Magic by Melkor, No Returns Accepted - Page 6
© Michael Martinez
The fear some of the Rohirrim express, wondering if Aragorn and his companions may be Elvish wights when he takes the Paths of the Dead, may also be grounded in a suspicion that perhaps they have been possessed by Elven spirits. The speculation implies that the Rohirirm have had experience with men who have been possessed by Elven spirits, or perhaps have heard enough tales of such men to believe they are true. At the very least we know that Tolkien wasn't completely back-tracking when he wrote the essay on death and the severance of spirit and body. He was filling in some of the gaps for the framework already established by The Lord of the Rings.
And thus we can safely deduce that, in the world of Aragorn and his companions, there were or had been men who had foolishly attempted to become powerful through unnatural means. Perhaps envious of, or inspired by, the Istari and the Elves, who possessed such abilities naturally, men were drawn toward the darkness. And the apparent increase in strength and sophistication of the enemies of Arnor and Gondor may also show that men were succumbing to the temptation to seek out alliances with malevolent spirits, though they might not have thought they were doing so.
Which brings us back to how men could begin such experimentation. Even Sauron would need a first volunteer to succeed with. Did he discover that men were already toying with the notion when he first took shape again? Had he perhaps sown the seeds of such practices in the Second Age? If so, the ancient lore might have receded into the distant east but would not have been completely lost. Perhaps the Nazgul kept alive the knowledge in anticipation of Sauron's eventual return. And men seeking power might seek for objects of power. Gold would be valuable, but gold worked by Elves and Dwarves would be more magical than whatever Men could gain for themselves.
Hence, would-be sorcerors might strike up trade bargains with Elves and Dwarves if they had wealth and resources the Elves and Dwarves desired. Otherwise, Men would prey upon Elves and Dwarves in the hope of gaining treasures. The animosity and estrangement which developed between Men and the other races in the Third Age might have many causes, but Tolkien notes that the Dwarves were often plundered by Men, probably more so than by dragons. And so generation upon generation of sorcerors and students of necromancy would fight and haggle over precious artifacts and gems, valuing them not for their beauty but for their enchantment.
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