mágus

Magus, or mágus in Hungarian, is a term used across languages to denote a practitioner of magic or a wizard. In Latin and English, magus refers to a wise man or sorcerer, with historical roots in the title associated with the ancient Persian priesthood. In biblical and classical contexts, the Greek word magos and the Latin magus were used to describe learned men, including the Magi who visited the newborn Jesus.

Etymology and origins: The word derives from Greek magos, borrowed from Old Persian magush, a priestly caste in Media and Persia. The Magi were religious scholars, astrologers, and ritual specialists within Zoroastrianism, and the term later broadened in various languages to cover magical or magical-adjacent roles. In Latin translations, the singular magus and the plural magi were used to convey both the idea of a respected teacher and a practitioner of magic.

Modern usage: In contemporary English, magus tends to be somewhat formal or archaic and is often encountered in historical writing, religious studies, or fantasy fiction. In fantasy and gaming contexts, magus or mage is commonly used as a class or title for a spellcaster, sometimes depicted with a scholarly or devout background, sometimes as a master of arcane arts.

See also: Magi, Mage, Wizard. The term highlights the historical link between priestly knowledge and magical practice, while its modern use frequently emphasizes fictional or literary portrayals of sorcery.