Which is the greatest deed of a single person?

Originally posted by Eriol
Yes, Finrod for sure. Especially because his deed was even more hopeless than Fingolfin's, or so I see it.

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Originally posted by Lantarion
I think Finrod's sacrifice for Beren was the greatest sacrifice, and the most altruistic.

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I definitely disagree!!!
But then, that's the point of "subjective truth" in those topics.
But still, I think some objective truth exists in the hopeless-ness of each deed. I find it more hopeless to fight the mightiest Vala, than to go forth a secret mission against just a Maia (even the most powerful).

Fingolfin had some hope, as we have of gaining the lottery prize He could strike gold, even if the chance is beyond calculation.

Finrod's deed, on the other hand, could accomplish nothing -- he would simply postpone Beren's death by his sacrifice. Who could imagine that Lúthien, of all people, would come to the rescue?

(as you see, "Finrod's deed" for me is not just going on a secret mission, it is particularly his last sacrifice exposing himself and fighting Sauron. Even if he won, he would still be a prisoner, and he would still be killed. Sauron was just "playing with him", as it is)

Originally posted by Eriol
Fingolfin had some hope, as we have of gaining the lottery prize He could strike gold, even if the chance is beyond calculation.

Finrod's deed, on the other hand, could accomplish nothing -- he would simply postpone Beren's death by his sacrifice. Who could imagine that Lúthien, of all people, would come to the rescue?

(as you see, "Finrod's deed" for me is not just going on a secret mission, it is particularly his last sacrifice exposing himself and fighting Sauron. Even if he won, he would still be a prisoner, and he would still be killed. Sauron was just "playing with him", as it is)

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Since you mean Finrod's deed his sacrifice for Beren and ony this part, then although I find it a high deed, it lacks the deeds of others, because of one basic issue. Imminent death. Finrod knew that even if he didn't sacrifice himself, his turn would come after Beren. You see, when death is certain, people can become easier heroes. While, on the other hand, Fingolfin was not in such position. He was not near death, but yet, he chose death for him.

and we're back at "subjective truth"... I think a deed almost certain to remain unknown, and to be fruitless, to be a very great deed indeed (and also a good opportunity to make this awful sentence, "deed indeed" )