Who has stronger magic? JK Rowlings' characters or Tolkien's?

Question

This is an important question my son & I have labored over for a number of years. Our analysis of hypothetical magic cage matches has produced mixed results:
--Harry Potter could almost certainly take out Frodo Baggins. Frodo has amazing powers of endurance and decency, but lacks the offensive sorcery tactics of Potter.
--On the other hand, Gandalf probably would very quickly dispatch Dumbledore. The Gray Pilgrim starts with the enormous advantage of being an immortal who's been around since Illuvatar created the worlds.
--Sauron is a badder bad guy than Voldemort. Not only does he share presence at the creation with Gandalf, but Sauron actually ruled his own realm for centuries (most of Middle Earth in the Second Age) and was tutored by a god (Morgoth in the First Age).

Any thoughts on this weighty issue?

Answer 1

They are different types of magic. JRR uses what's called white magic in the LOTR books. It is a less evil form of magic, and even considered the "healing" magic by those who practice it. JK uses black magic, or evil magic in the Harry Potter books. Take into consideration the different magic being used in both series of books. They are using their magic for certainly different reasons.

Also, in LOTR they don't practice their magic like in Harry Potter, they don't learn their magic at a school. It's something that just comes natural, something that they know.

Answer 2

I agree that the match-up is a factor in who would come out on top in any given "fight." However, I don't think the fights would be between the characters shown above - why in the world would Harry fight Frodo? It wouldn't make sense. I understand the concept of the question, but I think the matches should be more like who would win in a fight between Sauron and Dumbledore or Gandalf and Voldemort. I think Gandalf would defeat Voldemort - he's no Balrog. But at the same time I think the fact that the Horcruxes keep Voldemort immortal would be a big thing to have to overcome. I think the fight between Dumbledore and Sauron would probably result in a win for Sauron, though I think Dumbledore would NOT give in easily.

Unfortunately I have more intimate knowledge of Potter-world magic than Middle Earth magic, so I can't give a more detailed response. But great question, it will be something I think about often.

Answer 3

Interesting question! I think you're right about Sauron and Gandalf, but I'm not sure I'd bet against Frodo and the Ring (and of course without the Ring, Frodo has no magic). The Ring is so powerful that Gandalf wouldn't risk taking it. Of course, it's evil power; and HP is about as far from evil as you can get. So I guess maybe it would come down to which was more powerful, good or evil?

Answer 4

Gandalf's magic is stronger but more subtle than any HP wizard. Sauron is of the same type as Gandalf but twisted into evil.

Answer 5

I'd say different characters go up against different levels. Harry, compared to like Smegol/Gollum Harry would be more powerful whereas compareing him to one of the elves would be impossible. The elves would be too strong for him. Frodo against Ron...Frodo would win. Neville vs. Smegol/Gollum...since Smegol/Gollum has violent tendencies, Smegol/Gollum would win. In the end, some characters are harder than others to charaterize since we've never really seen them do everything they possibly can. It would help if they gave us more magic to work with.

Answer 6

I vote for Tolkien.

My very first thought when reading your question was: "Anyone who could vanquish a Balrog must have pretty potent stuff!"

Answer 7

well like you said it depends on who's fighting.
even though it hurts I'd have to say JRR's people would probably win