It occurs to me suddenly that Middle Earth is not a high-magic world. Magic is important, but very loosely defined; key to the plot in the sense that the One Ring is obviously very powerful, but not in the sense that it's much used or even particularly necessary for the heroes to complete their task. Compared to other stories and other worlds where the comprehension and mastery of magic is vital to the main characters' success, Lord of the Rings has very little magic.
I have no doubt that this is deliberate. I have no idea what it means. But it does make me wonder whether we--that is, all of us fantasy authors trying to follow in Tolkien's footsteps (let's be honest)--are missing the point with magic.
On the one hand, magic is wonderful to have around. It's beautiful, and helps with the escapism aspect of fantasy. It helps us feel transported, gives us wonder and joy, creates amazing fantasy worlds. But on the other hand, that wasn't Tolkien's intent, and that must be for a reason. Maybe that reason was simply that before his writing, the modern "fantasy world" with its elaborate magic systems just wasn't a thing; it arose out of imitation, probably misguided, of his work. But why haven't we realized this? How much he seems to try to keep "magic" out of Middle Earth? Going against that feels like going against the master, missing the point somehow. And significantly.
But if we're missing the point, I don't know what the point is. And there isn't anything bad about writing other worlds where magic is strong and present, is there? If it contributes to the escapism, must that be a bad thing? I want to say that it doesn't have to be, as long as the author knows what the reason for their world's magic is from a literary standpoint. But does everything in writing have to have a reason? Can't the reason be something as simple as "because I like it"? Or does that leave the realm of what can be considered "art"? Do books have to be art? If they aren't, what's the point of writing them, and how can we tell whether they're well-written, good books, worth reading?
And, of course, it must be remembered that Tolkien didn't invent the concept of magic. If you're writing a book based off of, say, Arthurian legend, things are going to be different. If you want to incorporate old-world faeries into your works, you've got different source material, though it would do to keep in mind those stories' origins and intents as well--perhaps magic there was made up for the wonder of it, but probably (this coming from someone who's done zero research on the subject) it was just superstition, and believed to be real. Those saying "don't disturb that grove because bad things happen to those who do", in the context of old faerie stories, probably weren't trying to create wondrous legends of otherworldly creatures, but were simply explaining the reality they knew as best they could.
...is "magic" a new concept? The way we think of it, at least? Is it misguided?
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaagggghhhhh it's not even midnight this is way too early for a writing crisis...
Saturday, May 11, 2019
Friday, November 30, 2018
Sunday, April 24, 2016
The Strengths of Slytherin
Slytherins are evil. That is a fact of life to anyone who has read Harry Potter, and thus it can be incredibly disappointing when you take the Sorting quiz on Pottermore and discover that your House colors are green and silver. It can even cause you to go through a crisis as you try to figure out where you went wrong and why would this happen to me? After all, "There's not a single witch or wizard who went bad who wasn't in Slytherin." But let us think for a moment about what this really means...
The first things we hear about Slytherin in the series are negative. Voldemort having been one, Draco Malfoy aiming to end up there, and of course, Hagrid's ominous words. But no House is perfect, and Hagrid was a Gryffindor in his time, who was seriously and personally wronged by a Slytherin. It makes sense that he would view them as universally evil. However, when you step back and listen to the Sorting Hat from an unbiased perspective, it doesn't sound all that bad.
I can see why Slytherins have been the most likely to turn to evil. Often, their "ends" have been things that most humans long for, but are our worst desires: power and money, perhaps fame. But for a Slytherin whose goals in life are of a better, more moral nature, life is likely to go in a very good direction. Professor Slughorn's goals were selfish, but he led a comfortable life and helped many good witches and wizards on the way to fame and fortune. And let us not forget Severus Snape, who saved the world out of his love. Nothing could deter him from the job he had to do.
So what is it to be a Slytherin Serpent? Well, I think the best way to explain this is in an example of a situation that young Mr. Potter faced early in his days at Hogwarts: an enemy -- it does not matter who -- challenging one to a wizard duel.
A Gryffindor, as we know, will accept the challenge, despite the danger it poses. Their courage and honor will not allow them to back down, even if they know nothing about magic or dueling. To refuse the challenge is to admit defeat, not just in the duel, but in the constant battle waged against the challenger.
A Hufflepuff will see no shame in refusing to fight. They are loyal to their House and to Hogwarts, and don't want to break any school rules. They especially don't want to lose House points for something as stupid as dueling another student over a petty disagreement, and in fact will find it honorable to refuse, because they are putting their House's needs above their own.
A Ravenclaw will think carefully about the challenge. They will likely know what a wizard's duel is, and have at least some idea of how to go about doing it. They will also be fully aware that a midnight duel is against Hogwarts rules, which they won't want to break. Depending on the individual, they will accept the challenge, not get caught, and win, or they won't care enough about such petty things as dueling ability when they have studying and homework to do. Maybe they'll propose another kind of contest, such as a chess game or a competition in Transfiguration (e.g. whoever can turn their plate into a teapot with the most success wins).
