Music and Magic in Middle Earth - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Mithalwen · 10-17-2004, 01:35 PM

I don't think that this has been raised yet here, but I am sure that it is significant that Gandalf feels drained after speaking the word of command. It does suggests that it requires the use of innate power rather than spell craft or learnt power. It has the safe effect as a great physical exertion. Gandalf himself understands this only when he sees the Balrog. Since they are both in origin Maia, beings of Spirit clothed in bodies, it follows that their battle drains spirit energy.

This would also be a factor in the sparing use of this "Word of Command" magic - it literally takes too much out of them. Also it seems that this power can be channelled into objects - like the ring, and maybe to a lesser degree items such as the Phial. Though I find it hard too explain The Dragon helm unless it is the power of myth... this is because magic seems mainly associated with the Maia and Elves. The Maia are beings of spirit and with the elves as they age, the fea dominates the hroa. Elves pass on some of their own strength to their children so it is not inconceivable that they can transmit strength into things that they make..

Sorry rambling again..

Mithalwen · 10-17-2004, 01:43 PM

Splendid quote Boromir and while it no longer worked on Theoden it eventually worked on Treebeard. I do think that Theoden's "we will have peace" is so dramatic..... thinking about it this is a very skilfully handled scene. The main focus is on Saruman but he sets up the next piece of drama - the palantir,(another knotty problem in the "technology or magic" debate). I like to think of them as Elvish precursors of the internet

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10-17-2004, 01:35 PM	#1
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,461	Re word of command I don't think that this has been raised yet here, but I am sure that it is significant that Gandalf feels drained after speaking the word of command. It does suggests that it requires the use of innate power rather than spell craft or learnt power. It has the safe effect as a great physical exertion. Gandalf himself understands this only when he sees the Balrog. Since they are both in origin Maia, beings of Spirit clothed in bodies, it follows that their battle drains spirit energy. This would also be a factor in the sparing use of this "Word of Command" magic - it literally takes too much out of them. Also it seems that this power can be channelled into objects - like the ring, and maybe to a lesser degree items such as the Phial. Though I find it hard too explain The Dragon helm unless it is the power of myth... this is because magic seems mainly associated with the Maia and Elves. The Maia are beings of spirit and with the elves as they age, the fea dominates the hroa. Elves pass on some of their own strength to their children so it is not inconceivable that they can transmit strength into things that they make.. Sorry rambling again.. __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace

10-17-2004, 01:43 PM	#2
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,461	Splendid quote Boromir and while it no longer worked on Theoden it eventually worked on Treebeard. I do think that Theoden's "we will have peace" is so dramatic..... thinking about it this is a very skilfully handled scene. The main focus is on Saruman but he sets up the next piece of drama - the palantir,(another knotty problem in the "technology or magic" debate). I like to think of them as Elvish precursors of the internet . __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace