In The Lord of the Rings, some men, such as Boromir and Faramir, show supernatural abilities, such as having “true dreams” about the reforging of Aragorn’s sword and the appearance of a Halfling. Certain breeds of Men can use magic, such as Numenorians, but other humans cannot. Magic in Middle-earth is the use of supernatural power in J.R.R. Tolkien’s fictional Middle-earth. Tolkien distinguishes ordinary magic from witchcraft, which is always deceptive.
In the Third Age, there are instances where human characters are said to have used magic, such as Saruman and the Blue Wizards. However, this is not a common trait. Tolkien uses his magic system to showcase his views on the nature of good and evil, the importance of mercy, and humankind’s eternal struggle for power. The majority of humans in Middle-earth are not able to use magic, and it is generally considered a special ability held by only a few.
Men and Hobbits could not directly work magic, but could make use of magical artefacts made by others, such as Númenorean swords. While humans can use lore just fine if they are sufficiently learned/skilled and, if trained properly, can use sorcery. Magic in Tolkien Mythology is mystical or paranormal activity appearing in various forms throughout J.R.R. Tolkien’s fictional legendarium of Arda. The magical nature at the core of Middle-earth hardly affects our kind at all; its effects are seen most often in others more closely attuned to it. This is an attempt to outline some principles of magic in Middle Earth, with an eye for adaptation to role-playing games.
📹 Understanding The Magic of Middle Earth
In this video, I give the broadest explanation of how the magical system within Tolkien’s world works. Unlike Harry Potter and other …
What spell killed Voldemort?
Harry Potter’s signature spell, the Disarming Charm, was instrumental in defeating Lord Voldemort during the Battle of Hogwarts. The Elder Wand recognized Harry as its master, strengthening the Disarming Charm. Harry’s powerful spell, indicated by the scarlet jet of light, caused opponents’ wands to fly high out of their hands, resulting in Voldemort’s Killing Curse backfiring onto himself.
Is it possible for a Muggle to use magic?
Muggles, who had no magical abilities, had technology to compensate for their lack. However, sophisticated technology like electricity did not work well in the wizarding world, and it had to be magically powered. Muggles rarely understood magic, and they often ignored obvious occurrences of magic. Despite lacking magic, Muggles still posed a threat to the wizarding world, with weapons like firearms considered as dangerous to unwary witches or wizards as wands.
In the 17th century, the British Ministry of Magic enacted the International Statute of Secrecy to permanently separate the wizarding and Muggle communities. In the modern day, the Minister for Magic and the Prime Minister maintain a good relationship to ensure the safety of both worlds. Muggle inventions included using technology to perform tasks for which wizards used magic, such as the Ford Anglia, which was powered by magic.
Is Dumbledore or Gandalf more powerful?
Dumbledore, a powerful wizard, would face no equal in a one-on-one duel with Gandalf, despite appearing old. Gandalf, known for his mastery of fire and light spells, would likely be his go-to move in a hypothetical battle against Dumbledore. Even the Dark Lord himself shied away from a direct confrontation with the Headmaster of Hogwarts, demonstrating his fear of the greatest wizard. Dumbledore would have to deflect and avoid damaging attacks, as Gandalf would turn up the heat in a serious battle.
Can Aragorn use magic?
In J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, Aragorn’s most significant ability is his healing abilities, which are magical and rooted in his bloodline and upbringing. Aragorn, a master combatant, expert survivalist, cunning tactician, and charismatic leader, was not primarily a healer. His healing abilities were a result of his royal status as the Heir of Elendil, the first High King of Arnor, and the rightful ruler of Gondor. His royal status and unique upbringing made him one of the most effective healers in the novel.
When hope seemed lost for certain characters, Aragorn was able to bring them back from the brink of death. While Peter Jackson’s film adaptations showcased some of Aragorn’s healing abilities, his role as a healer is more significant in Tolkien’s novel.
Why does Gandalf almost never use magic?
The protagonist was unable to breach a door that was protected by the formidable wizard, Saruman, due to the constraints imposed by the higher power and the inherent limitations of the mortal bodies of the Maiar spirits, or Istari.
