nonwizards

Nonwizards are individuals in fantasy settings who lack the ability to use magic or wizardry. The term is typically used to distinguish those who can wield magical power from those who cannot, and it often coexists with more specific labels such as mages, witches, or sorcerers. In many fictional worlds, nonwizards form the majority of the population and represent the nonmagical or mundane segment of society.

In narrative terms, nonwizards may perform daily labor, governance, commerce, and crafts that do not rely on magical talent. Their social status relative to wizards varies by setting; in some worlds, wizards hold formal political or religious authority and may enact laws that restrict or regulate magical use, while in others, nonwizards enjoy equal rights and coexist with magical practitioners. Tensions between groups can be a common source of conflict, driving plot lines about prejudice, integration, or resistance to wizard dominance.

Some works acknowledge nuance by introducing nonwizards who possess latent or limited magic, or who use artifacts, runes, or technology to compensate for their lack of innate abilities. Conversely, there are settings where nonwizards deliberately cultivate skills unrelated to magic, emphasizing science, engineering, or artistry as an alternative form of power.

Cultural portrayals of nonwizards vary widely, from marginalized communities to bustling, diverse societies that celebrate nonmagical expertise. The concept serves as a counterpoint to magical power, enabling explorations of inequality, ethics, and collaboration in fantasy worlds.

See also: magic in fiction, wizards, mage, mundane, muggle.