enchanters

An enchanter is a practitioner of enchantment, a common figure in fantasy fiction and role-playing games. Enchanters work with magic that changes the properties of objects, people, or environments through charms, bindings, wards, and incantations. A key distinction is between enchantments placed on items (imparting power, durability, or special abilities) and charms or controls exercised over sentient beings (glamour, persuasion, or compulsion). The term derives from medieval French enchanteur, from en- 'in' + chanter 'to chant' or sing, reflecting the traditional emphasis on spoken or chanted spells.

In many settings, enchanters are portrayed as meticulous scholars of magic who study runes, sigils, and ritual formulae. They may specialize in item enchantment, wards, illusion, or mind-magic. Ethics and affiliations vary widely; some enchanters are reclusive scholars, others are courtiers or mercenaries who trade in magical services.

In folklore and early literature, 'enchanter' is often used for powerful magicians capable of transforming people or landscapes through charm and song; nowadays the archetype appears in fantasy novels, video games, and tabletop RPGs as a distinct class or specialty rather than a universal power. The term is widely used across media to describe a practitioner whose core ability is manipulating enchantments, whether applied to objects, environments, or minds.