"Since magic and magical powers are essential elements of good storytelling, and there is quite a bit of magic in Lord of the Rings itself, I would assume that subconsciously these moms do not mind magic as long as it is something that happens to someone without them understanding what is happening, without it being labeled as magic."
Yep, we're in the 21st century and we still see book burnings and other acts of insecure intolerance. BTW I love the HP books, and I'm hoping I will get the LOR collection for Christmas (wink, wink). I didn't think much of the HP movie (only Snape was awesome) and, with a new baby sometime soon, I doubt we'll be able to go to the theater for the LOR movie coming out in a couple of weeks.