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The story of Saruman further illustrates this theme. After rebelling and misusing his powers, Saruman finds himself utterly exhausted and ultimately falls to beings he once deemed inferior. Such narratives underline the inherent dangers of magical overreach for evil entities in Tolkien’s works.
The Limits Imposed on Benevolent Magic Users
Conversely, benevolent beings, such as Gandalf, operate under strict prohibitions set by the Valar. These emissaries are forbidden from wielding their power to dominate or openly display their might over others. This limitation means that direct uses of magic to resolve conflicts are rare, which adds tension and complexity to the narrative.