[davem]

Originally Posted by Fordim

My sense of magic in Middle-Earth is that it is a concept that exists in the attribution rather than in the performance. That is, there are certain phenomena in M-E that to many of the peoples in it are inexplicable or wondrous, and so they call it magic.

Ok; but is there a 'system' of magic in Middle earth? In other words, did Tolkien have a clear idea of how the magical objects worked, or did he simply make up each individual object, with its own rules of working, & just throw them into the story?

In other words, would it be possible to learn the theory behind Middle earth's magical system, or would that be impossible, because it has no 'structure', system of correspondences, magic words, rituals, etc, which together would form a coherent magico-mystical system?

To move on - take Turin's sword & helm. The sword speaks to him at the the end, judging his deeds, & condemning his actions. Is this a 'projection' on Turin's part - is he 'hearing' the voice of his own conscience 'speaking' to him from his sword? The alternative would seem to be that his sword can not only communicate audibly (just to him, or also to others?), but that it has the capacity for moral judgements. By asking it if it will slay him swiftly he also seems to be conceeding that it could choose not to, that it has the power to take his life or not - it will decide whether it will slay him or not - yet if it has the power of life or death over its victim, how can it place all the blame for the death of Beleg on Turin?

But if we go for the second option - the voice/power of life & death is merely a projection of Turin's own subconscious, then how do we account for the power of the Dragon Helm, which Tolkien states has definite innate powers - it will protect its wearer from wounds & death & has the power to intimidate his foes?

What power can infuse a self-conscious, ethical mind in a sword, & give a helmet the power to project a kind of 'force-field' around its wearer? And are this the same power which operates in Lembas, Silmarilli, & elven swords?

In other words, could we write a grimoire on the Complete Middle earth system of Magic, or are we just dealing with the old deus ex machina in various manifestations?