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|
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|---|---|
| Magic | |
| Kanji |
魔法 |
| Rōmaji |
Mahō |
| Type |
Fighting Style |
| User(s) |
Mages |
Magic (魔法 Mahō) is a supernatural force that occurs regularly in everyday life, used as tools and bought and sold all over the world. It is also the main form of art or combat utilized by Mages.
Overview[]
A Mage teaching Magic.
Magic is the physical embodiment of the spirit. When the physical spirit of an organism connects with the spiritual flow of nature, the spirit forms Magic as a product of the connection. Though Magic goes beyond reason, it is still born of reason and it takes an enormous amount of concentration and mental ability to use it. One's Magical Powers are also tied to one's life force. According to Zeref, one's strength of feelings plays an important part in one's ability to properly use Magic.
According to Rob, the key to Magic begins with a heart that has faith, similar to religion, healing and fortune telling, only those with faith can perceive it. Having faith in the existence of Magic, their own power and faith that they live alongside nature, are the ones who can use Magic.
Magic itself exists throughout various alternate worlds and dimensions and utilized by its inhabitants, the quantity of which however varies between each world's environment and can effect any Wizard who enters them differently. A world with limited Magic makes it impossible for Caster types to perform spells and items have a low output, while those with abundantly rich amounts can augment a Mage's power.
History[]
The everyday system of a Guild and its Mages accepting Jobs.
Magic has been around for centuries. Its complete origins are shrouded in mystery, some believe it to be a power bestowed by the Gods to help the powerless. Every type of Magic originated from The One Magic, the ancient source of all types of Magic. Magic was once oppressed and feared, so much so that Inquisitors hunted, persecuted and killed any Mage they could find. But after the formation of Mage Guilds and the system of taking job requests, Magic gradually became an everyday phenomenon
One of the governing bodies of Magic, the local Magic Council of Ishgar.
Various establishments have been founded with the reliance on Magic for the progress of their businesses, as well as institutions such as schools and classes that professionally teach students Magic, some even hire Guild Mages for assist. Naturally, a government system such as the Magic Council was established that acts as the main ruling body of the current magical world to keep the use of Magic in order.
Archive: A Magic that transforms information into data.
Over the years, Magic continues to evolve, governments even form departments and bureaus where individuals research, development and create countless new forms of Magic. In recent times, Magic has evolved to the point of turning information into data through the use of Magic such as Archive, with further development of various with different interfaces. Even certain magical items have been developed to be more technological and mechanical, be it for weaponry or everyday use.
Usage[]
All kinds of Magic are used in Earth Land and formerly in Edolas, and they can be used for many purposes such as offense, defense, support, and healing, as well as other, more practical purposes. Magic is used by exerting Magic Power as a wide variety of spells or by focusing it into an external source. However, some items and weapons such as Edolas Items use Lacrima to power them. In order to learn Magic, you must train your intellect and spirit. However, it should be noted that the stronger the Magic, the more it tends on selecting its wielder; if the Mage's mind is frail, the Magic will take over and destroy them.
Magic Power[]
The Magic Power of two strong Mages.
To utilize Magic, a Mage must use the Magic Power (魔力 Maryoku) in their body, which is composed of Ethernano (エーテルナノ Ēterunano), the source of Magic Power for all Mages. Every Mage has a container of Ethernano inside their body that determines the limits of their Magic Power, their Magic Origin (魔法源, Mahōgen). In the case that it becomes empty, Ethernano will come from the atmosphere and enter the Mage's body and, after a while, their Magic Power shall return to normal. However, recent studies have identified another, unused, part of a Mage's Magic Origin that contains a large amount of dormant power: the Second Origin (
It has been later revealed by Ultear Milkovich that a Mage can access the magical strength they will possess in the future via her Arc of Time: Third Origin (
Training[]
Capricorn training Lucy through meditation.
Through intense meditation, Mages train their own Nervous System and Wisdom for Magic, where the former to become a vessel for Magic Power by drawing in Ethernano from the air, as well as a way to increase it, attempting to feel the earth, the wind, their energy through their skin and breathing deep enough to be one with nature. Then the Mages materializes the Magic within and releases it. The strength of a Mage's emotions are an important factor to use Magic. There are few exceptions for those who draw Magic by being physically active, as it can better set their heart and mind more free. Though this would leave some Mages to neglect their physical training, being vulnerable to those with superior physical abilities.
Hand Signs[]
A Molding Magic Mage using hand signs.
While not an absolute rule for all types of Magic, certain ones require the user to perform a particular hand signs, pattern, motion or over all full body stance to activate specific spells. Some Mages can use arm motions to direct the movement of their Magic attacks In some cases, the user may require to write words or an intrinsic formula in the air to set up a spell.
Molding Magic is a unique case where all its spells are set by placing both the Mage’s hands together with a fist on a palm. While single handed is possible, using both hands brings out the most effective results than it would single handed.
