Board Thread:Character Discussion/@comment-4637931-20160322030519/@comment-25926288-20160326205650

Regina simply can't be or is close to the strongest (and the semantics of light and dark don't mean anything in terms of power).

Not only does Regina have magic troubles because she isn't natural, but her light energy was a one time occurence and she simply isn't capable enough to handle all things. IF Regina or Emma were the most powerful, then the show would be over, but shows purposefully never have their main cast be the most powerful, but among them at the very least.

Emma can beat Regina handily and that's not even talking about Dark Swan. The Dark One is stronger than all sorcerers and witches. Merlin tops that because the Dark One powers vary each Dark One and knowledge and such. Zelena is still stronger than Regina even after light blast because that was dealing with the pendant and we don't need Rumple to keep telling us how Zelena is the most powerful sorceress he met (including Regina and Cora and Ingrid).

Regina is about Maleficent's level along with Cora in terms of power.

Now, if you mean magical knowledge and speed and intelligence..............I'm afraid, I've got some bad news.