Magic. It’s an integral part of the fantasy genre. It is wondrous, exciting and something so many of us have wished we could have. So many kids play pretend with magic and I know of many adults who still secretly try to make it happen.

Magic is a way to add character into a fantasy world. From the way magic exists, all the way to how characters interact with it. For example, in Harry Potter, witches and wizards use wands to harness their powers, while in Avatar: the Last Airbender, they have an inner connection to one of four elements (earth, air, fire or water) and study a form of martial arts known as “bending” to manipulate that element.

The source of magic within your world can also add individuality to your stories. Whether the source of magic is a mystical font, like in Azeroth, or from goddesses like in the Legend of Zelda series. Where magic is sourced from can greatly influence the way it interacts with the world. Is it tied to something that can be severed? What would happen to magic wielders or the state of the world if connection was lost? Would their world fall into chaos as the fabric of their reality fell apart? Or would it just be a mild inconvenience? Questions like that can help expand on how magic fits into a fantasy world.

Magic can also help with characterization. Aang, the main character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, has to learn all four elements to become a fully realized Avatar and save the world from a terrible war. During the series, while he is learning firebending, he accidentally burns one of his friends and is horrified by his actions.

He vows to never use firebending again, which is a problem considering it’s something he has to do to fulfill his destiny. But his fear and hesitation over it, offers both an inner conflict and an opportunity for character development.

Eventually, he learns of the origins of firebending, and it helps him gain a new perspective over the power of fire. Instead of thinking of it as a source of destruction, he realizes it is also a source of life and he manages to make peace with it. He is then able to master it and become a fully realized Avatar.

Like weapons, magic is another means of creating a rich fantasy world filled with characters going through personal struggles. You can use magic as a plot element, or just as a fun way to have your characters look really cool. It’s all up to you!

Leah Levert

Leah is currently studying Professional Writing. She loves to write and hopes to be able to use her skills to make the world a little easier to understand. When not studying, she can be found at the stable with her horses, or playing video games.