing Melkor who was greater than One Ring Sauron who was greater again than Sauron without the ring.
@@The_Tradie_Trainer In my other comment I do give the nod to Hurin as my pick for #1. The main point of my comment here is simply that Aragorn tends to get underestimated. And while yes, things were grander and greater and more terrible in the First. and Second ages, it is not the like any of the prior age Men were engaging in direct combat with Melkior. Hurin was captured, brought before him and then endured years of horrible mental torture -- a tremendous feat in itself. And Beren did have the courage to approach the enslumbered (by Luthien) Morgoth in order to pry a Silmaril off his crown. That was pretty ballsy. But it is not really demonstrative of physically, directly conflicting with him. And Beren didn't ever tangle directly with Sauron, as the latter was handled by Huan, with an assist from Luthien. Aragorn obviously did not physically contend with Sauron, either, but he did engage with him in a contest of wills through the Palantir and came out with a sort of draw - even a victory of results. That's a pretty amazing singular feat. I don't know if there are many other Men throughout the ages who could have pulled that off.
Maybe an honourable mention to Helm Hammerhand. Between killing a man with a single punch and heading out alone during a seige to kill enemies with his bare hands, if nothing else, he was certainly physically powerful! Looking forward to seeing him in "War of the Rohirrim"!
"It is in men that we must place our hope." The most interesting part about this subject is you could shuffle around most of these contenders and it would more or less b still accurate. The endurance and strength of men is consistent throughout the stories. But Aragorn is king for a reason 😏
Aragorn definitely deserves to be top of the list, but I have to put him below Hurin and Elendil. I doubt he would even object. if you yell a man's name before you go into battle over 3000 years later and your greatest aspiration is to claim that man's throne, being ranked lower seems fair. I could give Aragorn being able to hold out against Morgoth's will, his will was intense, but even if they are mentally peers, Hurin's battle prowess against the trolls is so much greater than Aragorn's. The heir of Elendil is mighty, but he comes from long lines of remarkable Men.
Great vid man. Not sure I totally agree with your selection, but its still very good. But I think you left out a great choice...at the very least, he needs an honorable mention. Earnur, the last king of Gondor. Its said that he was an amazing warrior. Much more a warrior than a king. Homie went to face the Witch-king all by himself in combat, but his horse got spooked. He then was consistently challenged by the Witch-king, until he rode out with a small company to meet him in combat. He was never seen again after that. Say what you want, but that is incredibly brave (though how he did it was incredibly stupid). But he, imo, deserves an honorable mention at least.
Aragorn was the strongest in the sense of....He had aspects of all his forefathers and foremothers. Melian, Beren, Luthien and Earendil and even Elrond and Elros along with all the Edain were within him.
I don't see how anyone is ahead Turin in strength in battle alone. Yes his life was tragic, but on top of being feared by orcs, he killed Glaurung by himself. Did any many kill a stronger enemy? What more could he have accomplished had he not killed himself?
Beren as an honourable mention ?! Have a word. Eowyn can't get a mention as she had help but Elendil can ! Also, Elendil singularly failed to defeat Sauron if I recall correctly, he died after all.
Like many of Tolkien's mighty battles (Glorfindel and a balrog) it was a draw. Elendil, Gil-galad, Elrond, and Isildur fought Sauron, and Sauron was killed at the cost of Elendil and Gil-galad, so I wouldn't say Elendil failed. He contributed to the win but did not win personally.
I would offer up the Nine as the strongest, in the most tragic way. They desired Power, and were given it by the Rings. But it was at too high a price. Of course, they also don't count since their humanity was lost long ago.
I’m really happy Hurin made up there to one of the top best. He really isn’t talked enough about. He is truly such a legend. If there were a cinematic adaptation with him in it, I kind of imagine his mental battle with Morgoth to be something like how they did Paul overcoming the Gom Jabbar against the Bene Gesserit Mother in Dune. That epic kind of mental battle of wills.
Very interesting! In terms of sheer combat skills, Earnur, the last king before the stewards take over, too, could be noted. I think in the appendices it said that he wasn't a good leader, but rather enjoyed fighting in combat and no man could best him, and he was more akin to a gladiator than a king. Interesting character...who get's baited by the Witch King!
I would argue, that Turin and Tuor tie for the first place. Tuor as the only man who was regarded by the Valar more as an elf than a man and became immortal. And Turin killed Morgoth during the Dagor Dagorath. Next Hurin who, as you said opposed Morgoth directly for years and was, at least in his time, unrivaled one the Battlefield. And then Elendil and Aragorn. Then there is the matter of Earendil, who was more of a man than an elf before receiving the gift of choice by the Valar. If we count him as a human (before he became Immortal) I would put him in the number 1 spot for being the only human who was strengthened by the Valar during the War of Wrath
Húrin & Tuor are way stronger than Aragorn. It's not even a question. Húrin is number 1, since he faced Morgoth's mental torture FOR YEARS. Aragorn faced Sauron mentally, yes, but not for so long has Húrin faced Morgoth (and Morgoth, even after lose much of her power, is probably much stronger than Sauron without The One Ring).
