MagicianThe title, magician, was derived from the term magus and maghdin. Magus is a word for a certain type of ancient Persian priest. The word maghdim was a Chaldean word, and meant wisdom or philosophy. |
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Magicians are spell casters. Witches, sorcerers, wizards, warlocks, and conjurers are all types of magicians. Magicians were originally religious leaders (shamans, druids, and priests) in various pagan religions. Although magicians might have good intentions, throughout European history they have been feared for their powers and evildoing. This is probably because Medieval Europe was predominantly Christian and magician's powers aren't explained by Christianity. During medieval Europe, Christians blamed all unexplained magic on the Devil and evil spirits. In Lord of the Rings, magicians were usually wizards. In Dungeons and Dragons magicians are often called mages for short. They are similar to magicians of history, except they have no religious significance and their powers are left in mystery. (Instead, priests are the spell casters with a religious explanation.) Magicians of Dungeons and Dragons tend to have more attack spells and priests learn more defensive spells, like heal. Spells are memorized by reading books, but are forgotten once cast. Powerful magicians can memorize more spells, and memorize more difficult spells. Any intelligent person can choose to be a magician. Magicians are unable to use heavy armor and weapons, and have poor skills in battle. In Japan, magic was believed to be practiced by nearly any highly skilled or very wise person. This is reflected in anime where martial artists often learn how to use magic, and in Dragon Quest where the hero learns spells (despite his seemingly knightly behavior, appearance, and duties). In Dragon Quest some knightly heroes learn magic and there are also magicians based on the Dungeons and Dragons. Spells are cast using a limited supply of magic power, and more effective spells cost more magic. In the original Dragon Quest, magicians are actually robed druid-like villains who chant spells. These druid-like magicians appear similar to the jawas of Star Wars Dragon Quest III introduced magician heroes. Both of these magicians were based on the Dungeons and Dragons magicians by having a poor fighting ability, limited use of war gear, a non-religious origin, and learning extra attack spells. |
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| Copyright © 2000-2001 James Gray |