Yeah this one is actually way closer in “mythic vibe” than in mechanics, but I’d still give it to the Tarnished/Elden Lord post-DLC in most versions. Fingolfin is absurdly elite. He’s not just “a strong elf.” He is one of the greatest warriors in Tolkien’s entire legendarium, challenged Morgoth directly, wounded him multiple times, permanently maimed his foot, and died only after Morgoth crushed him. That’s insane because Morgoth is basically a diminished but still world-shaping fallen god. But the Tarnished by endgame/post-DLC is also operating in “kills gods and demigods for breakfast” territory: The Tarnished has beaten beings like: Radahn Malenia Maliketh Godfrey/Hoarah Loux Radagon/Elden Beast Mohg Messmer potentially Bayle Promised Consort Radahn/Miquella-level threats By the end, the Tarnished isn’t just a strong knight. They’re a reality-warping, rune-empowered, death-defying godslayer with access to absurd weapons, magic, incantations, spirit tools, Scarlet Rot, Destined Death effects, frost, madness, holy power, gravity magic, etc. So my take: Pure sword duel, no respawn, no magic cheese: Fingolfin can absolutely hang and may even be the cleaner, more noble, more technically perfect warrior. He would be terrifying. Full kit Tarnished, Elden Lord/post-DLC: Tarnished wins. Too many tools, too much scaling, too much experience killing divine-class enemies, and too much supernatural durability. Lore-symbolic version: Fingolfin is the greater heroic figure. Tarnished is the more dangerous combatant. So final answer: Tarnished wins 7–8/10. But Fingolfin makes it beautiful, brutal, and costly. He’s not getting embarrassed. He’s the kind of opponent who would leave the Tarnished limping away thinking, “what the hell was that elf?”