I'm afraid I disagree with u on Aragon Hurin has to be on top he faced morgath directly and I don't believe Aragon would have had a hope against Hurin in one on one fight
I gotta say Elendil. Even in strength of arms, he was 7'10," a giant, and though Aragorn is no slouch, he was 6'6." His reach alone would give him the advantage in combat. Mentally and spiritually he was on par with Aragorn in every way. I'd say: Elendil Hurin Aragorn
I struggle to pick between Hurin and Turin, but for me they are the most powerful Men. I love that you included Denethor II but what about a mention for Helm Hammerhand or Eorl The Young? Having said that, I suppose we could go on and on, and the video would've ended up a few hours long. Aragorn is certainly up there though.
Lest you forget Aragorn shared deep elven lineage something Beren, Hurin, Huor, Tuor, or even Turin shared. Aragorn like Isildur, Elendil, and a long line of Numenoreans before them were not pure blood from the line of men. Although they shared man’s fate unable to cross the sea like the elves, they held a small amount of elven power deep within and that made them different from other Men.
Helm Hammerhand should be considered in Pure Strength category, man just killed a big-size dude with a single blow of HIS FIST !!! he stood mighty and fighting off againts dozens of Dunlendings during the snow storm for days…some tale are sayin’ that he ate from the body of his fallen foe, even he died standing like total badass…
What about Yoystan in LOTRO, Mellon?!!! Isn't he powerful!!! Hurin definitely had a different kind of Strength holding back Morgoth for nearly 30, *It's 28, but I rounded up* Years, as he is watching his Life in Ruin...Props Hurin!!! Thanks Mellon for doing another in Most Powerful Series, Until some Dark Forces or Morgul Stuff...Marion Baggins Out!!! *(I got a good Questions, I am in a Hurry to write it down for the Podcast, but also Don’t have any Assignments of my Uni to Work On, I Can relax after Wednesday)*
Late to the party, but like a lot of others, I'd not put Aragorn over folks like Beren, or Hurin, or Turin. One of the themes of Tolkien's work is that as the time goes on, the power and glory of the old world (of Elves and Men) fades. Aragorn was the the last great king of Men, but he was an echo of previous greatness by comparison. He was able to struggle with Sauron in the Palantir for a moment, and distract him by pulling out Anduril at the gates of Mordor, but even Sauron was a shadow of his former self at the time (with all his power wrapped up in the ring that he'd lost), while men like Hurin struggled with Morgoth himself. Sauron glanced at Aragorn twice and it was almost all he could take, while Hurin and Turin took the full measure of Morgoth's power. They ultimately lost, but they went toe to to with the "OG" Dark Lord, as did Beren.
Aragorn felt uncomfortable and uncertain leading the Fellowship after the fall of Gandalf. He also felt his will was to weak to carry the ring. Hurin literally pitted his will against Tolkien's Devil, the Valar of corruption for over 30 years and did not break. Keep in mind It was Morgoth's will that broke and corrupted Sauron away from Aule, and he still failed in fully breaking Hurin will.
I'm higher on Aragorn than several other folks in these comments, perhaps I give a lot of weight to his many feats accomplished prior to the main LOTR story-line. And while he wasn't the only player involved, he was just so, so huge as the main 'human' in literally transforming most of Middle Earth away from a fate of doom. Changing the course of man's history from seeming inevitable decline into domination by Sauron instead into a revitalization of Gondor AND Rohan to near their greatest glory. That said, I personally probably would name Hurin as my top overall 'human' out of all of Tolkien's lore. His martial feats were pivotal for the very survival of man-and-elf-kind in the First Age and his incredible resistance against just the most brutal of mental tortures is just without compare. And I'd probably rate his son Turin Turambar as the greatest pure fighter. Tolkien's mythological future even calls for him to come back for the final battle at the true end of things and be the one who slays a returning Morgoth.
In Aragorn, we saw what the power and majesty of the Great Kings of Numenor was. Such was the power of Elros only much more. As has been said, Tuor alone of men was judged as one of the Firstborn. And had Turin not been cursed by Morgoth, he would have been the greatest Man to ever live. After all, only Turin among Men is named in the Dagor Dagorath. I mean, imagine in my headcanon when the Forsaken are released in the Dagorath and Tar-Calion fights for the Valar instead of Morgoth. Yet even he would not be the equal of Turin.
