Ancient Magic (was Re: something else from the graveyard)

[Jim Ferer]

No: HPFGUIDX 10560

--- In HPforGrownups at egroups.com, allisondek at y... wrote:
> Greetings
> 
> I've read that JK Rowling is familiar with the Narnia books.
> Is any connection between the "ancient magic" that protects Harry 
> while he is with his relations, and the "deep magic from the dawn of 
> Time" and, I believe, "deeper magic from before the dawn of Time" 
> that are found in "the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe"?  
> 
> Allison

The "old magic" concept runs all through fantasy literature, from 
Narnia to the Lord of the Rings right through LeGuin and Arthurian 
legend, where Merlin represents the old ways of the Druids.  Old magic 
is like an element compared to a creation of science, something that 
exists without being shaped by man.  In Harry, the love of a mother 
for her child is so fundamental there is no spell for it, no 
incantation, and no need for a wand.  It just *is*, and always was, 
long before wizards devised spells.  In LOTR, Gandalf faces the 
ancient evil of the Balrog, creature of Morgoth, older than Sauron; 
and in LeGuin's Wizard of Earthsea Ged faces the old magic that holds 
a young priestess.