Of powers outside our realism?

[blantyr]

If words in the form of prophecy can shape events, can not also oaths? These two forms might be similar, a proclamation that such a thing shall be so?

I'll mention one. The people dwelling about what came to be called the Paths of the Dead swore allegiance to Isildur to fight Sauron. The oath was broken, with major resulting magical effects.

Now, oaths wouldn't be a form of magic wielded by an individual. They aren't learned through training, or gifted through the blood of this race or that. Oaths would seem to be a part of how Middle Earth works. If the words are spoken, it shall be so or dire consequences follow. I can't think of enough other examples of oaths made or broken to judge their power or how easily the power is invoked.

The oath of Fëanor and sons would be another major example, though it was not broken. It was no less damaging for not being broken. It seems to me that the forces to whom he swore thought binding the oath makers to follow their oath was proper punishment for daring to swear it.

I'm not sure how one might write rules covering oaths in a Middle Earth role playing game. As a player, I'd be very careful about making a formal oath. As a game master, if a player makes a big deal of swearing an oath, it might become a potential major plot arc.

In the stories, there is not a lot to be said.