A Slytherin will weigh their options. They won't want to get into trouble and risk losing House points or marring their reputation. They will know their strengths and weaknesses, and therefore be aware of weather or not they could pull off something like this. In the likely event that they can't, being a first-year and all, they'll find some other way of thwarting their opponent. Either they'll offer a different challenge outright, refuse with a cutting comeback, or agree and lay a trap for their challenger. What Mr. Malfoy did was very effective, and though it didn't work, it cost him nothing in the end. All he had to do was tip off Filch that someone might be sneaking around the trophy room at midnight, and sit back as Harry Potter almost got caught. It really was very clever, and had Malfoy not been already established as an antagonist, we (the readers) might have truly appreciated it.
Being a Slytherin is not about being evil. It does not mean that you are immoral, or have selfish goals, or are prejudiced. It means that you are able to achieve what goals you set, and that you're willing to start again from a different angle when something goes wrong. It means that you aren't bound by silly rules about honor when you know that you can't win on strength or skill alone. It means that you can ask for help when you need it, and know when it's time to back down for a moment and think of something more effective. It means that you're willing to do what you must to get what you need, or to do what has to be done. Whether you take ethics into account is entirely up to you -- but I'm sure I'm not the only Slytherin who realizes that to harm others is to harm yourself, and that soul-ripping is definitely real and Dumbledore was right.
I am a Slytherin, because I think outside the box. I know where I want to go in life, and I work hard to get there. When something happens that deters me momentarily, I find a way to work around it or use it to get to a better place than before. I know how and when to ask for help, and it doesn't hurt my pride to do so. I am an extremely moral and ethical person, and I try my best not to be hateful towards anyone or anything. I can also see the impracticality of charging head-on against someone like Voldemort or a Death Eater. If I were at Hogwarts during the year when Snape and the Carrows were in charge, I too would have refused to do the evil things required of students, but my rebellion would have been quieter.
I do not discredit the hope that people like Neville were able to give with their outright resistance, but I would have preferred to offer hope without getting myself hurt or killed. In fact, it's likely that I would have started anonymously putting out pieces of writing that spoke against what was going on, and how the hate that was being spread was as destructive to the haters as the hated. I'd have made it a priority in the magical world to learn healing arts, and I'd therefore be able to help those who got hurt at the hands of the Carrows both emotionally and physically. I'd offer support of a quieter kind.
I probably would have wound up hiding with the rest of the DA eventually, because I would be tracked down at some point. Of course I'd be part of Dumbledore's Army. I respect Dumbledore very much, and being a Slytherin doesn't change that.
So don't despair if you're a Serpent. It doesn't mean you have to be evil, or are any worse of a person. You're in good company, if Severus Snape is anything to go by...
Rowling, J. K., and Mary GrandPré. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. N.p.: n.p., n.d. Print.
The first things we hear about Slytherin in the series are negative. Voldemort having been one, Draco Malfoy aiming to end up there, and of course, Hagrid's ominous words. But no House is perfect, and Hagrid was a Gryffindor in his time, who was seriously and personally wronged by a Slytherin. It makes sense that he would view them as universally evil. However, when you step back and listen to the Sorting Hat from an unbiased perspective, it doesn't sound all that bad.
"Or perhaps in Slytherin
You'll make your real friends,
Those cunning folk use any means
To achieve their ends" (Rowling 118).There is no doubt that Salazar Slytherin was a nasty character, but that does not have to remain true for his House, centuries later. The traits that the Sorting Hat lists are cunning and resourcefulness, as well as determination. Those don't sound too bad, do they? It also implies that Slytherins keep the friends they make, and are very close to them. My real friendships have been close and long-lasting. It is not easy to drive Slytherins apart.
I can see why Slytherins have been the most likely to turn to evil. Often, their "ends" have been things that most humans long for, but are our worst desires: power and money, perhaps fame. But for a Slytherin whose goals in life are of a better, more moral nature, life is likely to go in a very good direction. Professor Slughorn's goals were selfish, but he led a comfortable life and helped many good witches and wizards on the way to fame and fortune. And let us not forget Severus Snape, who saved the world out of his love. Nothing could deter him from the job he had to do.
So what is it to be a Slytherin Serpent? Well, I think the best way to explain this is in an example of a situation that young Mr. Potter faced early in his days at Hogwarts: an enemy -- it does not matter who -- challenging one to a wizard duel.
"I'd take you anytime on my own," said Malfoy. "Tonight, if you want. Wizard's duel. Wands only -- no contact" (Rowling 153).I will explain what I think a student from each House would do here, based on the general qualities and qualifications for that House.
A Gryffindor, as we know, will accept the challenge, despite the danger it poses. Their courage and honor will not allow them to back down, even if they know nothing about magic or dueling. To refuse the challenge is to admit defeat, not just in the duel, but in the constant battle waged against the challenger.
