Magic vs. Power
Maiar, Valar, Eldar. All posess different forms of superhuman nonphysical strength. Very rarely is it seen that any of them should speak any words of power or spell type phrases. Also, each race (Ainur and Eldar) have complete histories and logical reasons for their power, dating back to before the dawn of time in Middle-Earth. Some may call their power magic, but I disagree, because traditional magic is much more unexplained than the sort of power displayed in figures like the Valar, and much more complex than Galadriel's ability to gaze through her mirror. What does everyone think is the difference, and how might this reflect onto other fields in Tolkienology?
Iarwain
[ March 11, 2003: Message edited by: Iarwain ]
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