Can humans use magic in Harry Potter?
Magic was a supernatural force that fundamentally altered the world, with its ability to be practiced as a hereditary trait passed down through ancestors. Witches and wizards were able to use magic in unique and creative ways, which Muggle science could not replicate. For instance, vanishment did not make objects cease to exist, but rather went into non-being, consistent with the law of conservation of matter and energy. Magic also followed its own rules, such as juicidal objects only existing for a temporary period and objects cannot be enlarged beyond a certain point without becoming unstable or exploding.
The basic concepts of magic were simple, but the inherent power and potential for misuse were great. To refine their craft and learn the art and responsibility of their power, promising young witches and wizards were sent to schools like Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. There, they learned various magical specialities, general theory, and the history of magic in their world.
Can Gandalf actually do magic?
Gandalf, a wizard with magical power in light and fire, is known for his influence in Lord of the Rings. He has many allies and friends, including Bilbo Baggins, who he later meets through his association with Bilbo. Gandalf helps Dwarf King Thorin defeat Smaug, and later warns Frodo about the dangers of the Ring. He calls on Strider, also known as Aragorn, to help Frodo and his fellow Hobbits. Gandalf is rescued by Gwaihir, the chief of the eagles, and obtains his trusty steed, Shadowfax, a magical horse with speed and strength.
Gandalf rejoins the Hobbits in Rivendell, where they form the Fellowship of the Ring. However, his power is depleted in extreme instances, and he must recharge before continuing. Gandalf’s influence extends beyond the Hobbits, influencing major characters in the trilogy and other entries.
Can man use magic in LOTR?
Middle-earth is a world with a diverse range of races, including the godlike Ainur, immortal Elves, Dragons, and Dwarves. Men and Hobbits, though not directly able to work magic, could use magical artefacts made by others, such as Númenorean swords and the Phial of Galadriel. The One Ring, made by the Dark Lord Sauron, is the most powerful. Tolkien believed a magical cosmology was necessary to counter modernity’s war against mystery and magic. Magic, the use of power to dominate others, is considered evil and associated with technology.
Enchantment, on the other hand, is the opposite, as Frodo experiences it in the Elvish realms of Rivendell and Lothlórien. However, this can be a trap, as the Elves must let their Rings and realms fade, just as the Fellowship of the Ring must let the One Ring go, corrupting the wearer’s mind to evil. Middle-earth is described as both natural and supernatural, with magical powers shared by many races and a variety of magical artefacts.
Can Galadriel use magic?
Galadriel, the greatest of the Ñoldor, is known for her powerful magical powers, primarily derived from her Ring of Power, Nenya, or the Ring of Water. This Ring, created by Celebrimbor and the Gwaith-i-Mírdain of Eregion, was created in the Second Age for preservation, protection, and concealment from evil. Galadriel uses Nenya to protect Lórien from attack, but after the destruction of the One Ring in the Third Age, all Rings of Power lose their abilities.
In addition to her magical possessions, Galadriel possesses a magic mirror, a silver basin of water that grants visions of the past, present, and future. In “$! /$”, Galadriel shows Frodo Baggins the mirror, allowing him to see images of the Scouring of the Shire in the future.
Galadriel is also gifted with the gift of “ósanwe”, the ability to communicate through thoughts. She is one of the wisest and perceptive Elves, and her idea is to hide the Rings of Power from Sauron. Although she could wield the One Ring, she recognizes the danger and resists the temptation.
Can Gandalf use magic without his staff?
In the books, Gandalf, a magical creature resembling an angel, utilized his staff as a magic wand to focus his powers. However, he was not rendered powerless without it, as evidenced by his ability to break Saruman’s staff.
Is Sauron the same level as Gandalf?
Prior to attaining his wizardly status, Gandalf’s capabilities were diminished by approximately 99 points from his Valian form. However, he was not as formidable as Sauron at that juncture.