I still have to go with Hurin as the greatest. To withstand a Valar, not just a maiar, shows incredible strength. To come out of his captivity to Morgoth without having completely succumbed to the darkness shows a strength of mind surpassing that of all other men. As great as Aragorn was, he did not have to endure anything that severe. Could Aragorn have withstood what Hurin did for centuries? I don’t think we can clearly say yes to that. And I’m not hating on Aragorn here; he’d be my #2 among men.
While Aragorn was a good fighter, I haven't read anything that would have suggested that he was amongst the greatest warriors of all time. I would've ranked him among the top in the mental power category, though, because of his wisdom, willpower and almost magical healing abilities.
I like isildur too. Yes he succumed to the ring but to live in the shadow of a man like elendil? No pressure right. In that light he did a lot of deeds
Not sure I'd really put Eowyn up there. Maybe the books say different, but i'm pretty sure the movies only said that she learned to defend herself, same as other Rohan women. But I don't ever remember it being said she had any real combat experience or time in real war. That whole "won't be slain by the hand of man" is such a BS loophole
I would give the nod to Hurin over Aragorn as the most powerful man for the simple reason that Aragorn has the magical genes of both elves and maiar in his bloodline, so is not purely a man in some sense. Hurin is great for the reasons you outlined without any such genetic assist from magical races.
I think Aragorn is great, in his time, but in comparison he's not close in my opinion. Even Narsil isn't that big a deal, til you realise it's one of the few magical blades in Middle-earth at the time...
I consider Húrin Thalion to be the most powerful person, both in terms of his warrior role in the Nírnaeth Arnoediad and his conflict of will with Morgoth when he was taken captive. I think it is unfair to compare Aragorn to Húrin because the Elven and Maia power in his blood is reflected in his soul.
Relative to everyone who lived at the same time Aragorn was up there, but imo he pales in comparison to just about any named character of the 1st or 2nd age.
I just finished Return of teh King. The Appendix A at teh very end got me thinking of Aragorn and Aeowyn. It said that Legolas was able to take a ship "after Elisar gave up his life". Why couldn't Aeowyn take that same shi? Is there something more I'm missing? The stories all say that it's doom for her and it'll hurt. I feel like there's soemthing I'm not understanding about the reason why she can't leave middle earth.
Because of her heritage Arwen had to make the decision between being counted as an elf (and thus being able to take a ship to Valinor) or amongst men (and thus having to remain in Middle Earth).
I respect Aragorn for sure but the stakes were so much higher in the First Age with Morgoth and all those mighty Balrogs and Dragons. I think you are underselling Beren's achievements. Húrin and Tuor stand tall in wisdom and mightiness and Túrin who suffered most from Morgoth's curse will play a special role at the world's ending.
Agreed… I think we could have included Beren in the list, while keeping Aragorn/Elessar
I would say that Beren had a lot of help. :P
Exactly. I feel Yoystan is showing bias here.
Agreed! Hurin and Turin (was also raised by elves and Melian who was the wisest being in middle earth) were the greatest and probably then Beren and Tuor. Their fears were against a far superior enemy and did not have magic Numenorean / half elven / Luthien ancestry.
Aragorn is awesome of course! No shade on him.
I'll say that that Aragorn is as powerful in reasonable proportions to Sauron as Hurin, Turin, & Beren were in proportion to Morgoth.
I'd give Prince Imrahil an honourable mention, too. He played an important role in the defence of minas tirith, and led the counterattack. And he was the one who noticed eowyn was breathing. There's that line in the books about how, he, eomer and aragorn were unscathed after the battle partly due to their skill and might of arms
Honorable Mention add: Bard the Bowman of Laketown from The Hobbit. His skills changed the face of Middle Earth and guided his people on the battlefield and after The Battle of the Five Armies
The most powerful man in LOTR is you, the reader, for giving the story purpose and continuing its legacy.
The reader is the most powerful Man in any book for the same reasons.
Well said
You've just blown my mind.
man that was cool. honour Tolkien and make the world ur own interpretation.
there is no way my child is watching the movies before reading the books completely. likewise with song of ice and fire.
Wrong
Turin in my opinion was the most powerful man in the history of Tolkien’s works. Cursed, yes, but any other man couldn’t have had such power with such a curse of Morgoth.
I can't see Aragorn as the greatest man. In him was the majesty of the Elder Days, but i see him as equal to the earlier Kings of Numnenor.
Elendil seems to be the wisest and mightiest of men, save for Tuor
Turin is the deadliest of all of Men
The fact that Aragorn was maybe 18-20 when he made the decision to pursue Elronds daughter and the fact that the severity of his will almost seemed to change reality itself. He is easily the greatest. For it wasn’t in the heat of a great battle but rather in the steady onslaught of cold nights long journeys, and lose for 60+ years he kept his dream alive. It’s really a reflection of the task of all men , not to lose hope in between the highs and lows but to live the sum of a good life.
