Though I think that it might be possible that if an elf lord could kill a balrog, then so could, a dwarf, I think the legendarium changed so that balrogs were more powerful later. If they still ahd been consistent, it would make Ecthelion more powerful than Gandalf (but maybe he is as Gandalf is clocked as a human), but that's another topic. So it's possible.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pitchwife
After all, the Dwarves of Belegost managed to drive Glaurung himself from the field in the Nirnaeth Arnoediad; and a fire-breathing dragon seems to me a much more formidable enemy than a Balrog.
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I don't really agree with this point as I think that Balrogs would probably be far more powerful than dragons. They are Maiar, and they are also in a powerful form, unlike the Istari who have their power limited. Think about it- Bard killed a dragon. I don't think he would have been able to do so with a balrog. Turin also killed a dragon. Come to think of it, most dragons were killed by men, also think Scatha and Ancalagon (but he was half elf too). So, we must ask ourselves if dwarves were better fighters than men. I would say that generally they are, but not in the case of dragons (probably due to their size). But there are dragons we're talking about, which doesn't really further the discussion.
Are there any cases where Tolkien specifically talks about an Elf vs. Dwarf battle, because I think when they were attacking Thingol, and all of Menegroth (I think, my Silm knowledge is rusty, I should read it again) they had the element of surprise.
edit: x-posted with Hookbill. What a quote! WW habits die hard...