Quote:
Originally Posted by Huinesoron
But can it really be a coincidence that Tolkien wrote their magic as so similar to each other?
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Yes, in that I don't think there's any particular connection between the two, but no in that I think the reason they are similar is because that's how "magic" often works in Arda. As you point out, being able to know things despite distance in time and/or space is a common trait insofar as mystical abilities are concerned, not just for Bombadil and Tinuviel. Power expressed through song is likewise a common motif. Besides the fact that the universe itself was created through song, we see (for example) that Felagund "strove with Sauron in songs of power" while imprisoned on Tol-in-Gaurhoth (TS, Of Beren and Lúthien), in LOTR Gandalf "softly sang" just before unveiling himself with magical theatrics like rolling thunder and blotting out the sunlight (
TTT, III 6), and Sam invoked the powers of the Phial of Galadriel by singing a portion of
A Elbereth Gilthoniel, the words of which came to him despite not knowing Sindarin (
TTT, IV 10).
That's my take, anyway.
