World Mythologies found in Tolkien

[Boromir88]

There is an interesting thread that deals with about anything you need to know about European Myths. Beowulf, Anglo-Saxon, Arthurian legends, Baltic myths...etc. (Oops I just realize Lalwende has already posted that, lol, good job, Lal, got to it before me ).

Anyway, what I wanted to focus on was a Baltic Legend, called, "Battle of the Wizards."
http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/bw/bw05.htm

That is the link to view the story in whole.

Basically it deals with a "Great Wizard," and a "Wicked Wizard," who duke it out in a classic Wizard battle. The part I wanted to focus on was....

Then the Wicked Schlipme stood up, and by his Black Art grew and grew, taller and taller, to great stature

And he (The Great Wizard Nischergurgje) muttered a Spell, and he, too, grew and grew, taller and taller and yet taller

Then they changed themselves into dreadful Storm Clouds. They rushed upon each other. They closed in fierce combat. A mighty roaring was heard. The sky was black.

These "spells" these two wizards cast are ones that Gandalf seems to use.

Gandalf's eyes flashed. "It will be my turn to get angry soon," he said. "If you say that again, I shall. Then you will see Gandalf the Grey uncloaked." He took a step towards the hobbit, and he seemed to grow tall and menacing' his shadow filled the little room.

He raised his staff. There was a roll of thunder. The sunlight was blotted out from the eastern windows; the whole hall became suddenly dark as night. The fire faded to sullen embers. Only Gandalf could be seen, standing white and tall before the blackened hearth.