The ABC of Epic Fantasy: Magic
M is for Magic
What’s fantasy without some magic-wielder solving or creating problems? Magic systems in fantasy are often categorised as either hard or soft, terms coined apparently by Brandon Sanderson.
Hard magic systems are systems which have a clear set of rules. Rules help create tension as readers are aware of its limitations. In fact, in a satisfying storyline, magic cannot be the quick problem-solver of all obstacles and crises the protagonist faces. Moreover, hard magic often comes at a severe cost to the wielder (for example in the Hyllethan Gifts series, using the Gift of Touch exhausts the protagonist so she is unable to function or use her gifts for some hours afterwards; the gifts’ magic also acts like a parasite, destroying the wielder’s strength and ageing them). Ideally, it is characteristics like quick-thinking, resourcefulness and bravery which lead to the protagonists solving their problems.
Soft magic systems, on the other hand, don’t have a clearly presented set of rules. Gandalf’s magic is an example of soft magic, as we don’t know his limitations or the limitations of his magic (does he have any?) or the circumstances needed to perform that magic. Nor do we see any costs to that magic, yet books with soft magic systems can still be thoroughly enjoyable because conflict and tension would be created in other ways.
Ideally, for a satisfying storyline, the protagonist’s magical abilities are shackled in some way (by rules or limited knowledge for example) while the antagonist’s potential for magic is not clear and is made to seem far superior to the antagonist’s.
Which magical system do you enjoy reading about most?
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