Magic has mystified and intrigued humans for centuries, but the question of its source remains a captivating enigma. Throughout history, numerous theories have been proposed to explain the origins of magic, ranging from supernatural forces to the human mind. One prevalent belief is that magic stems from a connection to supernatural entities or divine beings. In many ancient cultures, individuals tapped into forces beyond the earthly realm to perform magical rituals and spells. This perspective attributes magic to the intervention or guidance of gods, spirits, or other celestial entities. Shamans, priests, or sorcerers were often seen as intermediaries between these supernatural forces and the mortal world.
Shamans, priests, or sorcerers were often seen as intermediaries between these supernatural forces and the mortal world. Another hypothesis suggests that magic is an innate quality within humans, originating from the power of the mind. According to this view, individuals possess latent abilities that can be honed and developed through practice and belief.
Question regarding the source of Magic
In an upcoming campaign, I am going to be playing as a drow noble who was born without the ability to use magic (either just his spell-like abilities or any spells, I haven't decided yet). Because of that, he was exiled at an early age, and wishes to, as he would say "set things straight". In order to do this, he is going to retrieve the Sceptre of the ages, which he believes is in the vault of Abadar (the vault with one copy of everything, name might be wrong). He believes the vault is locked with the Impossible Lock (the one that can't be opened except by the Perfect Key). So he is going to get the key, and open the vault, to get the Sceptre. Using the Sceptre he is going to go back to the beginning of time, slay Asmodeus right after Asmodeus kills Ithys (thinks that's how it's spelled), in order to be the only godlike being left. He is then going to convince the life forms that evolve on the material plane that he is a god, so that they worship him. He believes that their worship will grant him divine power, which is equal to magic (at least in his mind). The only problem is, I have no idea why he wouldn't have magic, because I have no idea why magic is accessible to anyone (except gods, because, well there gods).
Sorry for the wall of text. Long story short, where does magic come from?
Well, worship doesn't actually grant divine power in Golarion. I think James Jacobs has said as much several times. What gods get out of worship is unknown.
With regards to where magic comes from, I was actually wondering about this last night. Many fictional settings have a certain explanation for the source of magic. Examples:
Forgotten Realms: mantle of power that the Weave/Shadow Weave/whatever allows access to.
Garth Nix' books: Charter Magic from the Charter.
Wheel of Time: Saidin and Saidar, the True Source that drives the Wheel.
Brandon Sanderson: AonDor, Surgebinding, and so on and so forth.
Belgariad/Malloreon: The Will and the Word.
Elenium/Tamuli: Magic comes from deities/Bhelliom-spirits, no exceptions.
Dragon Age: The Fade, or from the life energy in blood.
Dresden Files: Nevernever and so on.
I think the closest that I can recall (right now, anyway) to an explanation was a quote by Aroden in one of the opening chapters of Inner Sea Magic. However, I cannot remember exactly what was said, only that it was maddeningly vague.
EDIT: Ah, I found it.
"Magic is the extraordinary in us all. Even someone who has never felt the exhilaration of magical flight or who has never felt power coursing through the flesh as great works of art or devastation are unleashed knows magic. It's folded into the edge of an ensorcelled blade, it's the charm that soothes a panicked beast, it's the blessing inside a healing draught that closes a dire wound, and it's what puts the very mysteries of life on sale for a few golden coins in the markets of Absalom. As I have wandered the Inner Sea, I have come to know that magic - not wind, earth, water or even fire - is the bedrock of our world." ~Aroden
So, yeah. Not very specific about where it actually comes from.
Such practices as meditation, visualization, and affirmations could unlock these mental powers and allow individuals to manipulate reality. Proponents of this theory point to the power of intention and the placebo effect as evidence for the mind's potential influence on the physical world. Psychologist Carl Jung proposed the idea that magic originates from the collective unconscious, a reservoir of shared knowledge and archetypal symbols that are deeply ingrained in human psyches. According to this concept, magic taps into these universal symbols, allowing individuals to transcend the limitations of ordinary reality. Jung's theory suggests that mythological figures, rituals, and symbols have roots in the collective unconscious and serve as potent sources of magical power. Some explanations for magic's source draw from quantum physics and the concept of interconnectedness. Quantum entanglement suggests that particles can be connected regardless of distance, meaning that actions performed on one particle can have an immediate effect on another. Proponents of this view argue that magic operates on similar principles, with practitioners harnessing this interconnectedness to influence events and manipulate reality. Ultimately, the source of magic remains a subject of intense debate and speculation. Whether it stems from supernatural forces, the power of the mind, the collective unconscious, or the principles of quantum physics, magic continues to enchant and captivate the human imagination. Regardless of its origins, magic serves as a reminder of the boundless potential and mysteries that lie beyond our comprehension..
Reviews for "The Source of Magic in Literature: Examining the Inspiration for Fantasy Worlds"
1. Sarah - 2 out of 5 - I was really disappointed with "The Source of Magic". The plot was confusing and hard to follow, and the characters felt one-dimensional. The writing style was also lacking, with clunky dialogue and awkward descriptions. Overall, I found it hard to stay engaged with the story and ultimately didn't enjoy the book as much as I had hoped.
2. Mark - 3 out of 5 - Although "The Source of Magic" had an interesting premise, it fell short in execution. The pacing was inconsistent, with some parts dragging on while others felt rushed. The world-building was also lacking, leaving me with more questions than answers. While the concept of magic was intriguing, it was poorly explained, and the magic system was inconsistent throughout the story. Overall, I was left feeling underwhelmed and unsatisfied with this book.
3. Emily - 2.5 out of 5 - I had high hopes for "The Source of Magic", but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. The characters lacked depth and development, and their motivations felt weak and contrived. The romance subplot was forced and didn't add much to the overall story. Additionally, the writing style was overly descriptive, slowing down the pacing and making it difficult to stay engaged. While the concept of magic had potential, it felt underutilized and failed to create a captivating world. Overall, I found "The Source of Magic" to be a lackluster read.