Magic: Difference between revisions
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'''Magic''' was a term used by the [[Hobbits]] to describe processes and abilities of objects which could not be explained out of their limited lore and knowledge. | '''Magic''' was a term used by the [[Hobbits]] to describe processes and abilities of objects which could not be explained out of their limited lore and knowledge. | ||
{{quote|For this is what your folk would call magic. I believe; though I do not understand clearly what they mean; and they seem also to use the same word of the deceits of the Enemy|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]], [[The Mirror of Galadriel]] | {{quote|For this is what your folk would call magic. I believe; though I do not understand clearly what they mean; and they seem also to use the same word of the deceits of the Enemy|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', [[The Mirror of Galadriel]]}} | ||
The effects which could be described magical, were of different natures. | The effects which could be described magical, were of different natures. | ||
==Divine magic== | ==Divine magic== | ||
The [[Maiar]] as supernatural beings could alter the world in terms according to their nature. [[Sauron]] being a Maia used his powers to manipulate his slaves and objects. Some of them he taught to the [[Elves]] who created the [[Rings of Power]], as well as his slaves, the [[Black Númenóreans]] and the Kings who became [[Nazgûl]], who used this lore as | The [[Maiar]] as supernatural beings could alter the world in terms according to their nature. [[Sauron]] being a Maia used his powers to manipulate his slaves and objects. Some of them he taught to the [[Elves]] who created the [[Rings of Power]], as well as his slaves, the [[Black Númenóreans]] and the Kings who became [[Nazgûl]], who used this lore as "sorcery". | ||
Similar magic was the one used by the [[Istari]], the Maiar who came to [[Middle-earth]] to help the [[Free | Similar magic was the one used by the [[Istari]], the Maiar who came to [[Middle-earth]] to help the [[Free Peoples]] against Sauron. The nature of the Istari was not known to all, and they were known as wise old men. They were called [[Wizards]]. | ||
==Elven magic== | ==Elven magic== | ||
The Elves were not supernatural beings and although knew the powers of the [[Ainur]], they did not seem to comprehend the concept of | The Elves were not supernatural beings and although knew the powers of the [[Ainur]], they did not seem to comprehend the concept of "magic". The Elves were taught arts and crafts by the [[Valar]] in [[Valinor]] and could put dedication and love in every thing they wrought. Due to their immortality, Elven smiths could reach high levels of experience in craft and lore. | ||
As mentioned, the Rings of Power were such | As mentioned, the Rings of Power were such "magical" objects that would seem supernatural to the regular people; they gave powers of manipulation of the word and invisibility. Other Elven artifacts were the [[Palantíri]] or the [[Lamps of the Noldor]], as well as the [[Mirror of Galadriel]]. Some simpler artifacts were the river-boats of the [[Galadhrim]] and the elven ropes, which seemd to have will on their own. | ||
[[Category:Concepts]] | |||
Revision as of 13:29, 2 August 2008
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This article or section is a stub. Please help Tolkien Gateway by expanding it. |
Magic was a term used by the Hobbits to describe processes and abilities of objects which could not be explained out of their limited lore and knowledge.
- "For this is what your folk would call magic. I believe; though I do not understand clearly what they mean; and they seem also to use the same word of the deceits of the Enemy"
- ― The Fellowship of the Ring, The Mirror of Galadriel
The effects which could be described magical, were of different natures.
Divine magic
The Maiar as supernatural beings could alter the world in terms according to their nature. Sauron being a Maia used his powers to manipulate his slaves and objects. Some of them he taught to the Elves who created the Rings of Power, as well as his slaves, the Black Númenóreans and the Kings who became Nazgûl, who used this lore as "sorcery".
Similar magic was the one used by the Istari, the Maiar who came to Middle-earth to help the Free Peoples against Sauron. The nature of the Istari was not known to all, and they were known as wise old men. They were called Wizards.
Elven magic
The Elves were not supernatural beings and although knew the powers of the Ainur, they did not seem to comprehend the concept of "magic". The Elves were taught arts and crafts by the Valar in Valinor and could put dedication and love in every thing they wrought. Due to their immortality, Elven smiths could reach high levels of experience in craft and lore.
As mentioned, the Rings of Power were such "magical" objects that would seem supernatural to the regular people; they gave powers of manipulation of the word and invisibility. Other Elven artifacts were the Palantíri or the Lamps of the Noldor, as well as the Mirror of Galadriel. Some simpler artifacts were the river-boats of the Galadhrim and the elven ropes, which seemd to have will on their own.
