magicus

Magicus is a term used in fantasy fiction and related media to denote a central or pervasive source of magical power, a method of casting spells, or a metaphysical principle that governs magical phenomena. The exact meaning and role of magicus vary from one setting to another. The term is typically used to evoke antiquity or scholarly tradition because of its Latin-like form.

In many works, magicus functions as a universal energy that practitioners channel through study, artifacts, or ritual. In others, it represents a disciplinary system, akin to schools of magic, or a cosmological force that binds magic to the natural world. Some settings treat magicus as a personal or collective force tied to lineage or pacts. The portrayal of magicus can influence worldbuilding, including constraints on spell power, the cost of magic, and the ethics of its use.

Scholars and readers note that the use of Latin-sounding terms like magicus is a common stylistic choice in fantasy, intended to signal gravitas or antiquity, though it can be viewed as cliché if overused.

See also: Magic, Mana, Arcane, Spellcasting.