My man Hurin is super underrated. The guy stood his ground in the Battle of Unnumbered Tears, last man standing, killing 70 odd orcs on his own with a battleaxe, defying someone like Morgoth who is near God level of power for so many years mentally (which is something I don't even think Aragon could do for that long). So glad you really considered him for his will and strength. Another great video! 😄
Great list but Beren deserves a place in the top tier. To go up to Morgoth, even if the latter is asleep, and cut a Silmaril out of his crown is truly impressive. Beren was also able to linger in the Halls of Mandos long enough for Lúthien to move Mandos and the pair to be sent back to live 2nd lives together.
Gandalf certainly didn't think that Aragorn (nor any of the Fellowship) could handle Durin's Bane. I think that the general decline of Arda shows in that by the Third Age most of the heroes were less epic and more just good fighters. I would actually give more points to Bard, for successfully killing Smaug by hitting the exact spot needed to do so with an arrow.
Huor had nearly the same battle prowess as Hurin, and a measure of foresight, but since he died in the battle and didn't face the test of wills that his brother endured for years, I might put him at at least an honorable mention as well.
Hurin overcame that darkness, which I think puts him back at the top. Aragon doesn't have showings that suggest he could escape a curse of morgoth
I'm not sure how Aragorn would have fared in the first age, the evil he faced in the third age doesn't seem quite as brutal as Morgoth.
That's speculation. Aragorn would have faired well in those times. He would adapt to that enviroment.
@@thaynealexander That's speculation also. It's just how I see it, it doesn't need to align with your opinion. Neither of us are correct because it was never written to play out that way, so we're both just speculating.
If there is one thing that the LotR universe teaches us, it is that strength and power do not automatically equate to a great destiny or ability to change the world. Many people who were not at the top of this list still achieved great deeds, for they chose valor, courage and the will to act regardless of the personal cost when the time came.
We should always be inspired by the greatest, yet remember that despite not being great ourselves, we can achieve great things if we set our minds to it and find the courage and support through cooperation.
I think you're doing Tuor a disservice by suggesting he was only a warrior. He's the only man to be accepted as one of the elder kindred after sailing West. Tuor to my mind is undoubtedly one of, if not _the_ greatest of all men in Middle Earth's history.
What, do we not get to count Beorn? All the others were from the same royal family (i.e. mythified and magnified in official stories) and most of them were students of elves. If you want to talk real power from just mannish lineage (or is it? lol), then Beorn is your guy. Even Tolkien treated him as a 1-man army, saying approx, "In the end, even Beorn himself came" meaning he brought all the native natural shamanistic power of the old mannish communion with him. He shrugged off all weapons and blows, scattered the high-guard of the orcs and crushed their king, just because he'd gotten worked up a bit. He was an avatar of those older traditions that even the main-plot storyline treated as above the bar, like Bombadil, Caradhras, the Watcher, and so on. Beorn wasn't just a man, he was a force of Nature unto himself.
On the other hand, is it fair to rate mere men against the Bear Spirit? In the norse-germanic traditions from which Middle-earth is drawn, the berzerkermannr ("the Bear who wears a man like a cloak") are the ultimate warriors. Also, unlike the other characters and types mentioned in these mythologies, the Bearmen do... still... exist.
For me number one is Hurin in physical and mental strength. He watched his kids suffer sitting still for 28 years and mocked melkor in his face. And all that because he refused to reveal details for Gondolin's location after sacrificing himself to save Turgon and his people.
Exactly hurin matched the greatest evil villain all times will for a time at his darkest hour
No way, sorry but no.
Aragorn is amazing yes but
Hurin
Turin
Tuor
Barahir
Beren
Didn’t Tuor and Hurin grow up in Gondolin?
Also yeah Aragorns will regarding Sauron is good but not Hurin mocking Melkor to his face strapped to that chair seeing his line crumble and still didn’t give up Gondolin.
Turin has the honour of sticking the knife into Melkor in the final battle courtesy of Eru himself. The fact Turin kept fighting until the end after everything that happened to him.
They spent time there but didn't grow up there. That being said Turin was so baller that people assumed he was Noldor. And the Noldor thought he was so cool that Orodreth effectively left Nargothrond's fate to him.
@@jrs8031
I was unsure about their staying Gondolin, thanks 🙏
Isildur is another that goes under the radar because the films did him a bit dirty. He saved the saproling from numenor, builds Minas Ithil and after taking the ring has the temerity to realise it’s evil and the effect it is having on him and is killed at the Gladden en route to have it kept with Elrond as he knew it was too much.
