Tolkien’s Wizards vs. Later Legends: An Analysis
When analyzing J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings and his wider works, one question often arises: how do the wizards of the Third Age, like Gandalf, Saruman, and Radagast, differ from the wizards and sorcerers of later ages, particularly figures like Merlin?
1. The Wizards of the Third Age: The Istari
In his writings, especially in The Istari, Tolkien introduces a distinct mythological framework for his wizards. The Istari, also known as the Wizards, are Maiar—spiritual beings sent by the Valar to Middle-earth with a specific mission to aid the Free Peoples in their struggle against Sauron. Their primary role is to guide and support rather than directly intervene or use powerful magic for personal gain.
Each of the Istari has a unique role and set of limitations. Gandalf, for instance, becomes the leader of the Wizards, known for his wisdom, foresight, and courage. Saruman, on the other hand, tries to use his knowledge for personal power, leading to his downfall and corruption.
2. Merlin and Folklore Wizards
Merlin, the legendary figure from British folklore and Arthurian legend, is a powerful sorcerer with diverse magical abilities. Unlike the Istari, he is not a spiritual being but a human figure deeply rooted in a different narrative framework that emphasizes individual heroism and personal power.
Merlin’s magical prowess and wisdom are often associated with wisdom and magic, qualities that Tolkien also uses as the basis for the word “wizard” in the context of the Istari. However, Merlin operates in a different cultural and historical context, and his role is more akin to that of a magical mentor rather than a supernatural being.
3. Later Legends and Folklore Wizards
The 'wizards' of later ages, such as those found in Norse, Finnish, Celtic, and Germanic folklore, are indeed human figures with magical abilities. They often serve as scholars, priests, or guardians of wisdom and magic, much like the Istari. These figures, like Odin in Norse mythology, possess supernatural powers and are often depicted as wanderers or seekers of knowledge.
Odin, the Norse god, is often described as a wanderer who travels in the guise of an old man with a staff, a single eye, and often with ravens and wolves as companions. This form of the wanderer is symbolic of the seeker of wisdom and knowledge, much like the Istari.
4. Are Later Legends an Extension of Tolkien’s Universe?
It is important to recognize that Tolkien’s wizards and the legends of later ages are distinct entities. Tolkien’s wizards, the Istari, are from a unique mythological framework and are not directly correlated with later interpretations of wizards or sorcerers. Figures like Merlin exist in a different narrative and cultural context.
Similarly, the later legends and folklore wizards, although they possess magical abilities and wisdom, are not part of Tolkien’s universe. They are the result of different cultural and historical influences, and their stories are not directly connected to Tolkien’s legendarium. The inclusion of such figures in a Tolkien-inspired universe, like in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter, is an act of fiction writing and creative interpretation, not an extension of Tolkien’s original work.
5. Tolkien’s Views on Magic
Tolkien had a predominantly negative view of magic in his works. He saw it as a thing of cults and deception, rooted in Satanic beliefs. However, this perspective was influenced by his religious beliefs and not an intrinsic quality of magic itself. Many modern religions and practices, including Neopagan witchcraft, do not share this view and have the right to define their own beliefs regarding magic.
In conclusion, while figures like Merlin and the later wizards share some qualities with Tolkien’s Istari, such as wisdom and magical abilities, they operate within distinct narrative and cultural contexts. Tolkien’s wizards serve a specific purpose in his grand narrative of Middle-earth, acting as guides and mentors rather than traditional spellcasters. Their inclusion in an author’s fictional universe is an act of creative writing and not an extension of Tolkien’s original work.
Keywords: Tolkien's Wizards, Later Legends, Merlin, Istari