Using Magic for Worldbuilding: Ten Impressive Examples in Fantasy Literature
The “Harry Potter” series by J.K. Rowling:
The magical world of Harry Potter is an excellent example of using magic for worldbuilding in fantasy fiction. The Harry Potter literature is intricately woven with a rich magical system that includes spells, potions, magical creatures, and magical objects. The magic in this series is deeply integrated into the world and its various institutions, such as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the Ministry of Magic, and Diagon Alley. These institutions provide a framework for understanding the social structure, education system, and governance within the magical community. Through these institutions, readers gain insights into the rules, traditions, and values that govern magical society. Magic also plays a central role in shaping society and its conflicts. The series delves into ancient conflicts, such as the rise of Voldemort and the First Wizarding War, the founding of Hogwarts by the four founders, and the tales of powerful wizards and witches from the past. These historical events and legends add depth to the worldbuilding, creating a sense of continuity, mystery, and lore that enriches the storytelling. The series features a wide array of magical objects and artifacts, each with its own unique properties and significance. Examples include the Sorting Hat, the Philosopher’s Stone, the Marauder’s Map, and the Deathly Hallows. These objects not only serve as plot devices but also contribute to worldbuilding by showcasing the ingenuity, craftsmanship, and magical advancements within the wizarding world. They provide a glimpse into the magical artifacts that shape everyday life or possess extraordinary power.
“The Lord of the Rings” series by J.R.R. Tolkien:
Tolkien’s Middle-earth is infused with magic, particularly through its races such as Elves, Wizards, Dwarfs, and the power of the One Ring. Magic in this world is deeply connected to its history. Ancient powers, artifacts, and epic battles shape the course of the story and the development of the characters. The presence of the Istari, also known as the Wizards, is a crucial aspect of magic in Middle-earth. Characters such as Gandalf, Saruman, Radagast, and the two Blue Wizards are sent by the Valar (divine beings) to assist the Free Peoples of Middle-earth. Their powers, wisdom, and influence shape the events of the story and reveal the underlying magical forces at work in the world. The history of Middle-earth is steeped in ancient magic and powerful artifacts. Examples include the Rings of Power, such as the One Ring, and their creation by the Dark Lord Sauron. These artifacts hold immense power and significance, impacting the course of events and the character’s struggles. The presence of such magical objects adds layers of history, mythology, and intrigue to the world of Middle-earth. Elves are renowned for their mastery of magic and possess a deep connection to the natural world. Elven magic is closely tied to their lore, wisdom, and craftsmanship. Their abilities include healing, foresight, enchantment, and creation. Through the portrayal of Elven magic and the prominence of Elven societies like Rivendell and Lothlórien, Tolkien weaves a tapestry of ancient wisdom and ethereal beauty into the world of Middle-earth. The use of magic in Tolkien’s worldbuilding is more subtle than that in the Harry Potter series but it is beautifully executed.
“The Wheel of Time” series by Robert Jordan:
Another example of the more subtle use of magic in fantasy worldbuilding, this epic fantasy series, magic, known as the One Power, is used by different factions, magic-wielders called “channelers.” The magic system in this fantasy series is detailed and intricate, with specific rules and limitations. Magic also plays a significant role in the world’s politics, conflicts, and prophecies. The One Power, divided into male and female halves (Saidin and Saidar, respectively), is a source of magic in the world of the Wheel of Time. Channelers, called Aes Sedai, can tap into this power to perform various feats, such as wielding the five elemental forces (Air, Earth, Fire, Water, and Spirit), Healing, and creating powerful weaves of magic. The intricate system of channeling and the rules surrounding its use contribute to worldbuilding, establishing the nature and limitations of magic in the series. The Aes Sedai, female channelers who belong to different Ajahs (divisions), are integral to worldbuilding. Each Ajah has its own focus, purpose, and philosophy, representing different aspects of the One Power. The White Tower, the institution that trains and governs female channelers, provides insights into the structure, hierarchy, and politics of the Aes Sedai, further developing the world of the Wheel of Time. The presence of the Dark One and his control over the True Power, a corrupted version of the One Power, adds depth and conflict to worldbuilding. The struggle between the forces of light and darkness, with the Dark One seeking to break free and corrupt the world, establishes the overarching conflict and the stakes involved in the series.