📹 The Use of Magic in Tolkien’s Universe – Building a World
Magic serves to further the plot in Tolkien’s works, but it is used in a conservative way in order to focus on the courage and …
I always thought that the spells of wizards were related to the music of the ainur. Since all wizards were maiar, which were ainur, I figured that their spells and incantations were an extension of the music, which gave shape to the whole world. This extension was what gave wizards their power. That’s just my theory.
You left out that in Tolkien’s universe that ‘energy’ or ‘magic’ is finite. This is another reason magic is used less and less as the ages go on. Best examples are the dark lords, when Melkor first arose he was said to be so powerful that all other Valar feared him and even if they tried that there power combined couldn’t stop him. Yet by the end of his reign he was so weakened by his constant use of power to “create” his armies, warping other races and such that he couldn’t even regenerate the wounds given to him in the fight with the elf king. Sauron used so much that after his body was destroyed during the wrath of the gods against the Dunadain that once he reformed he found it impossible to shift his form anymore, something that was his trademark pretty much up until then. It is one of the driving forces for him to make the one ring, he thought he could get around the fate of losing his power from over use by having the one ring as a sort of battery(Along with the other perks it brought such as corrupting those who had the other rings.). This is also shown with the elves, who at first could go one on one with Balrogs and heck as I said above even a god if needed, elves were so much stronger physically and magically. But as the ages go by it is shown they get weaker and weaker. I mean Legolas take on a Balrog or Sauron one on one? Not gonna happen, his father in his prime probably could’ve done it. I believe though like you said, this is used as another way to limit the use of magic in the universe, as the only ones that abused the power became corrupted and there was a price in the end.
A good commentary on the subject. I think another aspect of magic in Tolkien’s world is that it’s not just inherent in the nature of beings like Galadriel and Gandalf, but in part a deep understanding of how the world actually works; an understanding that can only be acquired over a very long period of time. This ties into the older characters in the books usually being the wisest and most powerful. As Gandalf says when he meets Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli in Fangorn, “A habit of the old: they choose the wisest person present to speak to; the long explanations needed by the young are wearying.”
I love Tolkien’s use of magic. I think it well done. Not over used and carrying a proper amout of mystery of how it works. It’s kinda frustrating at the same time though, because magic systems interest me a great deal and I would have liked a explanation of how it works. I do a fair amount of writing myself in my spare time(in part inspired by Tolkien), and I invent different Magics in my stories.
The way I see it: elves ARE magic. So when an elf, especially an old and elf with powerful will and wisdom make something, a blade, a robe or a lumb of bread, or a simple rope, it becomes magical naturally. The energy they spent on carfting an item and the will power they focused while making it gives the item a piece of the power and will of the maker.
I’ve always thought of Tolkien’s ‘magic’ as just a manifestation of a character’s spirit and essence. It’s more like real world legend and mythology than the type of rigid comic book magic we see in modern fantasy. Isildur is able to curse the betrayers of Gondor because he has mandate as king, and Aragorn in turn has authority to command them and to break the curse, because he’s the heir to the throne. They’re not wizards of course, and the curse is rather just a way to demonstrate their might. And in Aragorn’s case it proves he’s worthy of the crown, like Arthur drawing the sword from the stone. I don’t see it as “This guy is a maiar, so he can do this and that while this man or elf can do this”. In Tolkien’s mind, characters like Feanor, Glorfindel, Galadriel etc were probably mightier and more ‘skilled’ than Gandalf. Gandalf was chosen because of his compassion and humility.
A great article! I really love lotr! But a question remains, then the Fellowship, Gandalf creates fire using a word, he says that, “I once knew every spell in all the tongues of Elves, Men and Orcs.” And that he could name 10 score off the top of his head used for opening doors. And then the second time when Gandalf uses a word of command to seal a door before the Balrog used a counter-spell and the door broke asunder. Maybe there is a little more to magic that can still be discussed, but more around Gandalf using it.
An excellent analysis and explanation. Completely sensible and to the point. I have always had a profound fascination with magic, and when looking to fiction for inspiration, Tolkien’s works have been my go to. For exactly as you said. Magic in his works is subtle and conservative. Not vulgar displays of raw power that warp the laws of nature beyond recognition. I would also like to point out that Tolkien’s use of the terms and ideas for Mageia and Goteia are Greek in origin. Mageia, “High Magic”, the powers of divination, healing, and communing with gods and angels (good spirits). Whereas Goteia is “Under Magic” the powers of entropy, bindings, and dealing with the ghosts and demons (evil spirits). I find the correlation fascinating.
