[Tirned Tinnu]

Yes, you've got the kernel of truth there, just! The Rings were a tremendous source of magical power.
But you've got to understand - Even though the Elves created them, it took centuries to learn that art form. They had the help of Aule (The Valar of smithies and armoring) and Melkor, who was thought incarnate. His thoughts could destroy the world or create, but that he did little of.

In the beginning of the tale of Norldor we hear of Feanor and his family learning the arts of gem making. This was one side if their knowlege, but other was the tutilage of those that studied under Aule, and those learned the creation of things in metal.

From these Elves came suits of armor and swords of might, and the dwarves after they awoke taught the Elves even more, for they were the Children of Aule, and had his creative abilities ingrained in their very genetic code, (one might say.)

From all these sources the Elves elevated their sciences to such a level as to be thought of today as magic. Just because a person does not understand the science of an object does not mean that it is magic; it merely means we don't understand! This is the view of Elves when confronted by people like us. When it is descirbed in LOTR, Sam askes if the cloaks that were made for them were magic. The Elves respond, "Well the weave is good...I don't understand what you mean by, magic, though. Rather it is a craft." They imply that it can be learned.
(But it might take you 3000 years to get it right!) I hope that I have helped answer your question. My feeble mind does not do too well so early in the morning. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

[ September 12, 2002: Message edited by: Tirned Tinnu ]