Posted: November 03, 1999 at 14:50:09: by Dave C-Q
: : All through The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, Gandalf seems to have only a limited inventory of magical powers (at least compared to e.g. Merlin).In The Hobbit Gandalf continuously ensures us that he has the best fireworks ever, but what else? However, I have the distinct impression that he is capable of more than he actually performs. What do you think?: Magic is a term used a bit too much in my opinion. Tolkien used it sparingly and a bit of insight into his view is given by Galadriel. She asks Sam if he wants to see some of what "he" considered to be Elvish "magic". The point being that evidently the Elves did not consider their powers to be magical any more than Jews or Christians view Moses or Christ as magicians. [snip] Good point. But I've always thought of it this way: that Elvish powers appear "magical" to mortals in the same way that sight seems to someone who has been blind since birth; or even the abilities of a fine painter appears to someone like me (who doesn't have a single artistic bone in his body). "Magic" in Tolkien always seems synonymous with "skill." (Remember the reference to the dwarvish toys for Bilbo's birthday party - "some were obviously magical" - is that statement supposed to be taken literally, or merely as a wry comment on the narrow scope of Hobbit skills and understanding (and on their certainty in their opinions)?) Dave C-Q
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