The Nature of Magic in Middle-Earth - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Felagund · 05-05-2005, 12:35 PM

Well, 'virtue' is probably not the best word for it. What I still am trying to say, if I could find the right words, is that there is some 'root' of power in all virtuous and good things, though there may be no magic ability. All Elves are "magical" in some way, because they have the power of Arda in them, as they are made of the stuff of the Earth, and are bound to it.

When I said Celebrimbor put his power into the rings, I don't mean in the amnner that Sauron did, in that he diminished himself in their making. I mean rather, in the same way Fëanor created the Silmarils, he put in all his power, and his craft, and his skill into the making of those hallowed jewels, and they were bound up in the life and Doom of their maker. Fëanor did not diminish in their making, but rather, they were made by way of his power. No where is ever Fëanor called a sorceror either.

By the way, I am freely admitting that the Evil side uses 'magic' in it's real form. Sauron was known as the Necromancer for a time. Minas Morgul was called the Tower of Sorcery because the Witch King abode there. However, you never actually see magic spells or anything be cast, anywhere in the books at all.

However, I don't know what Tolkien's intentions were as to magic, since I am not him, and am not an expert in his letters. This discussion was opened to be a discussion, and to hear other people's theories. Come on people, let's hear some!

-Their Oath shall drive them, and yet betray them, and ever snatch away the very treasures they have sworn to pursue.

05-05-2005, 12:35 PM	#5
Felagund Pile O'Bones Join Date: May 2005 Location: Nargothrond Posts: 15	Well, 'virtue' is probably not the best word for it. What I still am trying to say, if I could find the right words, is that there is some 'root' of power in all virtuous and good things, though there may be no magic ability. All Elves are "magical" in some way, because they have the power of Arda in them, as they are made of the stuff of the Earth, and are bound to it. When I said Celebrimbor put his power into the rings, I don't mean in the amnner that Sauron did, in that he diminished himself in their making. I mean rather, in the same way Fëanor created the Silmarils, he put in all his power, and his craft, and his skill into the making of those hallowed jewels, and they were bound up in the life and Doom of their maker. Fëanor did not diminish in their making, but rather, they were made by way of his power. No where is ever Fëanor called a sorceror either. By the way, I am freely admitting that the Evil side uses 'magic' in it's real form. Sauron was known as the Necromancer for a time. Minas Morgul was called the Tower of Sorcery because the Witch King abode there. However, you never actually see magic spells or anything be cast, anywhere in the books at all. However, I don't know what Tolkien's intentions were as to magic, since I am not him, and am not an expert in his letters. This discussion was opened to be a discussion, and to hear other people's theories. Come on people, let's hear some! -Their Oath shall drive them, and yet betray them, and ever snatch away the very treasures they have sworn to pursue.