I have decided to propose an alternative candidate.
Imagine the scene. Cirdan the Shipwright is sat with his feet up by the fire in his house in Alqualondë, his great-great-great-great-grandchildren on his knee.
“Great-great-great-great-grandsire, what did you do in the First Age?”
“Looked after the harbour, built some ships, avoided battles.”
“And what did you do in the Second Age?”
“Er - looked after the harbour, built some ships, avoided battles.”
“And what did you do in the Third Age?”
“Um - looked after the harbour, built some ships, avoided battles …”
*silence*
“Oh, and I gave Olorin a Ring of Power.”
“Cool. Why?”
“So I didn’t have to get involved.”
“Oh! Anything else?”
“Yes. I grew a beard.”
“And what did you do in the Fourth Age?”
“Finished looking after the harbour, built a ship, sailed West.”
“Man, great-great-great-great-grandsire, you’re a loser.”
+ + CIRDAN
And before anyone starts shouting "Elf-Hater"", the Sindar remain one of the two strongest tribes. I would like to even things out and my heart has been moved by the strong feelings that many have shown for Celeborn. Indeed, I find it within mysef to feel a little sympathy for the poor emasculated, hen-pecked fellow.
