Magic by Melkor, No Returns Accepted - Page 9
© Michael Martinez
The infusion of a divine element into the "magic" of Middle-earth thus raises a question of applicability. Is the word being used too much? But there Tolkien expressed regret at using the word at all, which described both the sub-creational works of the Elves and "the deceits of the Enemy". Although he defined two aspects of magic, magia (physical effects) and goiteia (effects on the mind or spirit), he insisted that either type could be good or bad depending on the motive of the user, and that both the good actors (Elves, Valar) and bad actors (Melkor, Sauron) used both kinds of magic. And yet all "magic" or power ultimately came from the will or thought of Iluvatar, who created the beings which practiced magic. So if the power of Melkor, or Ulmo, is the product of Iluvatar's thought, does it differ in nature from Iluvatar's own direct interventions?
In one respect, Melkor's power was his own: given to him irrevocably by Iluvatar. Only Iluvatar or Melkor could alter his natural strength. Other beings, like Manwe and Namo, might be able to capture and execute Melkor, and thus weaken him as a result of his being forceably evicted from his physical incarnation. But such eviction was the result of the physical laws of Creation. That is, Iluvatar made the rules by which even Melkor had to abide. He couldn't just refuse to be killed. His physical incarnation was subject to the consequences of physicality. Hence, there was a very real, if minimal, chance that Fingolfin could have slain Melkor. And that is why Gil-galad and Elendil (or Isildur, as some hold) were able to slay Sauron. Sauron died in Numenor but the destruction of Numenor was achieved by Iluvatar. Sauron's death on the slopes of Orodruin was achieved by a being or beings of far less power and stature than Manwe.
The divine aspect of "magic" is therefore identifiable with the laws of nature. That is, the will of Iluvatar cannot be distinguished from an aspect of itself or its creation. If Creation must behave in a certain fashion, and Creation is itself achieved by Iluvatar's power, then all things within Creation are by extension exhibiting Iluvatar's power, though portions of that power have been given irrevocably to them.
There may, therefore, be an aspect of Arda (and all the Halls of Ea, Creation) which is very like the Morgoth-element, though more pure and more consistent: an Iluvatar-element. Not usable for the purposes of conducting "magic", perhaps, but irrevocably imprinted with his will. Things exist because Iluvatar says they should, and they work according to the Laws of Creation which he defined. Hence, all the power of the Ainur and the Elves and the Dwarves, whether they retain it or infuse other items with it, must exist and function according to Iluvatar's natural laws. And Iluvatar himself would thus not need to contravene his own natural laws in order to achieve his will within the world. The world will achieve his will for him because the laws of nature stem from his will.
Go To Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
The copyright of the article Magic by Melkor, No Returns Accepted - Page 9 in J.R.R. Tolkien is owned by Michael Martinez. Permission to republish Magic by Melkor, No Returns Accepted - Page 9 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
