Warring Worlds: A Clash of Westeros and Middle-earth

Introduction

If all characters from George RR Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire and J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit were to battle, who do you think would emerge victorious? The answer may come down to a mix of magic, unity, and sheer willpower. Let's break it down.

The Role of Maia and Magic

The Lord of the Rings introduces some very powerful beings, including Balrogs and the Istari, also known as the Wizards. These were Maiar, which were essentially mid-level angels. They were not allowed to exert their full strength in Middle-earth or anywhere close to it, due to the potential chaos that could ensue when such beings unleash their true power.

Gandalf, for example, had the task of guiding the free people of Middle-earth in their fight against Sauron. This wasn't easy, as a council of Valar, who serve the Maiar, decided to send five Maiar to help counterbalance Sauron. These were high-level angels, servants of Eru Illuvitar, the creator of the universe and the Supreme Being in Tolkien's universe.

The Limitations of Power

While the Istari are powerful, they are restricted in their use of magic. If they were to use their full power, even the weakest of them would be practically god-like (small g). The Valar, on the other hand, did not interfere directly, likely due to the consequences of excessive divine intervention.

To compare, consider the Balrog, one of the most feared creatures in Middle-earth. Among the winged dragons of Morgoth, Anachalagon the Black was said to be as large as a mountain. Smaug, another formidable dragon in the Hobbit, was 65 feet in length. These comparisons underscore the sheer power and scale of the creatures in Middle-earth.

The Characters and Their Powers

Both universes have their share of legendary characters and creatures. Westeros is home to cunning survivors like Tyrion Lannister, the power of dragons as seen in Daenerys Targaryen, and the shadows of the Night's Watch. These formidable but complex entities offer a different kind of power, primarily political and magical, as evident in the seamless integration of shades and crypts.

On the other hand, Middle-earth boasts the tireless efforts of the Fellowship, the elven clan of Elrond, and the indomitable will of Gandalf. The Lord of the Rings introduces tools and techniques that can rival magic, such as stealth and strategy, as seen in Faramir's slingshot against the Nazg?l.

The Battle of Will and Unity

While both sides have their strengths, it's the unity and the resilience of Middle-earth that stand out in a potential clash. Middle-earth has a strong track record of coming together when faced with insurmountable odds, as exemplified by the alliance of men, elves, dwarves, and hobbits in the quest to destroy the One Ring.

In contrast, Westeros tends to suffer from internal conflicts and infighting, often at the worst possible times. This is evidenced by the bloodshed and political maneuvering that riddled King's Landing during the rule of Cersei Lannister. Such infighting makes it harder for Westerosi characters to achieve their goals as a collective force.

The Verdict

Considering the sheer power of Middle-earth's magic, the unity of its factions, and their track record of overcoming seemingly impossible challenges, I believe Middle-earth would emerge victorious in such a clash. However, the intensity and scale of such a battle would undoubtedly be breathtaking.

While I appreciate the complexity and depth of Westeros, the magic, unity, and sheer might of Middle-earth make it a compelling choice for victory. One can only hope that such a crossover event would be possible, as it would offer a unique and thrilling spectacle for fantasy fans everywhere.

Conclusion

The answer to who would win in a clash between Westeros and Middle-earth is not just a question of power, but a question of unity, magic, and the spirit of the characters. Middle-earth, with its legendary beings, powerful magic, and unwavering unity, stands a strong chance of emerging victorious. In any case, the idea of a crossover is enough to pique the curiosity and imagination of fantasy enthusiasts, making it a thrilling prospect.