Is the tree of harmony Impotent?

[Unlikeable Pony 2,700]

So here's a conundrum with the world. The elements of harmony, and by extension the tree of harmony are the canonical most powerful magic in the world (that ponies know of), yeah? And the tree of harmony has a mind of its own as well, correct?

Yet, in the alternate timelines, the world was Devastated by disaster after disaster without the tree or the elements doing ANYTHING.

 

But if we assume the tree is a force of good, which it seems to be, why would it just sit by and allow the world to be destroyed in each timeline without stopping it despite it being within the EOH's power to defeat every villain shown?




It would stand to reason then that if the tree of harmony WOULDN'T want the world doomed and is benevolent, but still "Allowed" the world to be destroyed each time that, by process of elimination, it COULDN'T intervene to stop the timelines from being destroyed each time.

At the same time, we've seen that its powers were subverted by ponies like Sunset shimmer and Starlight glimmer who were able to steal the EOH's power for themselves in someway (To power a spell or turn into a demon), despite the EOH outright refusing to work for the mane six when they weren't in the right mind set.

it would seem then that the Tree of harmony, despite having incredible magical power and sentience, is utterly incapable of acting on its own: its essentially an intelligent tool and wholely reliant on its wielder to decide how it will be used.

So no matter what the tree would WANT to use, it cannot do anything unless it can convince another pony to act in that way, such as directing the mane six to solve problems or trying to get them to wield its power to do certain actions like defeat tirek.

[cider float 2,539]

I never thought of the Tree of Harmony having a mind of it's own.

[Malinter 3,064]

The Tree of Harmony exists to control the Everfree Forest and the Elements of Harmony were supposed to boost the tree further in this regard. They weren't meant to restore Luna or turn Discord to stone. These are just what ponies used them for.

 

Also, while the Tree does possess great power, even that has limits. The tree was almost dead from going so long without the elements and it should be pointed out that in the "wasteland" future the tree is either none existant or destroyed because it was all that was preventing the Forest from consuming all of Equestria but even the forest must have been decimated for such a wasteland to come to pass.

Edited December 23, 2015 by Malinter

[sweetolebob18 728]

As to the TOH being sentient, in Princess Twilight, it did give Twilight the box that became a castle + presumably it is the source of the map table's messages.

 

As to the Tree not acting to prevent destruction, it sent Twilight.  That is how Celestia dealt w her problems.  As always, whenever anyone has a really dangerous crap job to do, they get Twilight to do it.  Where is Norma Ray now that Twilight needs her?