I never was able to get a good grasp at what magic is and how it works in Tolkien’s books. Kinda glad to hear that it is ambiguous on purpose, because I was starting to feel like a dumbass. Still, I’m going to give my 2 cents. What is called magic seems to be the power of the “gods”, bestowed to them to create the world. The evil guys are “evil” because they corrupt this power to use it for the opposite effect, destroying the world. To the outside observer Galadriel and Sauron seem very alike. Both are ancient beings of great might, using their powers to shape the world around them to their liking. But where Galadriel uses her powers to preserve what is good and alive, guarding what was created even before she was born, Sauron only seeks to corrupt and destroy. Looking at it from this perspective it makes sense that Galadriel is puzzled that her and Sauron’s magic would be called the same kind of power.
Your presentation begs the question, what was Tolkiens world view, or belief system, which is known to be Christianity, He being instrumental in drawing C.S. Lewis into certain “Truths” which Tolkien believed to be true. It is too simplistic to believe that the fingerprint, the encoding of God by His energy, in Matter, would only apply to organic life only, but to every energy field which matter consists of. Thereby what we consider inanimate also consists of the same energy just in a different form The music of the Ainur is inspired by The Creator, so that the proper code, is put in place to pervade and impel all things back to the balance of Unity. So The Creator Allows the distortion to accomplish a More Glorious Creation. So that “Magic” shows up in ways that show intent, and purpose happening on a level above Arda where the code might allow for “The Rocks To Cry Out” as Jesus says to those who question the shouts of praise to God as The Messiah enters Jerusalem, or Balaams donkey speaking to him. The Shekinah Glory of God in the innermost Holy of Holies in the Temple. Tolkien is showing The Power of The Creator woven into the events through the working of the code which effects all things, the Elven sword that glows, when Orcs are near, the phenomenal properties of water, which are still not fully understood, Gandalfs staff which glows with pure white light, which dispels the evil, in fact I would say that Tolkien, in these Masterpieces, has re-represented almost all obvious, symbolic, archtypical, phenomenon lending them a plan and purpose all their own without being Allegorical, as most Fantasists do, as Tolkien is representing facts that have occurred, reported by eyewitness account.
Ok I keep hearing that elrond (or arwen in the movies) creates the flood that sweeps away the wraiths. But I’m sure I’ve read in the silmarillion that ulwe basically curses all creatures of melkor to never be able to enter his waters. Thats why the wraiths pull up at the Brandywine river. All elrond did was alert ulwe (basically by prayer) to the fact the wraiths are there, and ulwe does the rest. Is that not right?
Excellent article, but could you try to find some information on the pirates of Umbar? I just don’t know a thing about them other than they were mecenaries for sauron. Do they have any role at all in Tolkien’s legendarium? I just think it would make a good article as I have not heard much about them. Thanks for the great article!
I have always assumed that the “magic” of the elves, especially of the Noldor, came from living a really, really long time, and so understanding more and more of how the world works. And two, because they lived for countless millennia with the Valar — the beings that made the world. Their “powers” are no more than advanced knowledge, and a technology so advanced it is indistinguishable from “magic.” (With thanks to Arthur C. Clark)
I’ve always loved the depiction of magic in LotR whereby, from the perspective of a mortal (usually a hobbit or occasionally Gimley) a character will seem to grow in stature, or a white light will seem to be about them, or on their brow or stabbing from their hand. This sort of thing is noticeably never declared as objectively happening by the book’s narrator, but from a character’s POV. Magic is therefore kept pretty ambiguous, as mostly its effects are described.
