Uruk-hai vs high 🧝elves?

[Turin_Turambar]

In terms of physical strength, I think the uruk-hai are stronger than the high elves who have returned from valinor to middle-earth. Which one do you think would win?

 

[Oromedur]

Possibly. I think Men are slightly stronger physically than Elves and if Uruks had a mannish strain in them then it would make sense.

 

[m4r35n357]

Looks like these questions are leading inexorably towards My Dad vs Your Dad

 

[Aldarion]

In terms of physical strength, I think the uruk-hai are stronger than the high elves who have returned from valinor to middle-earth. Which one do you think would win?

High Elves. In set-piece combat, morale and discipline matter far more than raw physical strength. In fact, knights could be as young as 14 when the first went to the battlefield, and Roman epithats mention recruits as young as 11. So it seems clear that physical strength is not as important as often believed.

 

[Elthir]

In terms of physical strength, I think the uruk-hai are stronger than the high elves who have returned from valinor to middle-earth.

Can I ask why you think so?

Keeping in mind we are in The History of Middle-Earth section here, and the films as a source are irrelevant. I only say this because you began by including a picture from Jackson's films . . .

. . . granted, maybe you did so just to do so. But just in case

Which one do you think would win?

I assume you mean win -- at being physically stronger

As physical strength isn't the only factor with respect to winning a fight, for example.

 

[1stvermont]

the uruk-hai were an improvement over any orc previous, but above high elves? I think not. The elves of Mirkwood? likely.

​

 

[m4r35n357]

From HoME Vol.10, THE LATER QUENTA SILMARILLION (I), notes on chapter 7 para. 62:

Glamhoth, the hosts of tumult, the Noldor called them. Orcs
we may name them, for in ancient days they were strong and
fell as demons. Yet they were not of demon-kind, but a spawn
of earth corrupted by Morgoth, and they could be slain or
destroyed by the valiant with weapons of war.

This is the latest description (by JRRT) of their stature that I can find. According to CT this extract is meant to be read in conjunction with the Annals of Aman entry for 1495, describing their origin.

Incidentally, in the pre-LotR account, we get:

Glamhoth, the hosts of hate, the Noldor have called them.
Goblins they may be called, but in ancient days they were strong and fell.

So, expanded but not really changed.