This list of whimsical, fantastical vocabulary with 10 magical terms that are guaranteed to bewitch you
- In your quest to speak better English, here is a list of words from the world of magic that will get your imagination going
- As the Year of the Dragon approaches, fanciful topics of conversation that will enchant you are heard all around
Dragons and knights and witches, oh my! Photo: ShutterstockWe are nearing the start of the Year of the Dragon, a mystical creature commonly found in magical and fantastical tales. We explore different words and phrases commonly found in fantasy books that are sure to get your imagination going.
1. Alchemy (pronounced: al-kem-ee)
Meaning: using magic to transform something into a different type of matter, often with the use of metal. A person who can perform alchemy is an “alchemist”.
Example: This is a place of alchemy, where metal can be turned into gold.
2. Bewitch (pronounced: be-wich)
Meaning: to cast a spell on someone, usually to control the person. This is common in fantasy novels where magic is real.
Example: The witch bewitched the prince, and now he was at her command.
3. Enchantment (pronounced: en-chahnt-ment)
Meaning: another way to say a spell or magic, often cast over another person
Example: The fairy was acting strangely, for she was under a powerful enchantment.
4. Lair (pronounced: lehr)
Meaning: a place where a wild animal – typically a dangerous one – lives. In fantasy, however, it is also often used to describe where an evil villain lives.
Example: The wizard took the prisoners back to his lair.
5. Lore (pronounced: low-r)
Meaning: a particular group’s traditions and knowledge, which is often passed down by word of mouth
Example: The beautiful fairy lore of Ireland tells tales of many different legends.
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6. Mythology (pronounced: mith-all-oh-gee)
Meaning: a collection of traditional stories often belonging to a specific culture or religion. These usually explain how certain groups get their view of the world.
Example: Greek mythology tells tales of gods, monsters and brave heroes.
7. Necromancy (pronounced: neck-row-man-see)
Meaning: a spooky concept, wherein someone magically communicates with the dead, often to predict the future. The word also alludes to dark sorcery and black magic.
Example: The evil warlock often went to graves to commune with the dead and used his powers of necromancy.
8. Quest (pronounced: kwest)
Meaning: a mission where a hero – often a knight in medieval stories – must complete an important task
Example: The brave knight went on a quest to save the princess.
9. Slay (pronounced: slay)
Meaning: to kill. The word is often used when a hero kills a monster or villain.
Example: To protect his village, the blacksmith slayed the demon.
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10. Sorcery (pronounced: sore-sir-ee)
Meaning: the use or practice of magic, especially black magic. In fantasy tales, you will commonly see a villain using sorcery. A man who practises sorcery can be called a “sorcerer”, while a woman would be called “sorceress”.
Example: The sorceress used her powerful magic to capture the young hero.