Awesome article Men Of The West I think it was imo good that Tolkien didn’t use magic that much in his Legendarium as well and I honestly love the way of how it was conserved and used by him especially in The Lord Of The Rings but in the end its a very interesting topic on how Tolkien used it in his Legendarium and I love the way you explained it! 🙂
Thanks for another great article, I completely agree. It has always bothered me about Harry Potter for example that magic is used so freely that the consequences can’t really be contained anymore, they should reach much further than they do in the books. Tolkien manages to keep magic contained within the logic if his work and doesn’t use ist cheaply:)
The article mentions the wisdom and advanced nature of Elven Society. It makes me think about our modern world. If someone time traveled from 500 years ago, to our modern world, we would be like elves, living lives steeped in magic. Our science and technology looks very magical to an objective outsider. We would even look magical compared to historical humans, with our healthy bodies, our shiny flowing hair, our clean skin, and straight teeth. Our clothes are soft and brightly colored, our hands soft and uncalloused. I’m sitting now, on my soft mattress, in my warm apartment, with glass windows, clean white walls, and bright lights. I’m tapping away on a small glowing rectangle that holds within it all the wisdom of mankind at the touch of my fingers. I can make rich and exotic foods within minutes, contact my loved ones from thousands of miles away, and music surrounds me. That’s it folks, we’re officially elves.
im thinking that Tolkien, using lore from Celtic and Nordic tales etc, uses magic more as an enhanced side of nature, in that its a part of an tempered Nature/natural world, with the istari, the elves and Tom Bombadill, Sauron being more physical manifestations of that natural world – and not just separate races/beings imbued with superpowers. A little bit like you can see in Princess Mononoke etc. I think that comes more from the pagan tradition of human history, where there “were” spirits in the rocks and streams, or how they could see Gods at work in a thunderstorm etc. Only there is no real separation between the forces of nature and these gods/spirits there – in that they are one and the same. Like, “is it a spirit, or is it just a tree?” “Yes!” I dont think that the ancient greeks, if they scaled mount Olympus, really thought they would meet the Gods there. That can also explain why the magical forces are just a backdrop, or an aid, to the struggling men and hobbits – and not the driving-force of the stories. In that ultimately, people have to shape their own destiny with and against/despite the forces of nature, and overcoming the forces of greed/hate etc. Its a little bit like One reading of Christianity (Zizek/Hegel), that what dies on the cross is the God above – what is left is only the community of men (the holy sprit, here as an atheist interpretation). The wizards and the elves leaves the world to men, meaning its the end of innocence were they have to “become adult” and take charge of their own lives, without the hope of magical/spiritual intervention.
Great article! I never really thought that much about the use of magic in the books, but I think that was way Tolkien wanted it. The type of magic in the elves Maiar and rings is just another aspect of them and not something that exists outside of those characters. Like you said, magic is just what you don’t understand and if you understood what it was or why it was it wouldn’t be magic anymore. I think this is why Galadriel didn’t understand what the hobbits meant by megic; she understood her own powers.
Honestly that was one of the main reasons I didnt get into LOTR as much (I liked the original trilogy of movies). I like my classic magic more than ambiguous magic. Here are these fantastic beings that achieve great feats, but Gandalf, a great “wizard” just makes his voice louder and flashes a giant flashlight as he rides into battle. And the pushing match was… Underwhelming to me. But im not one to get into books and lore as much. I enjoy these articles because of how well you express yourself, and the obvious love you have for these books permeates your work, even though Im not into the lore of Tolkiens work. In any case, youre great man, thanks for these. As always, my DnD ideas just flow when I hear you explain these things, and the artwork certainly helps. Its weird to explain. Im not into this, but I am into these vids.
To me, the world of Lord of the Rings is filled with magic, and much of the nature of beings is shown through this. The way that evil things shrink away from shows of valor and righteousness, or how the mere presence of wizards or elves like Elrond and Galadriel could sway the moods and minds of those around them, that’s the magic of this world made manifest. The beginning of the age of men and the passing of the elves into the West was the magic leaving this world, as the world seems to wind down with each age. Thank you for this article, you’ve given me not only a stronger appreciation for Tolkien’s work, but for all fantasy writing.