A Hufflepuff will see no shame in refusing to fight. They are loyal to their House and to Hogwarts, and don't want to break any school rules. They especially don't want to lose House points for something as stupid as dueling another student over a petty disagreement, and in fact will find it honorable to refuse, because they are putting their House's needs above their own.
A Ravenclaw will think carefully about the challenge. They will likely know what a wizard's duel is, and have at least some idea of how to go about doing it. They will also be fully aware that a midnight duel is against Hogwarts rules, which they won't want to break. Depending on the individual, they will accept the challenge, not get caught, and win, or they won't care enough about such petty things as dueling ability when they have studying and homework to do. Maybe they'll propose another kind of contest, such as a chess game or a competition in Transfiguration (e.g. whoever can turn their plate into a teapot with the most success wins).
A Slytherin will weigh their options. They won't want to get into trouble and risk losing House points or marring their reputation. They will know their strengths and weaknesses, and therefore be aware of weather or not they could pull off something like this. In the likely event that they can't, being a first-year and all, they'll find some other way of thwarting their opponent. Either they'll offer a different challenge outright, refuse with a cutting comeback, or agree and lay a trap for their challenger. What Mr. Malfoy did was very effective, and though it didn't work, it cost him nothing in the end. All he had to do was tip off Filch that someone might be sneaking around the trophy room at midnight, and sit back as Harry Potter almost got caught. It really was very clever, and had Malfoy not been already established as an antagonist, we (the readers) might have truly appreciated it.
Being a Slytherin is not about being evil. It does not mean that you are immoral, or have selfish goals, or are prejudiced. It means that you are able to achieve what goals you set, and that you're willing to start again from a different angle when something goes wrong. It means that you aren't bound by silly rules about honor when you know that you can't win on strength or skill alone. It means that you can ask for help when you need it, and know when it's time to back down for a moment and think of something more effective. It means that you're willing to do what you must to get what you need, or to do what has to be done. Whether you take ethics into account is entirely up to you -- but I'm sure I'm not the only Slytherin who realizes that to harm others is to harm yourself, and that soul-ripping is definitely real and Dumbledore was right.
I am a Slytherin, because I think outside the box. I know where I want to go in life, and I work hard to get there. When something happens that deters me momentarily, I find a way to work around it or use it to get to a better place than before. I know how and when to ask for help, and it doesn't hurt my pride to do so. I am an extremely moral and ethical person, and I try my best not to be hateful towards anyone or anything. I can also see the impracticality of charging head-on against someone like Voldemort or a Death Eater. If I were at Hogwarts during the year when Snape and the Carrows were in charge, I too would have refused to do the evil things required of students, but my rebellion would have been quieter.
I do not discredit the hope that people like Neville were able to give with their outright resistance, but I would have preferred to offer hope without getting myself hurt or killed. In fact, it's likely that I would have started anonymously putting out pieces of writing that spoke against what was going on, and how the hate that was being spread was as destructive to the haters as the hated. I'd have made it a priority in the magical world to learn healing arts, and I'd therefore be able to help those who got hurt at the hands of the Carrows both emotionally and physically. I'd offer support of a quieter kind.
I probably would have wound up hiding with the rest of the DA eventually, because I would be tracked down at some point. Of course I'd be part of Dumbledore's Army. I respect Dumbledore very much, and being a Slytherin doesn't change that.
So don't despair if you're a Serpent. It doesn't mean you have to be evil, or are any worse of a person. You're in good company, if Severus Snape is anything to go by...
Rowling, J. K., and Mary GrandPré. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. N.p.: n.p., n.d. Print.
Saturday, August 23, 2014
A Whole New Meaning of "Pillow-pet"
Ever heard the term "pillow-pet?" I know that I have. In case you haven't, a pillow-pet is a toy that resembles a stuffed animal, but doubles as a pillow due to the way it's made. The animal's body is shaped like a very fuzzy pillow, but there's a strap that Velcros the two narrower sides together to make a vague animal shape. The whole thing generally has a head in the center of one side of the wide part of the pillow-pet, and a tail opposite. All in all, it's a security blanket/ stuffed animal that's also a pillow. Very efficient for camping trips.
Now that we've broken down what a pillow-pet is, I would like to asses the terms "pillow" and "pet" to further understand the meaning of this. As we all know, a pillow is a sort of cushion, usually covered in a washable cloth. A pillow is used to rest one's head or sometimes body upon, to enhance comfort while resting or sleeping. A pet is the term commonly used for a nonhuman animal that lives with humans. Now, that's the politically correct version that isn't anthropocentric. Most humans would say that a pet is an animal that belongs to a person. Now, consider a cat's point of view. Cats often act like they're the people, and the humans who live with them are their servants/pets/inferiors about half of the time, and loved family members the other half. Therefore, cats look at humans like we are the pets. If you live with a cat, I'd like you to think about how many times you've had a cat on your lap. Wouldn't you say that, for a cat, you are a pillow in that instance? Maybe the real pillow-pets are none other than us!
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