Magic Seals[]
Magic Seals (魔法陣, Mahōjin) are ethereal, typically circular, sigils that appear to signify the casting of a spell as it is created. Typically circular in shape, they vary in size and often spin during the activation of a spell. While many seals vanish after the spell's activation, some linger for the duration of the magic. These seals are indicative of the type of magic being cast as well as the caster's own unique magical signature.
Side Effects[]
Layla ill from loss of Magic Power.
As Magic is tied to a being's life force, complete or at least near deprivation of one's Magic Power can be detrimental to the Mage's health unless medical actions are performed. Likewise, too much Magic Power can also be dangerous in an underdeveloped body, as was the case with a young Ultear. Furthermore, exposure to high concentrated levels of Ethernano can also be toxic to any living creature. When a Mage constantly overexerts their Magic Power over the course of their life, the body develops a malignant mass in the form of an Anti-Ethernano Tumor, this is extremely difficult to treat as even Healing Magic is ineffective, requiring only surgery to remove, even then there are few known to have the skills to do so.
Heredity[]
Irene and Erza, mother and daughter Mages with enormous Magic Power.
While young Human children aren’t necessarily born with the capability to use Magic right away, on rare occasions some children inherit a tremendous amount Magic Power as a cause from being born from typically powerful Mage parents. Four known cases of this occurrence are: August, Ultear, Erza, and Cana.}
Magical Combat[]
A fight between three Mages.
While Magic has its various uses, combat is apparently its most prominent usage, forming spells and techniques for offensive means. As utilizing Magic is primarily a mental factor, majority of Mages specialize in ranged combat and fight from a distance.
However, fighters who equally train their bodies and specialize in Melee Combat and Martial Arts can use Magic reinforce their fighting style as well use it to augment their physical prowess, including channeling Magic Power to their arms or legs, therefore inflicting far more damage than normally upon impact of physical force.
Magic Sense[]
Jura sensing Hoteye.
Certain individuals who are skilled in sensing are able to detect Magic Power from afar without relying on their five senses, be it a Mage's or powerful Magic Item's. This is possible because every Mage or magical being emits a certain amount of Magic Power in the form of a Magical Pressure which can be sensed. This is used to locate Mages nearby, the range of one's sensory ability being determined by one's skill and can allow one to detect others over long distances and how many are approaching.
Any being who wields Magic has a unique signature to their emitted Magic Power. One can recognize the power of their friends and acquaintances after some time and ascertain someone's identity, including traces of Magic that's been left behind, being able to better sense their presence from relatively great distances.
Someone's Magic sense can also be used to gauge another Mage's power, with experts able to even tell if Mages are secretly concealing their true power. It can however be extremely difficult to gauge one's true strength if an opponent possesses power besides Magic that far exceeds it, such as Curse Power.
Magical devices such as a radars can also be used scan for the locations of several Mages via their Magic Power on a country-wide scale. However, even greater experts at camouflaging their Magic Power can avoid complete detection including of their allies, be it from another's sensor or even devices.
Magical Aura[]
Gildarts' Magical Aura.
Mages can exert their Magic Power in the form of a Magical Aura enveloping their bodies. Those with high levels of Magic Power will often have the highest levels of pressure, this phenomenon can emit from strong vibrations that can be felt from a far distancing to massive, large scale tremors and earthquakes.
A notable usage of this is to instill fear onto others, a showcase of willpower and intimidation to those whose will are too weak to face them especially from those with high enough Magic, making even strong and skilled combatants who love fighting too afraid to continue and ultimately be brought to their knees shaken.
Bickslow's Aura.
Not only does the color of one's Magic varies between different Mages, the color of their aura appears to reflect the color of their souls. Sometimes the color can also determine their affinity for what type of Magic suits them personally, a person can have affinities for multiple types of Magic. Those who specialize in a certain elemental Magic can emit that same specific element as their aura, such as lightning or fire, with enough power they can emit intense heat that melts the most of the area. Similarly, ice Mages release a cold aura that could freeze the surrounding area, even the moister in the air such as the rain to the point that it stops pouring.
Certain combatants also have the color of their aura change over time or while using certain powers. Precht, whose power originally had a greyish color, was changed to a mix of purple and black after going down his dark path. Erza's red aura briefly changed to black with red outline when her sword was enchanted with Dragon Slayer Magic. Natsu's fire darkened when utilizing Igneel's fire and when his Curse Power was unleashed, his normal fire was mixed with a dark aura.
Magic Transfer[]
A Magic being transferred to another Mage.
It is possible for Mages to transfer their Magic Power to another. The more Magic they receive, the stronger the spells they cast become, capable of feats that would be impossible when done alone. The transfer is normally done via physical contact such as holding hands. Other methods allow the transfer of Magic Power from a distance, such as via Maguilty Sense: Sensory Link.
The result of transferring Magic: a tattoo-like mark.
