Microsoft Word final-current Developments at the Intersection of British Children-online-version doc
Download 1.22 Mb. Pdf ko'rish
|
FINAL Current Developments at the Intersection of British Children ONLINE VERSION
- Bu sahifa navigatsiya:
- 4.1.1 Traditional magic
4.1
Magic Along with evil, magic is one of the oldest elements in fantasy literature. It is one of the most popular and productive, that hardly any children’s fantasy can do without. In comparison with the lack of clarity encountered at the terminological qualification of children’s literature, magic reveals a more uncomplicated nature. Collins defines magic as 1. The art that, by use of spells, supposedly invokes supernatural powers to influence events; sorcery. 2. the practice of this art. [...] 4. any mysterious or extraordinary quality or power. 1 Standing in close connection with the adjoining fields of sorcery and witchcraft, magic belongs to the supernatural. It enables beings to exceed their otherwise limited powers and to accomplish deeds they would not normally be capable of. According to the respective intended effect, magic can take miscellaneous forms. As an ever-present law of nature in a secondary world, magic can also be especially evoked. In that case, supernatural forces are used either by people, for example wizards, witches or necromancers of some kind, or other beings like fairies, elves, etc. The respective ways of access to magic are just as diverse as its forms. For one, access can be gained via the evocation of spirits or elemental forces. Other usages are the control of magic powers by means of artefacts such as crystal balls or wands, either paired with or without incantations or spells. Pure psychological forces such as telepathy or telekinesis are another option. Expressing itself by shaping time as well as space, magic is thus an entity which permits a widening of the horizons of expectation and action, since it creates new or otherwise impossible constellations and situations. 4.1.1 Traditional magic In British children’s fantasy, traditional magic takes a central position. All the customary forms and modes of operation derived from myths, folk and fairy tales come under it. These range from magical artefacts such as wands, cauldrons, magical weapons, crystal balls or flying brooms over fields of application like scrying, weather making, levitating things, prophesising or soothsaying. Traditional magic is also used for cursing, for controlling time, space, creatures or fate and for necromancy. It is applied either by solitary beings or by special, elitist groups of people, who set themselves apart from others by their secret knowledge and usage of magic and its sphere of activity. In the majority of the cases a circle 1 Collins Dictionary, p. 934. 81 of those in the know gains a special status. Single persons or representatives of these groups are witches, wizards, sorcerers, necromancers, alchemists or ambitious rulers, to name the most common. When appearing in the forms described, traditional magic can be either black or white. Black magic is exclusively employed by villains in order to gain power or to defend and extend it. By contrast, white magic is at the disposal of the good side in order to keep evil at bay. Even though the categorical division of magic into black and white is widespread, in the end the choice lies with the user’s intention and conscience. As traditional magic is endowed with a high degree of power, precautions have to be taken so that it is not accessible to everyone and protected from abuse. Access is controlled and granted by authorised instances only. Since the exertion of traditional magic commonly requires other magical artefacts or spells, its correct usage has to be learned or at least be supervised by wizard-mentors or spell books. The latter either choose themselves who can open or read them, or access is coupled with a key. It transpires that an unregulated handling of magic holds great danger. Characteristic of traditional magic is its age. Hierarchies - such as wizard-apprentice relationships for example - are very clear-cut and firmly established. This also holds true for rules and rituals, in which ancient or exotic languages play an important role. Through its roots, which in many cases are portrayed to reach back to the beginnings of mankind or even further, traditional magic obtains a strong legitimation. The ensuing authority is met with respect and awe. Even if magic is abused by villains it instils fear, but respect nonetheless. Above all, traditional magic, often portrayed as a precious legacy, embodies wisdom. Furthermore, its strict regimentation combined with an apparent omnipresence contribute to its fascination. Comparable to a mark of distinction, magic thus becomes a much sought-after and exquisite luxury good. In fantasy novels for children, traditional magic personifies the bridge between past times and modernity. Seemingly lost traditions or powers of old reveal their topicality in the present, thus emphasising the relation and mutual dependency between old and new. Aided by magic, time travel can take place or ancient rituals survive time and generations. Moreover, traditional magic offers guidelines of an ethical code, structures as well as fixed rules for behaviour. Discipline is required since any disobedience is swiftly and seriously punished. In the present age of the new media the fascination with ancient – even if fictitious - records and magical heritage has not waned. Not just the Harry Potter phenomenon but also role-playing games in their tangible or virtual forms show that traditional magic, represented 82 by witches and wizards, is still present. Today, the various forms of old magic hold the lion’s share of the magical events, even if combined with modern elements. Download 1.22 Mb. Do'stlaringiz bilan baham: |
Ma'lumotlar bazasi mualliflik huquqi bilan himoyalangan ©fayllar.org 2024
ma'muriyatiga murojaat qiling
ma'muriyatiga murojaat qiling