magic words or no??

Nim · May 2, 2006

hi everyone! I am currently writing a modern fantasy novel for older kids (9+). Magic does exist in my fantasy world, but it is an inherited trait, along the lines of HP "purebloods/halfbloods" theme. I have been trying really hard not to create a whole new language and made up magical commands based on Latin.

was wondering how easy it would be to include magic in my world, but not include any "hocus pocus" type of words. thanks for any help!

veinglory · May 2, 2006

There need not be spells per. se., or if some ritual is needed it could be non-verbal or in normal language?

Sage · May 2, 2006

The magic of your world can have whatever requirements you want. Having no words, allows your characters to get away with sneaking their magic. If a verbal requirement is needed, it is hard to hide the fact that you're performing magic.

On the other hand, I think it's a little harder for kids to get into the magic if you don't give them some aspect of what casting a spell takes. You could do rituals, like veinglory said, or you could explain the effort of will or concentration that it takes to cast it. Something to connect them to the MC casting that spell.

Popeyesays · May 3, 2006

Plug for Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden Occult investigator

Take a look at how Jim Butcher has his character cast magic. Words are a pnemonic to focus concentration. In life and deth situations, they are unnecessary but much more draining on the caster (the pnemonic allows him to regulate and reduce the energy involved. He also handles potions well. And his research assistant (a centuries old skull) is a remarkable character.

Butcher is from Oklahoma so that's a secondary reason to plug his stuff, its great. And he smoothly handles a contract wizard living in a city where few people give him credence. Harry is always on the brink of starvation, and his main client is a police lieutenant who use him as a consultant occasionally. Nice touch also is that electrical and complex mechanical equipment goes haywire in his presence.

Anyway, check out how he handles magic words, summonings and potions its worth a look for inspiration.

Regards,
Scott

DamaNegra · May 3, 2006

The using of latin words for the magical language is exactly what JK Rowling did for HP, IIRC.

You can always do without magic words and use the drawing of symbols or weird waving of hands, or just plain english words.

Nim · May 3, 2006

thanks for the help everyone!

popeyesays, could you recommend any one Butcher book that best displays this technique. shamed to say i've never heard of him

sunandshadow · May 3, 2006

You could also use mudras (hand positions which direct the flow of chi, spiritual energy) like in Naruto. I think it doesn't matter too much what the method is as long as it's something that won't hurt a child who plays at doing it.

Popeyesays · May 3, 2006

Nim said:
thanks for the help everyone!

popeyesays, could you recommend any one Butcher book that best displays this technique. shamed to say i've never heard of him

http://www.jim-butcher.com/

I found his first book in a used book store - which is always a good sign, since it would never have gotten there unless someone bought it in the first place.

The others I have picked up at Barnes & Noble.

Regards,

Scott

Sage · May 3, 2006

Nim said:
thanks for the help everyone!

popeyesays, could you recommend any one Butcher book that best displays this technique. shamed to say i've never heard of him

The first of the Harry Dresden books is called "Storm Front." It does a good job of looking at raw vs. focused power, controlled & uncontrolled, & different ways to focus the magic.

Popeyesays · May 3, 2006

Sage said:
The first of the Harry Dresden books is called "Storm Front." It does a good job of looking at raw vs. focused power, controlled & uncontrolled, & different ways to focus the magic.

The second one (I forget the title) is not just about werewolves. It is about six different kinds of werewolves AND a wolfwere as well. Neat stuff. I won't mention uch more it will spoil the read.

Regards,
Scott

Shweta · May 3, 2006

Another very nice method for magic is in Tamora Pierce's Circle of Magic books. In that, the main characters do magic via art/crafts. One does magic with weaving, one with (working with) plants, one with smithing and I forget what method the last one uses.

It's a series aimed at your age range (9+), so you might find it useful as a resource. The first book is called Sandry's Book. The rest are Tris's Book, Daja's Book, and Briar's Book, but I forget the order those three are in.

One of the things I love about it is that Pierce actually takes her magic into account; you can tell it's not just tacked on at the last minute, and that she really thought it through. It's there for a purpose and it affects the story and characters.

MattW · May 6, 2006

Another option is some kind of chant or rhyme in English. The reason I suggest is I can't come up with a definitive example of how to do it - proof it is no cliche or rip-off, or simply that my memory is failing.

Shweta · May 8, 2006

There are some.
Many children's fantasy books have english rhymes for magic. My memory says Diana Wynne Jones has done it, but that might be wrong.

There's also English spoken backwards, and such things.

Pam Dean has a unique take on this, in which magic in a fantasy world really is poetry in ours. So they quote shakespeare and such, as spells; but they don't know it's shakespeare.

sunandshadow · May 8, 2006

There is rhymed magic in Piers Anthony's Phaze series, Alan Dean Foster's Spellsinger series, and L. E. Modesitt's Spellsong series.

Bartholomew · May 8, 2006

Tread lightly. I've heard that Rowlings' lawyer is an absolute monster. I think you could get sued just for righting a story about a young wizard, from what I've heard. =|

magic words or no??

Nim

veinglory

volitare nequeo

Sage

Our Lady of Parentheticals

Popeyesays

Now departed. Rest in peace, Scott, from all of us

DamaNegra

Mexican on the loose!

Nim

sunandshadow

Impractical Fantasy Animal

Popeyesays

Now departed. Rest in peace, Scott, from all of us

Sage

Our Lady of Parentheticals

Popeyesays

Now departed. Rest in peace, Scott, from all of us

Shweta

gone

MattW

Company Man

Shweta

gone

sunandshadow

Impractical Fantasy Animal

Bartholomew

Comic guy