Wizards are legendary or fictional characters in many books, movies and games. They can be male or female and do magic, sorcery or have great wisdom. Wizards are popular due to Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings, as well as many computer and role-playing games.
Some modern practices, such as reading horoscopes, lighting candles in religious ceremonies and using herbal remedies match the actions of historical and fictional wizards. The modern practice of pagan religions also coincides with nature-based magic and wizardry.
Wizard Powers
Wizards in fantasy fiction, games and movies deal with magic. However, the type of magic wizards do is widely varied. It can be either good or evil and can come from many sources.
Some wizards, like Merlin from classic King Arthur lore, use the power of nature to cast their magic spells. Some, like Gandalf from Lord of the Rings, use ancient writings and inscriptions: words of power. Others cast runes, mix up potions and reagents, call on the powers of demons, or use some intangible thing like "The Force" from the Star Wars universe.
Traditionally, wizards' powers encompass all occult arts, herbology, alchemy and astrology.
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
Wizards can be good or evil. Evil wizards are often called necromancers or sorcerors.
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Wizards cast spells based on nature, potions, universal power, or magical words or items.
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Wizard's magic deals with transformation of energy.
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Merlin was one of the first wizards written about in modern literature.
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Fact:
Paganism and occult studies coincide with some wizard's power.
