 Fantasy: April 17, 2024 Issue [#12509] |
This week: Magic, Titles and Gender Edited by: Dawn Embers  
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Fantasy Newsletter by Dawn
Discussing the concept of titles for those who can do magic and whether gender identity matters in relation. Some thoughts from my own writing and even a little inspiration thanks for a sitcom. |
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When it comes to fantastical worlds, there is a variety of options available for how we showcase the magic and the characters who are capable of using it. Whether you are going with some type of spell caster or maybe someone who has a natural magic that is produced with different methods depending on birth, the aspects of magic and the individual involved are details to consider. Even if it's a nose twitch or a wave of a wand, there may be a difference when it comes to the gender/sex spectrum and how characters are identified within the story.
For example, consider the term witch. For some stories, the witch is always a female character, whether it's a positive or negative term used. For those that have both male and female magic characters that use witch, sometimes the term warlock gets used for the male character. However, for some the warlock tends more towards evil characters because they are known as oath breakers.
There is an episode of Everybody Loves Raymond where the main character's father is using him for sports information. Since he used it to win bets against his friends, Frank ends up with some upset gambling buddies. When they express their unhappiness to Raymond, they start to say that his father must be possessed or even is the devil. One calls him a witch and another corrects him to say he means warlock. The conversation continues with the question if the guy was calling him a male witch. The other responds with no, it's just witch now. Then compares it to nurses and how you don't refer to a guy in the nursing field as a male nurse, that they are all just nurses. That comparison entertained me because I do have a story with a witch who happens to be male and yes, the correct term is witch because it's not a gender specific term.
Witch is one option but I've also read others that have used the term warlock for the magical characters. Something about warlocks and werewolves needing to work together even though they don't naturally get along. Either way, it can be an option for a protagonist or an antagonist depending how you write the story. Though, now that I think about it, I am not sure I've heard of a female warlock. There probably is one somewhere but it's definitely not a common usage.
Another great term, which I might have bias towards considering my username, is that of the mage. It is a term that is often used for characters who can do magic but it also doesn't have as much of a gender focus compared to the others terms. Anyone one of any sex or gender identity could be called a mage.
The type of magic can also influence the use of term. While I don't know other reasons people use when deciding terms, there are some that I've considered in fantasy stories for the magic used along with how it related to titles. One aspect that I consider is whether the magic requires training or studies in order to become stronger or successful. For some of my writing, if it's a natural skill that develops overtime but doesn't require a formal type of studies, then that's different than one who has to work harder to gain the abilities. Then there is the question whether magic is considered a good quality or if it's something the general population views as dangerous or if it's something that needs to be controlled. On a side note, this can also be said for abilities that are more in the sci-fi realm including genetic mutations. Finding the right term to use within the world of the story is important.
Now that people are viewing gender more on a spectrum with other options, I am curious how that will influence the world of fantasy and science fiction. The genre has already had a variety of characters long before it was something main stream. So, maybe there are terms out there that fit well for they/them or non-gender identities. There may be some that experience difficulties in their titles due to changes they express in how a character wants to identify. Different options exist and I'm looking forward to seeing what people create as we move forward and expand our options for identity within the real world and the one of magic.
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What term do you use for the magic characters? Does gender matter in the titles?
Last month, I wrote about the use of problems from our world that get showcased with speculative fiction settings. Here are a couple comments sent from that newsletter:
Comment by brom21  :
I write Christian/spiritual fantasy where the conceived world clearly displays the issue or idea which is presented. It is something that is universally contemplated. It doesn't necessarily require parallels or undertones. It can be face value. Thanks for the NL!
- Thank you for the comment. I'm glad you liked the newsletter and good luck with your stories.
Comment by Beholden  :
Thank you very much for including my short story, Blenkenstorp, in your Editor's Picks section. And sorry about my comment on your previous newsletter. I was probably living up to my reputation as an old curmudgeon or something!
- haha, no worries. There are some things I've read where I just don't get the appeal. Personal preference is an acceptable factor. 
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