Musical instruments in Middle-earth - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Estelyn Telcontar · 12-16-2007, 02:15 PM

I'm continuing to ponder this topic, though the actual work on my paper will take place when I know if it's accepted. One thought that has been on my mind:

Do instruments have the same (or similar) magical ability that singing does in Tolkien's books? We know that vocal music can work miracles - Tom Bombadil and the creation of Arda are the first ones that come to my mind. There are of course folk tales with magical flutes - the Pied Piper of Hamlin, for example. But do we ever read of an instrument that really does something in Arda?

12-16-2007, 02:15 PM	#15
Estelyn Telcontar Princess of Skwerlz Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: where the Sea is eastwards (WtR: 6060 miles) Posts: 7,500	I'm continuing to ponder this topic, though the actual work on my paper will take place when I know if it's accepted. One thought that has been on my mind: Do instruments have the same (or similar) magical ability that singing does in Tolkien's books? We know that vocal music can work miracles - Tom Bombadil and the creation of Arda are the first ones that come to my mind. There are of course folk tales with magical flutes - the Pied Piper of Hamlin, for example. But do we ever read of an instrument that really does something in Arda? __________________ '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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