Another non mention if we are talking about spirit would be Aragorns son. Aragorn was the end product of a worn out line whereas due to Arwens ancestry that line was reinvigorated with the Elros gene via Elrond and the distant ancestry of Luthien, Beren and Tuor. Even though we do not know much about him his bloodline speaks for itself.
Firstly, yes Turin was very strong but not in everything like Aragorn. Also that part about "stabbing Melkor" didn't actually happen. It was just a prophecy Mandos and token himself said that he had changed his mind and that wasn't going to be the ending. Second, Isildur was strong but not strong enough to resist the ring and toss it into Mt Doom. He only had for just a little bit and it already had a hold of him. As far as building, anyone can build. There were plenty of non "strong" people who built things. Thirdly Hurin, he didn't actually know where Gondolin was, which is why when he was finally freed, he wondered around looking for it. He only knew the general area. So him not telling Melkor can't solely be attributed to his will. I'm not trying to say these characters are week but they are not as strong as Aragorn, imo and obviously many others. Aragorn did many feets on his own, unlike Beren for example, who did few feets alone. Beren got a lot of help from Luthien, Huan & Finrod (without Finrod, Beren would have died sooner then he did the first time). Tolkien's Beren and Luthien were based on his wife and himself and it shows how strong he thought his wife was compared to himself. I'm not saying you're wrong, these are just my opinions thrown in with actual facts from the Legendarium. I hope you have a wonderful rest of your day, namárië!
@@kitamibu I don’t think the ring could willingly be destroyed by anybody let alone Isildur.
Ok Hurin did not know where Gondolin was but the point was is he did not give up what he knew until morgoth let him go (he spent a good while in the chair)
Turin got knocked down so many times and always got back up and he slew Glaurung. Anyone more tragic?
It’s not that I don’t think Aragorn is great I just don’t think he is the best. The army of the dead was more Isildurs doing than his. He killed lots of orcs but so did everybody and everyone was on their arse in the third age. Elves were leaving, Dwarves were just in the North really and men were far less numerous. There were so many great beings in the first age it was harder to stand out and men had no Numenorian blood then. 🤷♂️
@@kitamibuI think you’re confusing movie Isildur and book Isildur
No way Aragorn is on the level of Turin Hurin or others of the first age or even the second age. Aragorn just stands out because there are no more of those type of men around
Yeah, no. Aragon strove against the will of Sauron, but Hurin cursed Melkor TO HIS FACE in the midst of torment!
Sauron is like the supermarket home brand version of melkor
Aragorn may just be my favourite character in Tolkien's legendarium, however I strongly disagree that he is the most powerful regardless of how you perceive power. He is far from the likes of Beren, Turin, Hurin, Tuor and perhaps even Elendil.
True
Idk, if I want one dude with me in a fight it's Turin Turambar, even the elves thought this dude was a beast. Haleth seems underrated as well.
Folks tend to undersell Aragorn's martial prowess a bit because many tend to forget all his achievements before the events of the LOTR, during his 20s-30s, traveling anonymously and doing things such as aiding King Thengel of Rohan and Echthelion II (the then-Steward of Gondor). Under the alias Thorongil, he achieved great victory over Umbar in the south. He single-handedly defeated the leader of the latter in the Battle of the Havens. A lot of this is only barely mentioned and isn't part of the main LOTR story narrative, but in whole, Aragorn has just a huge list of feats.
And also his leadership abilities. To raise the will of those around him.
No doubt, but were his foes as mighty as his predecessors? Need to remember the earliest men were facing Melkor who was greater than One Ring Sauron who was greater again than Sauron without the ring.
@@The_Tradie_Trainer In my other comment I do give the nod to Hurin as my pick for #1. The main point of my comment here is simply that Aragorn tends to get underestimated. And while yes, things were grander and greater and more terrible in the First. and Second ages, it is not the like any of the prior age Men were engaging in direct combat with Melkior. Hurin was captured, brought before him and then endured years of horrible mental torture -- a tremendous feat in itself. And Beren did have the courage to approach the enslumbered (by Luthien) Morgoth in order to pry a Silmaril off his crown. That was pretty ballsy. But it is not really demonstrative of physically, directly conflicting with him. And Beren didn't ever tangle directly with Sauron, as the latter was handled by Huan, with an assist from Luthien.
Aragorn obviously did not physically contend with Sauron, either, but he did engage with him in a contest of wills through the Palantir and came out with a sort of draw - even a victory of results. That's a pretty amazing singular feat. I don't know if there are many other Men throughout the ages who could have pulled that off.
Maybe an honourable mention to Helm Hammerhand. Between killing a man with a single punch and heading out alone during a seige to kill enemies with his bare hands, if nothing else, he was certainly physically powerful! Looking forward to seeing him in "War of the Rohirrim"!
