Since I'm sensing that this thread is about to fall into slumber, I think I'll make a summation of what it has shown me, what issues have been resolved and what remains undecieded.
We have decided, I believe, that the majority of "magic" in Middle-Earth can be traced back to someone's extension or use of their own innate power. There are, of course, exceptions to this rule, as we see in the Lord of the Nazgul, Beorn, and other mortal magicians. We have also determined that magic in Middle-Earth can be learned to a certain degree and by certain people, we see this most clearly in the use of the rings of power. A few issues that remain unresolved, include the absolute nature of the innate power displayed by the various Ainur, and what part the Great Music played in the existence of power in Middle-Earth. From this discussion I personally have learned that power in Middle-Earth may follow a faint system of rules, but this framework has many inconsistencies and exceptions. Power is, as always, a relative term, and it remains up to the individual to interpret both its extent and nature.
Iarwain
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"And what are oaths but words we say to God?"
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