Authors like J.K. Rowling, I think, abuse the concept of magic to the point where there is no rhyme or reason to how it can be used, whereas Tolkien’s inclusion of magic is subtle, practical, and is closer to the classical interpretation of magic/witchcraft/spellbinding/etc. One can think of magic as a sort of technology…a lighter is a perfect example. With it, a person can create and sustain fire in the palm of his hand by simply using the forces of nature. Of course, the average person cannot create a light, but it is basically a magical invention. Thus, the main distinction between magic and technology is that today “magic” is patented and sold to the masses for their convenience. Previously, only certain people were capable of creating and using magic. Electricity is another great example…it has always existed, and I believe certain people (Druids, alchemists, wizards, witches, sorcerers, whatever you might call them) were capable of harnessing that energy, in different ways, and using it to produce ‘magic’. The average person today might use electricity, because it’s been made easy to access, but they cannot create or utilize it on their own. Hopefully this is making sense to somebody…lol.
Great article! In “On Fairy Stories”, Tolkien also drew a clear distinction between magic (devices of meant to decieve and dominate) and enchantment (used associated with Faerie, especially the Elves, meant to enhance and preserve). The essay was written before LOTR, but still is relevant for representing Tolkien’s views. Kind of off topic, but also related to a couple of your points in the article.
What I miss is the mortal magicians, who are mentiones several times, f.e. when Frodo and his friends are in the Prancing Pony in Bree; it seems there are wandering Magicians around apart from Gandalf. Also the people who spoke the spells, that Gandalf knew in front of the Moria Gate… Tolkien also difference between Lore and Magic, which both can produce magical effects…
I think one more kind of magic used, espeacially within the Silmarillion, is the magic of song. There are not only the songs of the Ainur, creating the world. I just can’t recall exactly who was fighting whom, but I think it was Sauron fighting one of the elves, and they were singing to defeat the enemy. So, there were songs of power used in combat, too. And it seems to me that a lot of the not-so-subtle-magic in tolkiens world, espeacially in the elder days, was accomplished by music and song, so they seem to be inherently linked.
I always loved tolkeins use and lack there of magic. It really does wonders for the story and only adds a sense of fantasy when it is used. I know I’ve read some fantasy stories that go a little overboard with the magic use (sword of truth) where it becomes dragon ball z battles. And it does take a way from the sacrifices of the real warriors
Tolkiens kind of magic was in a way more subtile then many other fantasy works..but it is there but he seldom describe it directly…if you dont count the istaris abilities as magic… i would personaly call some of their powers magic since spells are included in it and i wouldnt set spells or sorcery either for that mather apart from magic… gandalf states that he ones knew every opening spell in all the laungages from the free folk to orcs…and he also say that dwarfs have magic spells but he dont want to press a dwarf for them. Sauron is a great sorcerer so alot of the things he does i would count as magic and same with his servants..sush as the nazguls and the mouth of sauron that is more or less directly said to be great in the dark mathers..and somehow had prolonged his own lifes with magic. The elfs seem more to have some inner sorce in some cases..but i doubt that is all the explenation to it…Finrod cast spells batteling Sauron…Luthien cast a spell of sleep on the host of Morgoth and Galadriel apart from her mirror later cast down dol guldur and breaks its spell. Celebrimbor makes his rings under direct indstruction from Sauron that most be seen as a magic user of sorcery…if magic didnt create them the one ring wouldnt realy have worked..its not like its a natural element of itself that gains power over other created things and minds. I like the way Tolkien used his magic…its there but its kept in mistery.
Great article! I would add, however, that another reason that Tolkien may have been conservative about his use of magic, in addition to those you mentioned, is that he was a devout Roman Catholic. Magic in literature was something which many Catholics had misgivings about, especially in Tolkien’s own time. Tolkien’s dedication to the Catholic faith would have necessarily led him to handle the subject of magic with the tact and care that we see in his work, especially Lord of the Rings.
magic is real in a certain point of view,power can be used and harnessed by wood from tree’s and plants.their roots run deep earth energy they contain.fire has mana as it is energy itself.rock and stone the hardest to summon but the most powerful and water the element of change best for healing and physical change.