Some powerful Mages (or certain other magical beings) are able to pass on the Magic ability itself, often the most rare, to other Mages for them to utilize without initially needing learn the type of Magic being transferred to them. Doing this leaves a mark in the form of a tattoo on the Mage's body that seems to fade away if they don't have access to the Magic that was given to them. The Magic they're given remains permanent until the one who initially transferred it determines otherwise. Four cases of this are currently known:
- Mavis Vermillion thrice has momentarily allowed Cana Alberonato borrow Fairy Glitter. The mark left was a tattoo on Cana's right forearm.
- The Celestial Spirit King transferred Aquarius' Water Magic to Lucy Heartfilia. The mark appears across her collar bone and is the same one Aquarius has in the same spot.
- Silver Fullbuster transferred his Ice Devil Slayer Magic to Gray Fullbuster. The mark appears on his right arm.
- Natsu Dragneel managed to gather the residual Magic that the deceased Fire Dragon King Igneel left within him to use a one-time ability known as Fire Dragon King Mode. This manifested itself in the form of a Dragon-shaped tattoo on his right bicep.
It was also stated by Bluenote Stinger that it is possible to take over another Mage's Magic, even after they are dead. This was never shown as the Dark Mage was stopped by Gildarts Clive before he can initiate the process. Through the use of Enchantments, the user is capable of both methods of Magic transfer, albeit temporarily.
Magical Items[]
A Magic Item called Lacrima.
Magic Items (魔法アイテム Mahō Aitemu) are tools infused with Magic Power. Ranging from everyday objects, attires to weapons and all sorts of armaments for combat. Some items have Magic infused within them, sometimes having a Lacrima as a power source, thus allowing for even non-Mages to use them, while other tools however requires Magic directly from Mage's power to utilize it, sometimes depending on the specific type of Magic.
Anti-Magic[]
A Dark Mage trapped in a prison of Magic Sealing Stones.
There are a number of notable effects that negate the usage of Magic, each having a different effect for different use, be it items or other Magic abilities.
- Magic Sealing Stones, a type of mineral that blocks a Mage's use of Magic when in contact with it. Typically used for incarceration such as handcuffs and prison cells.
- Nullification Magic, various types of magic abilities and items are capable of negating any spells, disintegrating any magic based ability within the vicinity of the effect.
- Maginium, another known mineral that negates Magic, however rather then sealing a Mage's Magic Power, this metallic alloy simply repels any Magic attacks that attempts to strike it.
- Magical Barrier Particles, Anti-Magic particles that consume any Ethernano within range, be it externally or internal, this effects both Mages and non-Mages, resulting in Illness and risk of death.
- Face, weaponized bombs with an abundance of Ethernano that are capable of erasing Magic when set off.
Forbidden Magic[]
The forbidden Black Arts and their most famous practitioner, the Black Wizard Zeref.
There exists Magic and Spells that are banned by a high authority, forbidding anyone from using them no matter what due to the high amount of danger and backlash it could cause the public, such as on the capacity of manipulating life, examples include sacrificing dozens of lives and reviving the dead or artificially creating life, thus these acts can be seen as a criminal offence. Overall, matters of life and death have been forbidden territory for Magic since ancient times. While this category can apply to any type of Magic or Spell, Black Arts as a whole is seen as forbidden at all cost.
Seemingly less severe forms of Magic such as Charm Magic spells and items are outlawed due to its hypnotic effects at manipulating others into being infatuated with the user. Overall, making a lot these types of Magic also difficult to obtain. Even Mages who unintentionally cause misconduct with their Magic will still receive some form of a penalty for the amount of havoc done.
A Mage suffering the taboo of his Magic.
Even Magic itself has its own set of rules that must never be broken, known as a taboo. Different taboos that are broken have different effects on the user's body. One of them can lead to death or sickness
Some Magic that is known to cause several incidents such as Athletic Magic is banned in Fiore.
Classifications[]
There are two main classifications of Magic: Caster Magic and Holder Magic.
- Caster Magic: (キャスターマジック Kyasutā Majikku) is primarily Magic that is expelled from the body as opposed to Magic done through the use of a weapon or outside source.
- Holder Magic: (ホルダーマジック Horudā Majikku) is Magic that requires a Mage to use an external source such as a Magic Items to do Magic. It usually requires the use of a Mage's Magic Power, though there are some exceptions such as Edolas Items that are powered by Lacrima.
Within these two classifications there are many sub categories such as Ancient Spell, Lost Magic, Magic Items, and Edolas Items.
- Ancient Spell: (
古代魔法 Enshento Superu), as its name implies, is Magic from ancient times. It includes all forms of Lost Magic, Nirvana, Memory-Make, Ars Magia as well as all of the Black Arts.- Lost Magic: (
失われた魔法 Rosuto Majikku) is a type of Magic that has been obliterated from the history of the world due to their immense power and the sheer gravity of their side effects on the users. However, users of such Magic still exist, though the Magic itself is believed to be extremely rare.
- Lost Magic: (
Trivia[]
- This article is an adaptation of the canon wiki's article on Magic written by GloamingEve.