Throughout Tolkien's works we see the power of song and words wrought for both good and evil. The music of the Ainur and the words of Ilúvatar bring the vision of the world into being ("Therefore I say: Eä! Let these things Be!"). Finrod and Sauron engage in a powerful battle of song. Gildor bestows a blessing on Frodo at their parting and names him Elf-friend, which Goldberry later can perceive when she meets him. Tom sings Old Man Willow to sleep and drives away the Barrow Wight with his singing. Morgoth, in his bitterness and envy, curses Húrin's offspring with devastating effect, and Saruman uses his voice in attempt to manipulate others and bend their will to his own purposes. Fëanor and his sons swear a "terrible and blasphemous oath" that drives them to commit numerous atrocities, and ultimately their own destruction. Proverbs 18:21 states the "Death and life are in the power of the tongue..", and this theme is certainly woven throughout the Legendarium.
We also see how storytelling can bring comfort and encouragement: Strider comforts the Hobbits at Weathertop with the tale of Beren and Luthien, and Sam recites 'Oliphant' under the shadow of the Black Gate. Reading aloud, and telling stories has a profound impact on the hearer - it brings out the musicality of the words on page, comforts and soothes, stirs courage, and gives us the Elven ability to create visions in the mind of the hearer.
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