/lit/ - Literature

>>21723242
Gandalf is a Maia, and all Maiar can sing, that much we know. All the power in this world comes from Eru the creator, who chanted the world into existence. Singing basically gives you the ability to create abstract and material concepts alike; conceptualize fire, air, war, death, sleep, hills, caves etc. (i think even the rings were enchanted by songs after forging). The question becomes tricky when you ask how 'powerful' the extent of Gandalf's voice is, as Tolkien's definition of 'power' is very vague and is more concerning of the influence you have over the land, the people and the artifacts (and Gandalf is extremely powerful in this regard) than it is of the raw, physical, destructive 'magic' part. We've seen Gandalf shout away a snowstorm and light fireworks without anything, and Saruman (also Maia) influence people by his voice alone so take that as you will. He definitely can use magic in some conceivable way. You can only sing to create and not destroy so you cannot use magic to let's say blow someone or something up, but instead you have to sing a concept (like fire) to reality in order to harm something else. idk if Gandalf is powerful enough to this extent or only Eru and the Valar posses such capabilities.

Tldr: He can use magic, just an extreme metaphysical fuckery version of magic.