What is might?

[doug*platypus]

I appreciate the fact that you looked up quotes for this one, Saucy (unless you have the Memory of Champions), but you have not given proof that either Fingolfin or Finarfin are literally referred to with the word "might", aside from your own opinion on the matter (which may differ from JRRT's). The only might I would see applicable to Finarfin would be, "I might come with you to Middle-Earth... but then again, I might not."

The Valar are certainly mighty, I don't deny that, but this comes from the awesome power that they wield, not because of other factors such as understanding Ilúvatar. Are you suggesting that Manwë is not physically strong? I think as Lord of the Airs he wields immense physical power, as do Ulmo, Aulë, Melkor and Ossë. Oromë is certainly mighty in arms. He is the hunter, and skilled with weapons, and just because Tulkas is his superior in wrestling doesn't make his might due solely to other, non-martial factors.

I stand by my assertion that

"Might" is always (in my recollection) used of a warrior or of an army - it means physical strength in arms.

and have not yet seen any quotes to disprove this. Of course, I must add that the possession of this physical strength is not dependent upon the use of it. Manwë is very physically strong and mighty, in my opinion, but never uses his might in a warlike sense. So might is a measure of innate or potential physical power.