Powers of Isildur - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Northman · 11-27-2003, 10:00 PM

What powers did Isildur have to curse the oath-breakers?

Afrodal Fenyar · 11-28-2003, 03:48 PM

I think the fact that they broke their oath and Isildur condemned them for doing so was enough, and Isildur didn't have any special powers. It's a common theme in fantasy. One breaks an oath - one lives forever as a ghost, unless he fulfills his oath.

(I suppose this is what you meant)

Eöl · 11-28-2003, 05:29 PM

yea, you can relate it too the natural magic of elves.(if you wish)

Finwe · 12-01-2003, 12:05 PM

Isildur didn't necessarily have to have any "Elven" powers.

In Anglo-Saxon society, the King/Leader was the ultimate authority. All warriors and citizens had to pledge fealty to him, and had to follow his every command. If they went back on their word, they would be considered traitors of the worst sort. Since Tolkien based much of Middle-earth on Anglo-Saxon society, I'm assuming that the same principles hold. Isildur had the right of the disobeyed leader to curse the traitors, and more often than not, when one has the right to do something, one has the power to do that "something." In this case, it was cursing.

Jjudvven · 12-01-2003, 02:07 PM

Yeah I never though it was any sort of magic spell, just the power inherent in a great leader.

11-27-2003, 10:00 PM	#1
Northman Pile O'Bones Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 21	Powers of Isildur What powers did Isildur have to curse the oath-breakers?

11-28-2003, 03:48 PM	#2
Afrodal Fenyar Haunting Spirit Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Finland Posts: 94	I think the fact that they broke their oath and Isildur condemned them for doing so was enough, and Isildur didn't have any special powers. It's a common theme in fantasy. One breaks an oath - one lives forever as a ghost, unless he fulfills his oath. (I suppose this is what you meant) __________________ "Out of doubt, out of dark to the day's rising I came singing in the sun, sword unsheathing. To hope's end I rode and to heart's breaking: Now for wrath, now for ruin and a red nightfall!" ~Eomer

11-28-2003, 05:29 PM	#3
Eöl Animated Skeleton Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Nan Elmoth Posts: 35	yea, you can relate it too the natural magic of elves.(if you wish) __________________ '...though we part here for ever, and I shall not look on your white walls again,from you and from me a new star shall arise' -Huor

12-01-2003, 12:05 PM	#4
Finwe Deathless Sun Join Date: May 2003 Location: The Royal Suite in the Halls of Mandos Posts: 2,609	Isildur didn't necessarily have to have any "Elven" powers. In Anglo-Saxon society, the King/Leader was the ultimate authority. All warriors and citizens had to pledge fealty to him, and had to follow his every command. If they went back on their word, they would be considered traitors of the worst sort. Since Tolkien based much of Middle-earth on Anglo-Saxon society, I'm assuming that the same principles hold. Isildur had the right of the disobeyed leader to curse the traitors, and more often than not, when one has the right to do something, one has the power to do that "something." In this case, it was cursing. __________________ But Melkor also was there, and he came to the house of Fëanor, and there he slew Finwë King of the Noldor before his doors, and spilled the first blood in the Blessed Realm; for Finwë alone had not fled from the horror of the Dark.

12-01-2003, 02:07 PM	#5
Jjudvven Wight Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: The Land to the West Posts: 154	Yeah I never though it was any sort of magic spell, just the power inherent in a great leader. __________________ "I don't know all of you as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you, half as well as you deserve."