Science AND Faith in Middle-earth

[HerenIstarion]

Is there magic out there?


This thread certainly smells like to C-thread, you know?

Let us have a nomenclature defined, than:

What do you call magic, in the first place? If you follow etymology (useful thing, I always say), it is Middle English magique, from Middle French, from Latin magice, from Greek magikE, feminine of magikos Magian, magical, from magos magus, sorcerer, of Iranian origin; akin to Old Persian magus sorcerer

Now old Persian Magus is paralleled in my own Georgian by mogvi, which is usually meant to term the Three Wise Men (yes, the same to come to see new-born Christ, them) – or, sighted people, or wise men. Malbeth the Seer is a better candidate for such a role than anyone esle

But the meanings modern society associates with word magic are:

1. a.: The use of means (as charms or spells) believed to have supernatural power over natural forces b : magic rites or incantations
2 a : an extraordinary power or influence seemingly from a supernatural source b : something that seems to cast a spell

Now, if we use these definitions, there is indeed no magic in ME. All abilities anybody displays are natural to them. Unnatural (mark you, ‘un’, not ‘super’) abilities are displayed by Nazgul, who were turned into what they are by Sauron using, again, his own natural abilities.

And nature is neutral (up to a point, it is tainted by Morgoth, so the whole world is fallen). It can be used either way, more easily to the good, for so it was in the beginning, but to the bad too, for it was poisoned by Melkor.

And it is to be remembered that term ‘magic’ is used by ignorant characters like Sam (who may be is similar situation as I’m with my monitor) Claims to label abilities of the kind ‘magic’ are always turned down by more wise characters.

Now miracle is supernatural – i.e. coming from outside after the system was created and locked. It is supernatural, and natural at the same time – following the rules of Nature it is fitted into. Another clumsy analogue – miracle is a car joining the main race in the middle of the route, not from the start – once it is on the road, it fits in with other cars. But miracles I can remember of are only four I listed above.

Links that may be interesting

Evil Things (page 3)
Acceptance of Mythology
Magic in Middle-Earth