incantations

An incantation is a spoken or chanted formula believed to have magical power, used to compel or influence events, persons, or forces. They are typically part of a ritual sequence and may be performed alone or with others. The term derives from Latin incantare "to recite a magical formula," from cantare "to sing," reflecting its roots in spoken or sung words.

Incantations appear in many cultural contexts. Ancient Mesopotamian and Egyptian texts, Greco-Roman magical papyri, Jewish and Christian grimoires, Indian tantric traditions, and East Asian ritual liturgies all include formulaic phrases designed to invoke deities, spirits, or cosmic forces. They are often structured as rhymed lines, syllables with prescribed cadence, or repeated words, and are commonly accompanied by gestures, talismans, or ritual tools.

In fiction and popular culture, incantations function as narrative devices that mediate power through language. They may be invented or drawn from historical sources, and recognizable phrases such as "Abracadabra" or "open sesame" are often cited as archetypal examples. In many fantasy settings, speaking an incantation is the mechanism that activates a spell.

Scholars view incantations as a form of performative language and ritual action that encodes beliefs about speech, power, and the natural world. While skepticism about magic remains widespread, incantations continue to be studied for their social, historical, and linguistic significance and remain a common element in folklore, religion, literature, and media.