MAGIC IN LORD OF THE RINGSBy Austin Williamson

(The Tall Guy)

Gandalf’s Magic Powerful wizard, or Istar. Lived for 2000 years in Middle-Earth Resurrected as Gandalf The White Does not use magic to aid himself often,

usually only in threatening situations. Fought Balrog to the death

The One Ring Most Powerful Magical Item In Middle

Earth Created by the Dark Lord Sauron Changes power and temptation based

on holder Corrupts the will of those that hold it Can make user invisible, just as a

secondary power

The Balrog(s) Maiar who rebelled with Melkor, after

Sauron the mightiest and most terrible of his servants.

Breaks Gandalfs spell with a more powerful counter spell

Can Summon Flaming Weapons.

Cannot be harmed with normal weapons

Creation of Middle-Earth Created through Monotheistic means,

similar to Tolkien's own religion The Godhead of middle earth is known

as Eru Illuvatar Created Middle-Earth with help of

angelic beings Valar and Maiar

Power Structure of Rings Humans get 9 magic rings because they

lack any magical abilities Dwarves had 7 because of there

magical metal working abilities Elves given only 3 rings because of their

strong magical abilities and immortal life spans

Good & Evil Magic? According to Tolkien’s Letters, there is

no ‘good’ or ‘evil’ magic, just people using it (Letters 155)

The One Ring may contradict this due to its corruptive nature, but the One Ring has a will of its own, left over from the Dark Lord Sauron.

Magic used to control seen as evil

Machine vs. Magic Hobbits’ ‘disappearing’ ability

Other Forms of Magic? Kingship as magic With Tolkien’s like of monarchy, it makes

sense he would make Kings have a special power of some sort

King’s in Lord of the Rings have either a special ability or item given by their birthright

Sam being empowered by his bond with Frodo when he believes Frodo’s life is in danger

Likely explanation at the time, given how in Tolkien's time modern science didn’t fully know how the human body could perform feats not normally possible in average circumstances

(Yes it was for the jokes)

Magic Sustains Middle-Earth The Council of Elrond hints at it when

saying the destruction of The One Ring could cause magic to leave and cause the death and decay of Middle-Earth

Magic Cannot Go Against ‘Nature’ Hinted at when Legolas says “’If Gandalf

would go before us with a bright flame, he might melt a path for you’” And Gandalf answered “’If Elves could fly over mountains, they might fetch the Sun to save us, But I must have something to work on. I cannot burn snow”

Magic as a Force in Middle-Earth In Middle-Earth magic exists separate

from the creatures within, but can be used by them

Some creatures are born with magic passively, like being able to speak with animals.

Magic in Tolkien’s Lore is Deep Underneath the plot of short people

throwing jewelry into a volcano, there is a vast amount of history and lore to Lord of the Rings

The End