What about Helm Hammerhand?
Damn good one
Great shout, I was certainly expecting him to be in there.
Awesome, needed this after finishing Rings of Power. Thanks man!
I’d say the Men of the West TH-cam channel is up there!
"It is in men that we must place our hope."
The most interesting part about this subject is you could shuffle around most of these contenders and it would more or less b still accurate. The endurance and strength of men is consistent throughout the stories. But Aragorn is king for a reason 😏
Really well made video!! Keep up the great work!!
We could argue how powerful Aragron is, mind wise, and strength. You can not deny that this man is an infinite GOAT 🐐
Aragorn definitely deserves to be top of the list, but I have to put him below Hurin and Elendil. I doubt he would even object. if you yell a man's name before you go into battle over 3000 years later and your greatest aspiration is to claim that man's throne, being ranked lower seems fair. I could give Aragorn being able to hold out against Morgoth's will, his will was intense, but even if they are mentally peers, Hurin's battle prowess against the trolls is so much greater than Aragorn's. The heir of Elendil is mighty, but he comes from long lines of remarkable Men.
Great vid man. Not sure I totally agree with your selection, but its still very good. But I think you left out a great choice...at the very least, he needs an honorable mention. Earnur, the last king of Gondor. Its said that he was an amazing warrior. Much more a warrior than a king. Homie went to face the Witch-king all by himself in combat, but his horse got spooked. He then was consistently challenged by the Witch-king, until he rode out with a small company to meet him in combat. He was never seen again after that. Say what you want, but that is incredibly brave (though how he did it was incredibly stupid). But he, imo, deserves an honorable mention at least.
Aragorn was the strongest in the sense of....He had aspects of all his forefathers and foremothers. Melian, Beren, Luthien and Earendil and even Elrond and Elros along with all the Edain were within him.
I don't see how anyone is ahead Turin in strength in battle alone. Yes his life was tragic, but on top of being feared by orcs, he killed Glaurung by himself. Did any many kill a stronger enemy? What more could he have accomplished had he not killed himself?
It was a shame that we only saw one side of Denethor in Peter Jackson's movies.
I was just searching this topic up the other day ur the GOAT!
Very glad you mentioned Denethor. I think Prince Imrahil deserves a spot on here. Also let’s not forget, the Witch King of Angmar is also a human.
A fascinating discussion for sure
Let’s go Yoystan tell us of numenor and its fallen glory
I would say Hurin and Aragorn. They have left a lasting impression on me for their attributes on and off the battlefield.
Beren as an honourable mention ?! Have a word. Eowyn can't get a mention as she had help but Elendil can ! Also, Elendil singularly failed to defeat Sauron if I recall correctly, he died after all.
Like many of Tolkien's mighty battles (Glorfindel and a balrog) it was a draw. Elendil, Gil-galad, Elrond, and Isildur fought Sauron, and Sauron was killed at the cost of Elendil and Gil-galad, so I wouldn't say Elendil failed. He contributed to the win but did not win personally.
Team hammerhand over here, protesting the lack of mention. Lord Bard with the sadface as well. :)
I would offer up the Nine as the strongest, in the most tragic way.
They desired Power, and were given it by the Rings. But it was at too high a price.
Of course, they also don't count since their humanity was lost long ago.
I am surprised that Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth is not given at least an honorable mention.
I’m really happy Hurin made up there to one of the top best. He really isn’t talked enough about. He is truly such a legend. If there were a cinematic adaptation with him in it, I kind of imagine his mental battle with Morgoth to be something like how they did Paul overcoming the Gom Jabbar against the Bene Gesserit Mother in Dune. That epic kind of mental battle of wills.
Hurin Turin and Tuor
I think the answer is Aragorn and Turin
yeah, Turin needs to be near the top.
Turin over Aragorn.
Very interesting! In terms of sheer combat skills, Earnur, the last king before the stewards take over, too, could be noted. I think in the appendices it said that he wasn't a good leader, but rather enjoyed fighting in combat and no man could best him, and he was more akin to a gladiator than a king. Interesting character...who get's baited by the Witch King!
I would argue, that Turin and Tuor tie for the first place. Tuor as the only man who was regarded by the Valar more as an elf than a man and became immortal. And Turin killed Morgoth during the Dagor Dagorath. Next Hurin who, as you said opposed Morgoth directly for years and was, at least in his time, unrivaled one the Battlefield. And then Elendil and Aragorn. Then there is the matter of Earendil, who was more of a man than an elf before receiving the gift of choice by the Valar. If we count him as a human (before he became Immortal) I would put him in the number 1 spot for being the only human who was strengthened by the Valar during the War of Wrath
The hobbits, the little folk, are underrated. Merry, and the Cotton family.
