Matthew
2008-06-02, 09:10 AM
So we have been enjoying a vigorous debate over on this thread [Generic] The Nature of Magic (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=81946) about impossible possible magic, but the more interesting things that were coming out of it were overshadowed by other aspects, so it wa suggested we start another thread to discuss what kind of magic is best suited for what kind of setting.
So, let's kick off discussion with Robert E. Howard's Conanstories (http://gutenberg.net.au/plusfifty-a-m.html#letterH), as those are particularly interesting in their depiction of magic, taking dozens of different approaches.
The Phoenix on the Sword (1932) - Demon summoning, object realted magic
The Scarlet Citadel (1933) - Demonic spell caster, freaky otherworld monsters
The Tower of the Elephant (1933) - Kind of science fictiony otherwordly monster
Black Colossus (1933) - Sorcerous Magic
The Slithering Shadow (1933) - Highly technologically advanced society that appears to be magical, plus a bizarre otherworldy creature
The Pool of the Black One (1933) - A magical pool
Rogues in the House (1934) - Technological magic
I would have a hard time quantifying this sort of Swords & Sorcery magic as belonging to any particular typology. It takes place on a pre history earth, so it seems logical to assume the normal laws of physics are in play. Any thoughts about whether this is even categorisable?
So, let's kick off discussion with Robert E. Howard's Conanstories (http://gutenberg.net.au/plusfifty-a-m.html#letterH), as those are particularly interesting in their depiction of magic, taking dozens of different approaches.
The Phoenix on the Sword (1932) - Demon summoning, object realted magic
The Scarlet Citadel (1933) - Demonic spell caster, freaky otherworld monsters
The Tower of the Elephant (1933) - Kind of science fictiony otherwordly monster
Black Colossus (1933) - Sorcerous Magic
The Slithering Shadow (1933) - Highly technologically advanced society that appears to be magical, plus a bizarre otherworldy creature
The Pool of the Black One (1933) - A magical pool
Rogues in the House (1934) - Technological magic
I would have a hard time quantifying this sort of Swords & Sorcery magic as belonging to any particular typology. It takes place on a pre history earth, so it seems logical to assume the normal laws of physics are in play. Any thoughts about whether this is even categorisable?