The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum - View Single Post - The Nature of Magic in Middle-Earth

Felagund · 05-04-2005, 07:41 PM

By virtue, it seems like there are beings of power, even if they are not 'magical' per se. Elrond refers, in the FoTR, to the "power of Rivendell" and the "power of Bombadil's house". I do not see any inherent 'magic' in these two places, but rather that have 'power' by the virtue of their inhabitants. Elrond is no sorceror, nor is there a particular strength of warriors there, but he forsees that Rivendell could hold out for long against the onslaught of Sauron.
Or, when Celebrimbor forges the Three, and they are magic, I don't think it is because he makes three pretty trinkets and casts a spell on them, but rather that he imparted a portion of his inherent 'power' into each of them. The power of such things, I believe, is the power of Arda. The elves are of the stuff of Arda, and are bound to it, and there power is the very power of the world itself. Celebrimbor is of mighty lineage (descended of Fëanor), and has a greater portion of power than would others.

I think here is the example I am looking for. When Glorfindel chases off the Ringwraiths who are pursuing the company towards the fords of Bruinen. He strikes no blows, nor is there mention of anything 'magical' or 'sorcerous' about Glorfindel, but by his 'virtue', i.e. the cleanliness of his spirit, and the power of Arda within him, the Ringwraiths are driven off.

However, on the other side of the line, perhaps there is 'magic' in evil? There was the Witch King who was a mighty sorceror, and Minas Morgul was named the Tower of Sorcery. Sauron's 'black arts' are also referred to. But you never hear the word magic used implicitly when pertainign to anything good.

Am I explaining myself here? I know what I mean, I'm just not sure if I'm saying it right.

05-04-2005, 07:41 PM	#3
Felagund Pile O'Bones Join Date: May 2005 Location: Nargothrond Posts: 15	By virtue, it seems like there are beings of power, even if they are not 'magical' per se. Elrond refers, in the FoTR, to the "power of Rivendell" and the "power of Bombadil's house". I do not see any inherent 'magic' in these two places, but rather that have 'power' by the virtue of their inhabitants. Elrond is no sorceror, nor is there a particular strength of warriors there, but he forsees that Rivendell could hold out for long against the onslaught of Sauron. Or, when Celebrimbor forges the Three, and they are magic, I don't think it is because he makes three pretty trinkets and casts a spell on them, but rather that he imparted a portion of his inherent 'power' into each of them. The power of such things, I believe, is the power of Arda. The elves are of the stuff of Arda, and are bound to it, and there power is the very power of the world itself. Celebrimbor is of mighty lineage (descended of Fëanor), and has a greater portion of power than would others. I think here is the example I am looking for. When Glorfindel chases off the Ringwraiths who are pursuing the company towards the fords of Bruinen. He strikes no blows, nor is there mention of anything 'magical' or 'sorcerous' about Glorfindel, but by his 'virtue', i.e. the cleanliness of his spirit, and the power of Arda within him, the Ringwraiths are driven off. However, on the other side of the line, perhaps there is 'magic' in evil? There was the Witch King who was a mighty sorceror, and Minas Morgul was named the Tower of Sorcery. Sauron's 'black arts' are also referred to. But you never hear the word magic used implicitly when pertainign to anything good. Am I explaining myself here? I know what I mean, I'm just not sure if I'm saying it right.