Húrin & Tuor are way stronger than Aragorn. It's not even a question. Húrin is number 1, since he faced Morgoth's mental torture FOR YEARS. Aragorn faced Sauron mentally, yes, but not for so long has Húrin faced Morgoth (and Morgoth, even after lose much of her power, is probably much stronger than Sauron without The One Ring).
I'm afraid I disagree with u on Aragon Hurin has to be on top he faced morgath directly and I don't believe Aragon would have had a hope against Hurin in one on one fight
How could u leave out Theoden if u included Dennethor. Theoden's redemption in strength of mind is staggering ?
I love videos like this 👍
I feel that you should redo this list
I gotta say Elendil. Even in strength of arms, he was 7'10," a giant, and though Aragorn is no slouch, he was 6'6." His reach alone would give him the advantage in combat. Mentally and spiritually he was on par with Aragorn in every way. I'd say:
Elendil
Hurin
Aragorn
I was waiting to comment until I knew you would not include men whi were only on Númenor 😉
Thank you for the great work
I think they all were equally matched in feats they perform, men rise to the challenges regardless of the age and situation
I struggle to pick between Hurin and Turin, but for me they are the most powerful Men. I love that you included Denethor II but what about a mention for Helm Hammerhand or Eorl The Young? Having said that, I suppose we could go on and on, and the video would've ended up a few hours long. Aragorn is certainly up there though.
Lest you forget Aragorn shared deep elven lineage something Beren, Hurin, Huor, Tuor, or even Turin shared. Aragorn like Isildur, Elendil, and a long line of Numenoreans before them were not pure blood from the line of men. Although they shared man’s fate unable to cross the sea like the elves, they held a small amount of elven power deep within and that made them different from other Men.
The first age warriors were on another level.
Helm Hammerhand should be considered in Pure Strength category, man just killed a big-size dude with a single blow of HIS FIST !!! he stood mighty and fighting off againts dozens of Dunlendings during the snow storm for days…some tale are sayin’ that he ate from the body of his fallen foe, even he died standing like total badass…
Damn that was definitely a interesting take
I want the powers scalling on Hobbits next 😂
If he was a man, Beorn hug to all
Why did you do my bro Barliman Butterbur so dirty? He fought off the Nazgul singlehanded (offscreen)
if the dagor dagorath concept was written down, Turin Turambar would become the goat among all men
What about Yoystan in LOTRO, Mellon?!!! Isn't he powerful!!!
Hurin definitely had a different kind of Strength holding back Morgoth for nearly 30, *It's 28, but I rounded up* Years, as he is watching his Life in Ruin...Props Hurin!!!
Thanks Mellon for doing another in Most Powerful Series, Until some Dark Forces or Morgul Stuff...Marion Baggins Out!!! *(I got a good Questions, I am in a Hurry to write it down for the Podcast, but also Don’t have any Assignments of my Uni to Work On, I Can relax after Wednesday)*
Do Dwarves next pls ❤
I think an Imrahil honorable mention would have been good, but other than that, no notes.
Late to the party, but like a lot of others, I'd not put Aragorn over folks like Beren, or Hurin, or Turin. One of the themes of Tolkien's work is that as the time goes on, the power and glory of the old world (of Elves and Men) fades. Aragorn was the the last great king of Men, but he was an echo of previous greatness by comparison. He was able to struggle with Sauron in the Palantir for a moment, and distract him by pulling out Anduril at the gates of Mordor, but even Sauron was a shadow of his former self at the time (with all his power wrapped up in the ring that he'd lost), while men like Hurin struggled with Morgoth himself. Sauron glanced at Aragorn twice and it was almost all he could take, while Hurin and Turin took the full measure of Morgoth's power. They ultimately lost, but they went toe to to with the "OG" Dark Lord, as did Beren.
I don't think it matter for Men how really "powerful" they are but at the end of the day, the Men of the West will always stand
Aragorn felt uncomfortable and uncertain leading the Fellowship after the fall of Gandalf. He also felt his will was to weak to carry the ring. Hurin literally pitted his will against Tolkien's Devil, the Valar of corruption for over 30 years and did not break. Keep in mind It was Morgoth's will that broke and corrupted Sauron away from Aule, and he still failed in fully breaking Hurin will.
Surprised Helm Hammerhand wasn't on this list anywhere....
I'm higher on Aragorn than several other folks in these comments, perhaps I give a lot of weight to his many feats accomplished prior to the main LOTR story-line. And while he wasn't the only player involved, he was just so, so huge as the main 'human' in literally transforming most of Middle Earth away from a fate of doom. Changing the course of man's history from seeming inevitable decline into domination by Sauron instead into a revitalization of Gondor AND Rohan to near their greatest glory.
