The relationship betwen Music/Singing and Magic - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

skip spence · 11-22-2009, 05:06 AM

Music or singing seems to be closely associated with what one might call magic in Middle Earth.

In the first age we see how Luthien can use her enchanting singing voice to perform stunning tricks. Even Sauron is a great singer apparently, defeating Felagund in a epic sing-off at Tol-in-Gaurhoth.

Tom Bombadill is another great singer who apparently uses his rather icky poetry to spellbinding effect. His rivals Old Man Willow and the Barrow-Wight also sing songs to capture their victims.

Singing is also used to break the spell of fear in a more literary manner in parts of the Legendarium, fex how Sam's singing at the bring of despair at the top of the Cirith Ungol Tower is answered almost miraculously by Frodo, with Fingon's singing at Thangorodrim being an obvious predecessor to this event.

The world itself was of course conjured up by means of the Great Music with Eru conducting a great symphony of the Ainur (disrupted by the free form sonic experiments of Melkor).

Yet the Wizards, most obviously associated with magic, don't sing at all, do they? Why don't Gandalf or Saruman sing?

And what is the deal with music and magic?

11-22-2009, 05:06 AM	#1
skip spence shadow of a doubt Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Back on the streets Posts: 1,125	The relationship betwen Music/Singing and Magic Music or singing seems to be closely associated with what one might call magic in Middle Earth. In the first age we see how Luthien can use her enchanting singing voice to perform stunning tricks. Even Sauron is a great singer apparently, defeating Felagund in a epic sing-off at Tol-in-Gaurhoth. Tom Bombadill is another great singer who apparently uses his rather icky poetry to spellbinding effect. His rivals Old Man Willow and the Barrow-Wight also sing songs to capture their victims. Singing is also used to break the spell of fear in a more literary manner in parts of the Legendarium, fex how Sam's singing at the bring of despair at the top of the Cirith Ungol Tower is answered almost miraculously by Frodo, with Fingon's singing at Thangorodrim being an obvious predecessor to this event. The world itself was of course conjured up by means of the Great Music with Eru conducting a great symphony of the Ainur (disrupted by the free form sonic experiments of Melkor). Yet the Wizards, most obviously associated with magic, don't sing at all, do they? Why don't Gandalf or Saruman sing? And what is the deal with music and magic? __________________ "You can always come back, but you can't come back all the way" ~ Bob Dylan Last edited by skip spence; 11-22-2009 at 05:11 AM.