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Hookbill the Goomba · 03-12-2009, 05:16 PM

I a couple of threads (namely this one and this one) it has been noted that military advancement in Middle Earth isn't particually evident. Indeed, this seems to be a common thread in fantasy and myth.

Tolkien's world is steeped in myths and legends, especially Norse. In the worlds of these tales we rarely see technological advancement, but rather the seeking of enchantment. How many legends have the hero seeking a magic sword or jewel? A fair few. Even Caliburn and Excalibur from Arthurian myth have certain magical properties. The sword Tyrfing (or Tirfing?) from Norse is another.

Now look at modern fantasy. Indeed, this is what brought the thought to mind. In George R R Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire the greatest swords are 'Velerian Steel' which are forged with magic. Moreover, dragons, horns, and words are valued more if they are more magical and, in most cases, therefore older. In Michael Moorcock's Elric series, the hero bears the black sword (

) Stormbringer; another magical / possessed sword.

There are many more.

In Middle Earth we have Elvish blades, or better yet, ones forged in Valinor, are prised higher than things made much later. Indeed, Middle Earth seems to be on a downward slope when it comes to weapons development. Mordor opts for the quickly reproduced stuff to arm its legions. The elves are diminishing and only have time, it seems, to reforge Anduril.

Indeed, this old sword inspires more hope than any new one. But why? Is it the magical properties (which, in Middle Earth, seem to stretch only a little beyond glowing action) or is it something more?

To my mind, the old, enchanted swords have stories attached to them; famous hands wielded them, great deeds were done with them. It is the stories that inspire men more than the fact that it is an enchanted blade. I think this is why Tolkien does not go to great lengths to describe what magical properties elvish weapons may or may not have. Beyong glowing.

Gandalf prises Glamdring because it is from Gondolin, and the whole story that goes with it. Frodo prises Sting because Bilbo gave it to him and the stories of his adventures go with it.

But enchantment is not always a good thing. The Ring, for example, is magic and very bad. Very bad indeed. Not the metal itself, but what went into it, perhaps. The Nazgul have been enchanted, in a way, so that they are no longer living or dead. They are also very bad indeed.

Thinking about this caused me to wonder what point the enchantment or magic plays. Is it just for that shiver of wonder that the idea of magic encourages? Perhaps the magic almost represents the past, the stories and the people who were (and are) important to those in the story now? Without the memory of Sauron's fall and the fact that Isildur bore it, would Narsil be just another elvish blade?

What do you think?

03-12-2009, 05:16 PM	#1
Hookbill the Goomba Alive without breath Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: On A Cold Wind To Valhalla Posts: 5,912	Enchantment or advancement. I a couple of threads (namely this one and this one) it has been noted that military advancement in Middle Earth isn't particually evident. Indeed, this seems to be a common thread in fantasy and myth. Tolkien's world is steeped in myths and legends, especially Norse. In the worlds of these tales we rarely see technological advancement, but rather the seeking of enchantment. How many legends have the hero seeking a magic sword or jewel? A fair few. Even Caliburn and Excalibur from Arthurian myth have certain magical properties. The sword Tyrfing (or Tirfing?) from Norse is another. Now look at modern fantasy. Indeed, this is what brought the thought to mind. In George R R Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire the greatest swords are 'Velerian Steel' which are forged with magic. Moreover, dragons, horns, and words are valued more if they are more magical and, in most cases, therefore older. In Michael Moorcock's Elric series, the hero bears the black sword ( ) Stormbringer; another magical / possessed sword. There are many more. In Middle Earth we have Elvish blades, or better yet, ones forged in Valinor, are prised higher than things made much later. Indeed, Middle Earth seems to be on a downward slope when it comes to weapons development. Mordor opts for the quickly reproduced stuff to arm its legions. The elves are diminishing and only have time, it seems, to reforge Anduril. Indeed, this old sword inspires more hope than any new one. But why? Is it the magical properties (which, in Middle Earth, seem to stretch only a little beyond glowing action) or is it something more? To my mind, the old, enchanted swords have stories attached to them; famous hands wielded them, great deeds were done with them. It is the stories that inspire men more than the fact that it is an enchanted blade. I think this is why Tolkien does not go to great lengths to describe what magical properties elvish weapons may or may not have. Beyong glowing. Gandalf prises Glamdring because it is from Gondolin, and the whole story that goes with it. Frodo prises Sting because Bilbo gave it to him and the stories of his adventures go with it. But enchantment is not always a good thing. The Ring, for example, is magic and very bad. Very bad indeed. Not the metal itself, but what went into it, perhaps. The Nazgul have been enchanted, in a way, so that they are no longer living or dead. They are also very bad indeed. Thinking about this caused me to wonder what point the enchantment or magic plays. Is it just for that shiver of wonder that the idea of magic encourages? Perhaps the magic almost represents the past, the stories and the people who were (and are) important to those in the story now? Without the memory of Sauron's fall and the fact that Isildur bore it, would Narsil be just another elvish blade? What do you think? __________________ I think that if you want facts, then The Downer Newspaper is probably the place to go. I know! I read it once. THE PHANTOM AND ALIEN: The Legend of the Golden Bus Ticket...