Quote:
Originally Posted by Inziladun
Then again, Númenor was said to have had advanced knowledge of medicine, so it's not inconceivable that some of that survived to the Third Age with the Northern Dúnedain and the Gondorians.
Aragorn's "kingly" ability would seem to have been derived from lineage of both Elves and Melian the Maia.
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Some of the ancient lore of Numenor did survive in late 3rd Age Gondor, "all lore was in these latter days fallen from the fullness of old, the leechcraft of Gondor was still wise, and skilled in the healing of wound and hurt, and all such sickness as east of the sea mortal men were subject to." [RotK, p. 149] It is clear that they did lose knowledge as it was shown as regards the use of kingsfoil, although there seems to have been some lore held in the old-wives tales. It is interesting that they would have so much knowledge on healing, however, when early on in Numenor, "they knew no sickness, ere the shadow fell upon them" [Sil., p.321].
Mention is made of Aragorn's healing prowess in one of the letters, "Aragorn's 'healing' might be regarded as 'magical', or at least a blend of magic with pharmacy and 'hypnotic' processes... A. is not a pure 'Man', but at long remove one of the 'children of Luthien'" [Letter 181] Magic is inherent and is used for immediacy [thought -> action -> result].
Faramir does discuss with one of the Hobbits about the process of the High Men becoming Middle Men which includes a loss of lore, and/or better technology/skills.
"if the Rohirrim are GROWN in some ways more LIKE to US, ENHANCED in ARTS and GENTLENESS, we too have become more like to them" [TTT, p. 339]
Faramir, like Denethor and Aragorn does have inherent abilities being High Men, that could possibly seem magical and be an inheritance from Elves. Although I would say being Numenorean, even a pure one at that, does not necessarily mean descent from Elves. This it would seem would be something that is mostly in the king's house. So it would rather seem a gift given to the High Men as a whole, rather than an inheritance from Elves. The Stewards house is related to the King's house so I'm sure they too share Elvish descent. To the Hobbits, Sam and Pippen, Faramir and Denethor appeared like wizards, like Gandalf, so there may be something there regarding a "magic" about the High Men.
There does appear to be lore in the Steward's house that many can't read or even look to.