An excellent commentary - and I would add to it the comic book heroes which are all 'hard magic': their super-powers are very specific (excepting Batman, of course, who has none) and detailed. So we can get very exciting adventures and 'wow' moments, but they do not approach the sublimity of that deeper - soft - magic that you allude to in Tolkien. Good to reflect on this for those interested in how stories 'work' on the emotions.
Thank you. You're absolutely right: superheroes often operate within a framework of rules. This is important for stories, but not the be-all-and-end-all! Great example and thanks for commenting.
Excellent treatment of this subject, and I'm truly flattered by the quotes! Like you, I'm much more impressed by soft magic, which is not to cast shade on hard magic for those who may prefer the aesthetic (and it does have some plot-related advantages, as you again very capably note).
Your article inspired several trains of thought, so thank YOU. As you say, it's not to cast shade, but "soft" magic leads to transcendent scenes, rather than clever ones. Likewise hope you and your family are well. God bless my friend!
Thanks so much for your comment. This is a very intelligent solution to the issue and the sign of a great writer! It reminds me of Margaret Weiss and Tracy Hickman. In their Sovereign Stone trilogy, the consequences of using magic were really profound, so much so I remember it twenty years on from first reading. So, you are absolutely right. And in fact your point about consequences is important for storytelling in general. If every battle is won without consequences, your reader is soon to feel the story has no weight. Thanks again and good luck with the epic fantasy!
An excellent commentary - and I would add to it the comic book heroes which are all 'hard magic': their super-powers are very specific (excepting Batman, of course, who has none) and detailed. So we can get very exciting adventures and 'wow' moments, but they do not approach the sublimity of that deeper - soft - magic that you allude to in Tolkien. Good to reflect on this for those interested in how stories 'work' on the emotions.
Thank you. You're absolutely right: superheroes often operate within a framework of rules. This is important for stories, but not the be-all-and-end-all! Great example and thanks for commenting.
Excellent treatment of this subject, and I'm truly flattered by the quotes! Like you, I'm much more impressed by soft magic, which is not to cast shade on hard magic for those who may prefer the aesthetic (and it does have some plot-related advantages, as you again very capably note).
Hope you and yours are well. Cheers!
Your article inspired several trains of thought, so thank YOU. As you say, it's not to cast shade, but "soft" magic leads to transcendent scenes, rather than clever ones. Likewise hope you and your family are well. God bless my friend!
Thanks so much for your comment. This is a very intelligent solution to the issue and the sign of a great writer! It reminds me of Margaret Weiss and Tracy Hickman. In their Sovereign Stone trilogy, the consequences of using magic were really profound, so much so I remember it twenty years on from first reading. So, you are absolutely right. And in fact your point about consequences is important for storytelling in general. If every battle is won without consequences, your reader is soon to feel the story has no weight. Thanks again and good luck with the epic fantasy!