Spells and Magic

[Thingol]

I was doing some more research on this, looking through the letters and found these 2 quotes:

"...Anyway, a difference in the use of `magic' in this story is that it is not to be come by `lore' or spells; but is in an inherent power not possessed by Men as such. Aragorn's healing' might be regarded as `magical', or at least a blend of magic with pharmacy and hypnotic processes. But it is (in theory) reported by hobbits who have very little notions of philosophy and science; while Aragorn is not a pure Man, but at long remove one of the children of Luthien."

The Letters Of Tolkien, Letter #155

Also from the Letters Of Tolkien:

"The particular branch of the High-Elves concerned, the Noldor or Loremasters, were always on the side of `science and technology', as we should call it: they wanted to have the knowledge that Sauron genuinely had... The particluar `desire' of the Eregion Elves - an `allegory' if you like of a love of machinery, and technical devices - is also symbolized by their special friendship with the Dwarves of Moria."

The Letters of Tolkien, Letter #153

Tolkien seems to referr to magic as an Inherent ability of the Elves. Men, Dwarves, and even Orcs could produce machines, weapons, armour, doors, runes, and other objects that seemed to be "magical" through the use of lore. However, that still does not explain Gandalf's original statement:

"I once knew every spell in all the tongues of Elves, Men, and Orcs, that was ever used for such a purpose."

The spells that are being referred to are not objects that are made, they are words used to open a door.

[ January 10, 2002: Message edited by: Thingol ]