In his draft of a letter to Naomi Mitchison (Nr. 155), Tolkien says
Quote:
A difference in the use of 'magic' in this story is that it is not to be come by by 'lore' or spells; but is in an inherent power not possessed or attainable by Men as such.
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He adds that magic as used by Gandalf is artistic, not intended to deceive. Is that what you have in mind?
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'Mercy!' cried Gandalf. 'If the giving of information is to be the cure of your inquisitiveness, I shall spend all the rest of my days in answering you. What more do you want to know?' 'The whole history of Middle-earth..
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