Magic

Magic

Magic and wizardry is often associated with chivalry and Medieval times, and is often found in literature of that time, including the stories of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. One familiar character is Merlin the Magician, King Arthurís friend and advisor. Merlin advises Arthur on several occasions, such as at the celebration of Arthurís wedding when the woman on a white horse rides into the court, crying to Arthur for help. Merlin tells Arthur not to take this so lightly, and Arthur agrees that "all be done by your advice." Merlin is a well-respected magician and advisor to the King.

Magic is defined as "The use of means (as ceremonies, charms, spells) that are believed to have supernatural power to cause a supernatural being to produce a particular result (as rain, death healing) considered not obtainable by natural means."

There are two kinds of magic, White and Black. White Magic is considered sacred and respects the earth and is good magic. White Magic is practiced by "Good witches". Black Magic, however, is considered to be power derived from demons and is very bad if it is practiced. This kind of magic is practiced by wizards and sorcerers.

Wizards, like Merlin, are men of wisdom and knowledge. Usually, they are associated with Black Art or witchcraft. Some wizards are good, like Merlin, or evil, such as Jafar in the tales of Alladin.

Merlin is one of the best known wizards in literature and is a central character in the stories of King Arthur. It seems, then, that magic played an important role in the court, at least in literature. As far as historical use of magic in the courts, it is hard to find evidence of it. Is magic only a custom in fiction, or was it really used in Medieval times? This question remains to be answered.