That said, I personally probably would name Hurin as my top overall 'human' out of all of Tolkien's lore. His martial feats were pivotal for the very survival of man-and-elf-kind in the First Age and his incredible resistance against just the most brutal of mental tortures is just without compare.
And I'd probably rate his son Turin Turambar as the greatest pure fighter. Tolkien's mythological future even calls for him to come back for the final battle at the true end of things and be the one who slays a returning Morgoth.
In Aragorn, we saw what the power and majesty of the Great Kings of Numenor was. Such was the power of Elros only much more. As has been said, Tuor alone of men was judged as one of the Firstborn. And had Turin not been cursed by Morgoth, he would have been the greatest Man to ever live. After all, only Turin among Men is named in the Dagor Dagorath. I mean, imagine in my headcanon when the Forsaken are released in the Dagorath and Tar-Calion fights for the Valar instead of Morgoth. Yet even he would not be the equal of Turin.
I still have to go with Hurin as the greatest. To withstand a Valar, not just a maiar, shows incredible strength. To come out of his captivity to Morgoth without having completely succumbed to the darkness shows a strength of mind surpassing that of all other men. As great as Aragorn was, he did not have to endure anything that severe. Could Aragorn have withstood what Hurin did for centuries? I don’t think we can clearly say yes to that.
And I’m not hating on Aragorn here; he’d be my #2 among men.
What did Yoystan mean when he said that Sauron had help carrying the One Ring?
While Aragorn was a good fighter, I haven't read anything that would have suggested that he was amongst the greatest warriors of all time. I would've ranked him among the top in the mental power category, though, because of his wisdom, willpower and almost magical healing abilities.
It's my Birthday and I wants it 💍
Happy birthday, my friend!
Nice try sauron. We're not falling for that one, again
Smeagol or Frosty the snowman?
Have you made a list of the dwarves yet ?
I know Eärendil is technically counted among elves but his heart was with men.
What about Boromir I, who made the Witch King of Angmar fear? as powerful as Glorfindel?
I like isildur too. Yes he succumed to the ring but to live in the shadow of a man like elendil? No pressure right. In that light he did a lot of deeds
Turin Turambar gang assemble
Amen. Not his fault he was cursed. He’s going to slay Morgoth in the end times. GOAT.
what about bard?
Not sure I'd really put Eowyn up there. Maybe the books say different, but i'm pretty sure the movies only said that she learned to defend herself, same as other Rohan women. But I don't ever remember it being said she had any real combat experience or time in real war. That whole "won't be slain by the hand of man" is such a BS loophole
I would give the nod to Hurin over Aragorn as the most powerful man for the simple reason that Aragorn has the magical genes of both elves and maiar in his bloodline, so is not purely a man in some sense. Hurin is great for the reasons you outlined without any such genetic assist from magical races.
I think Aragorn is great, in his time, but in comparison he's not close in my opinion. Even Narsil isn't that big a deal, til you realise it's one of the few magical blades in Middle-earth at the time...
I consider Húrin Thalion to be the most powerful person, both in terms of his warrior role in the Nírnaeth Arnoediad and his conflict of will with Morgoth when he was taken captive. I think it is unfair to compare Aragorn to Húrin because the Elven and Maia power in his blood is reflected in his soul.
Hurin's willpower was defiant and battled morgoth even captured with his family acursed he would not lose his pride in honor chastizing morgoth.
How was Elendil able to defeat Sauron in combat?
Wait... Earendil wasn't mentioned??
Nope, I mentioned him in my Elven list though since he decided to go with his Elven lineage, rather than his mannish side.
the only reason arwyon killed the witch king is because merry stabbed her with the enchanted dagger meant to be used against the nazgul
Who was the most powerful ent?
What about Beorn?
The oath breakers just used Eru's name and went back on it, the power was in the oath and neither Isildur or Aragorn
Relative to everyone who lived at the same time Aragorn was up there, but imo he pales in comparison to just about any named character of the 1st or 2nd age.
Your more versed in the lore of Tolkien but I would think Helm Hammerhand in the list of powerful men at arms would be a worthy person for that list
I just finished Return of teh King. The Appendix A at teh very end got me thinking of Aragorn and Aeowyn. It said that Legolas was able to take a ship "after Elisar gave up his life". Why couldn't Aeowyn take that same shi? Is there something more I'm missing? The stories all say that it's doom for her and it'll hurt. I feel like there's soemthing I'm not understanding about the reason why she can't leave middle earth.
Because of her heritage Arwen had to make the decision between being counted as an elf (and thus being able to take a ship to Valinor) or amongst men (and thus having to remain in Middle Earth).