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The word is derived from the Middle English ''wysard'', from ''wis'', ''wys'' wise. The word is derived from the Middle English ''wysard'', from ''wis'', ''wys'' wise.


Famous wizards in foltlore and fantasy fiction (sometimes both) include: Famous wizards in folklore and fantasy fiction (sometimes both) include:
* ] - from Arthurian legend and their modern retellings. * ] - from Arthurian legend and their modern retellings.
* ] of Melniboné - more often called a sorcerer than a wizard - from ]'s ''Elric of Melniboné'' and its sequels * ] of Melniboné - more often called a sorcerer than a wizard - from ]'s ''Elric of Melniboné'' and its sequels

Revision as of 10:19, 23 May 2002

A practitioner of paranormal magic, especially in folklore, fantasy fiction, and fantasy role-playing games (FRPGs). Not a stage magician or conjurer like David Copperfield, Paul Daniels, or James Randi!

What makes a wizard different from a magician, a sorcerer, a thaumaturge, etc.? Well, in general, not a lot, although fantasy authors and FRPGs might use the names with narrower meanings. For example, Dungeons and Dragons Third Edition (D&D3E), distinguishes between sorcerers and wizards:

  • "Sorcerers create magic the way poets create poems, with inborn talent honed by practice."
  • "Wizards depend on intensive study to create their magic. ... For a wizard, magic is not a talent but a deliberate rewarding art."

The word is derived from the Middle English wysard, from wis, wys wise.

Famous wizards in folklore and fantasy fiction (sometimes both) include:

  • Merlin - from Arthurian legend and their modern retellings.
  • Elric of Melniboné - more often called a sorcerer than a wizard - from Michael Moorcock's Elric of Melniboné and its sequels
  • Sparrowhawk - from Ursula K. LeGuin's A Wizard of Earthsea and its sequels.
  • Rincewind - strictly a "Wizzard" (it says so on his hat) - from many of Terry Pratchett's Discworld novels.


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