Spiritbound

Spiritbound is a term used primarily in fantasy and speculative fiction to describe a relationship in which a being's essence—such as a soul or life force—is bound to a spirit, an artifact, or a spiritual realm. The concept is often used to explore power dynamics, autonomy, and the limits of control in a supernatural context.

The term can refer to several related ideas. One common meaning is a living person who gains power, guidance, or protection from a spirit in exchange for loyalty or service. Another is an artifact, weapon, or relic that houses a spirit; the wielder receives its abilities, while the bound spirit may influence outcomes or demand conditions. A third usage describes a rite or social role in which a person becomes spiritually bound to a place, entity, or oath, shaping identity and duty within a culture or narrative.

In storytelling and games, spiritbound elements frequently raise questions about consent, responsibility, and the ethics of binding a sentient force to another will. Mechanics in games that feature spiritbound concepts may include limited autonomy for the bound spirit, shared resources such as health or mana, or risks like possession or loss of control if the bond falters.

Etymology-wise, spiritbound combines spirit with bound, indicating a binding or tethering by spiritual means. Variants include spirit-bonded or bindings to spirits, used across different settings to convey a similar idea.