Is there a article about the background of hobbits and some of their origin stories out on Men Of The West playlist? If not I believe it could be a good addition. Since Tolkien’s dearest and most beloved race/people were Hobbits, and there love for the small things in life. They were the main reason I got into Tolkien’s universe, because they reminded me a lot of were I grew up at and some of the simpler people who just enjoyed the small things.
This is why I love the world of Tolkien. A quick look through current fantasy based MMOs shows how too much flashy magic makes it lose all of it’s mystique. And in many fantasy novels magic just becomes an unexplained, unsatisfying, arbitrary plot driver (*cough *couHarryPotter *cough). Now if only Tolkien had been as careful with eagles ex machina as he was with magic.
When talking to the Hobbits, Aragorn states that Gandalf was only allowed to show the most basic of his powers as a general rule. In most cases he does; because it seems in the books that the further people of magic (Wizards and Elves) delve into magic, the more corrupted they become by the realization of how much power they can truly wield. The few times Gandalf unleashes the most magic, (fending off the Nazgul on Weathertop, killing the Balrog) he always held back. The beings that use the most magic are almost to a man villains. Saruman, the Nazgul, Sauron, Morgoth. All these beings use magic freely and without holding back. There also appears to be a rather interesting conundrum in the books as well where these characters actually get weaker the more magic they try to use. Saruman gets weak enough that Gandalf replaces him in both status and power. Morgoth (who uses perhaps the most magic of any character excepting Iluvatar) becomes so weak that Ungoliant, who eons beforehand could never have taken him on, successfully attacks him and he is forced to be rescued by Balrogs because he can’t even get out of Ungoliants webs.
If i remember well Tolkien was also very Catholic and wanted to write a story that was not link as much to other mystic/pagan religion (from his perspective) he was a friend of C S Lewis but he didnt like the fact he use creature that came from pagan Mythology and that it mix the real world with fantasy (Like the concept of good vs evil is almost the same concept as a biblical point of view… This is a concept that is very different than what you would see in Games of thrones or The Witcher (book or games) where morality because more ambigious and on a grey/blurry line…
Great article! Galadriel’s words to Frodo are very interesting and, more importantly, they really stand out. The fact that she seems confused is very intriguing and indicate that she does not seem to get how Hobbits (and most humans as well I think) perceive the supernatural or things outside of what is tangible. It’s a way of saying “I don’t know what you mean” and really saying “you don’t understand what this is.” It means that Tolkien need not really explain it but simply state the Hobbits’ misunderstanding of it; pure subtle genius. Tolkein was a master of ambiguity like this and it’s one of the things that make his works so re-readable. While this article is about magic, I am going to take the opportunity to prattle on about Elves a bit. Elves are the original people, although not as old as Dwarves but for completely unrelated reasons. They are clearly the divine of all peoples and the people closest in nature to the dieties of Tolkien’s world. Also, the key leaders of the Elves are mostly leftovers from the ancient world. Most notably, we’re talking about Galadriel, Elrond (half-Elven but chose the path of the Elves unlike his brother Elros), and even Cirdan. The latter of these is interesting. We never really meet him directly but it’s Cirdan who mans the port that serves as the gateway to the West as well as the guy who bequeathed the Ring of Fire to Gandalf. Think about it and imagine meeting Solomon or some other character of our ancient world. To these ancient Elves–and we’re really never too sure how many there really are–magic seems to be a part of their nature.
While I do agree with you about magic users, I think Tolkien could have done a better job explaining the magic of items in his stories. As it is, we’re just supposed to accept that the Silmarils are extremely desirous to everyone because they’re beautiful and ‘powerful’ in some unknown way (yes, they have the magic of the Two Trees, but what does that actually mean?), and you have to really go digging to find out why the Ring was so dangerous when all we ever saw was that it turned people invisible and made people really want it for some reason. The fact that we could never understand why characters would want these so much, other than “magic,” makes it really hard to emphasize with them and understand what Frodo went through, why Boromir betrayed the fellowship, why there was so much fighting over the Silmarils, and so on. Sorry, this is a bit of a sore spot for me.