别人称为魔法的，也许只是另一种族的日常技艺

精灵的设定大概就是一个高科技种族，其他种族称之为“magic”的事物在他们眼中只不过是平凡的日常。同时精灵族掌握着各种顶级食物，织物和交通工具。精灵王的琼浆玉液让旅途中的疲惫尽消，精灵为一行人量身打造的斗篷集天地之灵气，冬暖夏凉，根据环境变色，便于潜行。精灵的船只永远不会进水。

最后，影视上的形象中，精灵似乎和白人绑定了。

Galadriel 甚至不太理解 hobbits 所说的 magic。这个词既指精灵的镜子和工艺，也指敌人的欺骗。一个宽泛类别把来源和机制完全不同的东西放在一起，这正是 分类一旦被当成定论就会误导判断 的麻烦。它和 世界的祛魅 也有一处对照。祛魅是现代人逐渐用解释取代神秘，这里是同一件事对外行显得神秘，对制作者只是手艺。

‘And you?’ she said, turning to Sam. ‘For this is what your folk would call magic, I believe; though I do not understand clearly what they mean; and they seem to use the same word of the deceits of the Enemy. But this, if you will, is the magic of Galadriel. Did you not say that you wished to see Elf-magic?’ ‘They are Elvish robes certainly, if that is what you mean. Leaf and branch, water and stone: they have the hue and beauty of all these things under the twilight of Lórien that we love; for we put the thought of all that we love into all that we make. Yet they are garments, not armour, and they will not turn shaft or blade. But they should serve you well: they are light to wear, and warm enough or cool enough at need. And you will find them a great aid in keeping out of the sight of unfriendly eyes, whether you walk among the stones or the trees. You are indeed high in the favour of the Lady! For she herself and her maidens wove this stuff; and never before have we clad strangers in the garb of our own people.’ ‘Ropes indeed!’ answered an Elf from the boats. ‘Never travel far without a rope! And one that is long and strong and light. Such are these. They may be a help in many needs.’ ‘You don’t need to tell me that!’ said Sam. ‘I came without any, and I’ve been worried ever since. But I was wondering what these were made of, knowing a bit about rope-making: it’s in the family as you might say.’ ‘They are made of hithlain,’ said the Elf, ‘but there is no time now to instruct you in the art of their making. Had we known that this craft delighted you, we could have taught you much. But now alas! unless you should at some time return hither, you must be content with our gift. May it serve you well!’ J. R. R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring

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