Monday, November 2, 2009

Magical Monday: Users of Magic


Some fantasy authors write magic into their story lines under the premise that anyone with the ability to learn the secret knowledge necessary can practice magic, but in many stories, the use of magic is an innate talent, equivalent to perfect pitch. A school where magic is taught and practiced has become a common trend in recent novels.

Besides innate talent and study, a third source of magic is simple acquisition, either through a magical item, or having it bestowed upon one by another. The personal nature of this distinguishes it from other types of magic: someone chooses to grant the power.


Magic power may also sometimes be gained through a Pact with magical spiritual entities, this is typically through the darker forces of magic. In some cases, the demon only provides the means for the would-be wizard to learn magic; conversely, the pact may be for the devil to do the magic on the wizard's behalf, but the wizard must have first studied magic in order to summon it, and in some versions, to compel it to act. One well-known modern example of this concept is the deal Mr. Norrell makes with the Fairy King in Susannah Clarke's Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell making it appear as if Norrell himself has raised someone from the dead, when in fact it was the Fairy King who did this at Norrell's request. In Stephenie Meyers popular Twilight series, some of the vampires brought a special, often psychic power, from their previous life which was a special trait they had as humans, such as Edward Cullen's ability to read minds due to his sensitivity to others’ thoughts as a human.


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4 comments:

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

That's what I need...simple acquisition! I'd love to be magical and tackle my Monday. Thanks, Nancy.

Elizabeth
Mystery Writing is Murder

N A Sharpe said...

Lol, you and me both, Elizabeth! I love my "other job" but I really want to be writing today...not so good at this delayed gratification...wilding making notes of ideas to tackle in the story tonight ^_^

Nancy, from Realms of Thought…

The Old Silly said...

I like these posts of yours that give credence and lend imagination to the supernateral. Magic can be a wonderful element in fantasy. Just look at Lord of the Rings, for example.

Marvin D Wilson

N A Sharpe said...

Hi y'all! I love magic and fantasy. The only thing that limits you is your imagination! You can really let go and let it flow in the realm of fantasy.

Nancy, from Realms of Thought…

 
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