Magic vs. Power - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Bill Ferny · 03-15-2003, 09:47 PM

My last post was in response to Nathar, really. I’m sort of in agreement with you when you say that magic is 100% innate ability in Middle Earth. Even though it may resemble at times occult magic or divine intervention, magic can only be directly predicated to magical characters or creatures.

I’m a little leery of saying magic is like a divine gift, or powers granted by Illuvitar as an addition to a creature’s state of being (like grace). But I’m not sure if you are saying this. Secondly, I understand your illustration to mean that there are layers of reality, some accessible to only a few, and access to these other layers of reality, the ability to tap into various connections, is what constitutes magic or Power in Middle Earth. I’m not sure if I agree with that.

PanMan, while it is always possible for anyone to use certain magical items, it certainly is not possible for anyone to create them. Study as much as they like, hobbits could never learn the spells that Gandalf learned.

03-15-2003, 09:47 PM	#11
Bill Ferny Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Bree Posts: 390	My last post was in response to Nathar, really. I’m sort of in agreement with you when you say that magic is 100% innate ability in Middle Earth. Even though it may resemble at times occult magic or divine intervention, magic can only be directly predicated to magical characters or creatures. I’m a little leery of saying magic is like a divine gift, or powers granted by Illuvitar as an addition to a creature’s state of being (like grace). But I’m not sure if you are saying this. Secondly, I understand your illustration to mean that there are layers of reality, some accessible to only a few, and access to these other layers of reality, the ability to tap into various connections, is what constitutes magic or Power in Middle Earth. I’m not sure if I agree with that. PanMan, while it is always possible for anyone to use certain magical items, it certainly is not possible for anyone to create them. Study as much as they like, hobbits could never learn the spells that Gandalf learned. __________________ I prefer Gillaume d’Férny, connoisseur of fine fruit.