Magecraft

Magecraft commonly denotes the practice, study, or application of magical arts. In fictional contexts such as fantasy literature, games, and film, it describes techniques by which practitioners—mages, wizards, or sorcerers—manipulate supernatural forces through spells, rituals, symbols, and incantations. The term blends "mage" (from Latin and Greek roots referring to wise or priestly figures) with "craft" as skill or trade.

Concepts of magecraft vary widely: some settings treat it as an innate talent, others as a discipline acquired through study, and some as a system fueled by external energies (often called mana, ether, or similar). Practices portrayed range from ceremonial and ritual magic to sympathetic and alchemical methods, often employing tools such as wands, talismans, grimoires, or ritual spaces. Fantasy works frequently codify magecraft into schools, traditions, or professions with distinct rules and limitations.

Outside of fiction, analogous activities appear in historical folk magic, ceremonial occultism, and religious ritual; these are studied by historians, anthropologists, and folklorists as cultural phenomena. The word can also be contrasted with stage magic, which is entertainment based on illusion rather than supernatural claims.

Depictions of magecraft have influenced modern popular culture and gaming, shaping narratives about power, ethics, and knowledge. Scholarly and popular discussions often examine its symbolic roles—exploring themes of authority, control of nature, and the social consequences of esoteric knowledge.