“A Song of Ice and Fire” series by George R.R. Martin:
Magic in Martin’s series is subtle and mysterious, gradually re-emerging in a world where it was once thought to be extinct. The presence of magic, through dragons, wargs, and the return of other mythical creatures and beings, adds depth and complexity to the world. Magic, or the lack thereof, influences both political power struggles and personal journeys. In this gritty fantasy book series, magic is depicted as a latent power that begins to resurface after a long absence in the world of Westeros. This resurgence of magic adds an element of wonder and unpredictability to the world. As the story progresses, the reappearance of magical creatures, supernatural abilities, and arcane practices reshape the dynamics of power and influence within the narrative. The return of dragons, thought to be extinct, marks a pivotal moment in worldbuilding” The hatching of Daenerys Targaryen’s dragon eggs brings back these mythical creatures, which then grow to become formidable forces of power. Dragons have historical and symbolic significance, shaping the political landscape and ushering in an era of uncertainty and conflict. The series also introduces various forms of dark and forbidden magic, such as shadow magic and blood magic. These practices carry a sense of danger and consequence, often associated with characters pursuing power at great cost. The inclusion of these darker magical elements adds a sense of intrigue and moral complexity to the worldbuilding. The followers of the Lord of Light, known as the Red Priests and Priestesses, wield a form of fire magic. They can create and control fire, heal wounds, and perceive visions of the future. The introduction of these religious figures and their magical abilities expand the understanding of different belief systems in the world of Westeros. These are just a few ways the use of magical elements contributes to the worldbuilding in this fantasy book series.
“The Malazan Book of the Fallen” series by Steven Erikson:
Beginning with “Gardens of the Moon,” this epic fantasy series features a truly vast and complex world where magic is abundant and wildly diverse. From warrens, magical realms accessed by powerful mages, to ancient artifacts and god-like beings, magic shapes the world and drives its conflicts. The series delves into profound philosophical and moral themes through its exploration of magic. The Malazan world is structured around a system of magical realms known as warrens and holds. These are alternate dimensions of power and existence, each associated with different elements, concepts, and sources of magic. Each warren has its own characteristics, inhabitants, and rules. The existence of multiple warrens adds depth and complexity to the world, as characters can access and draw power from different realms. The series features a wide array of mages, sorcerers, and powerful individuals known as Ascendants who wield magic. These characters possess varying degrees of control over warrens and the ability to manipulate and shape reality. Their presence contributes to worldbuilding by establishing different schools of magic, factions, and hierarchies within the magical community.
The Deck of Dragons is a powerful magical artifact that represents the pantheon of gods and their interactions in the Malazan world. The deck acts as a symbolic tool and source of power, shaping the destinies of characters and the events of the series. Its inclusion adds depth to the mythology and religious beliefs within the worldbuilding. This series offers a different approach to the use of magic in fantasy worldbuilding with gods and monsters around every corner. The Malazan series is one of my all-time favorite fantasy fiction series.
Five More Examples of Using Magical Elements in World Building in Fantasy Literature:
“The Stormlight Archive” series by Brandon Sanderson:
Beginning with “The Way of Kings,” Sanderson’s epic fantasy series introduces readers to a world known as Roshar, where magic is tied to powerful entities called spren and the ability to harness storm light. The magic system, known as Surge-binding, is intricately detailed, with rules and limitations. Magic plays a central role in the world’s conflicts, culture, and the personal journeys of the characters. Surgebinding is the primary magic system in the series, involving the manipulation of ten fundamental forces called Surges. Radiants, individuals who can harness and utilize these Surges, play a significant role in worldbuilding. The existence of different orders of Radiants, each with its own unique abilities and oaths, adds depth to the magical system and creates a sense of hierarchy and diversity within the world. Shardblades, powerful weapons made of concentrated magic called Shardplate, are an essential aspect of worldbuilding. They are remnants of the shattered divine powers known as Shards. The existence and significance of these powerful artifacts contribute to the lore, history, and hierarchy within the world, as they are wielded by notable characters and impact the conflicts in the series. “The Stormlight Archive” introduces the concept of different realms, such as the Physical, Cognitive, and Spiritual Realms, which are interconnected. The Cognitive Realm, in particular, plays a role in worldbuilding by enabling characters to travel through and interact with the thoughts and perceptions of others. This concept expands the scope of the world, revealing the interconnectedness of consciousness and the existence of parallel realities.
“The Lightbringer” series by Brent Weeks:
“Beginning with “The Black Prism,” this epic fantasy series by Brent Weeks is set in a world where magic is derived from light and colors, and individuals known as “drafters” have the ability to harness and utilize this magic. Each color has unique properties and abilities. Not everyone has access to or the ability to utilize this intricately developed magic system. Through magic and the power it bestows, this series explores themes of corruption, morality, and the consequences of power. Chromaturgy is the magic system in the series, and it revolves around the manipulation of colors and light through a substance called luxin. Luxin can be solidified into different colors, each with unique properties and abilities. The use of luxin and chromaturgy has practical applications, such as crafting tools, weapons, and architecture. The various colors of luxin and their roles in society create a visually rich and distinct world.
- The Prism, a powerful figure in the world, is the sole individual who can draft and control all colors of luxin. The Prism serves as both a political and religious leader, and their powers and role in worldbuilding shape the hierarchy and dynamics of the society. The color spectrum and the role of the Prism create a sense of mysticism, destiny, and conflict within the narrative. The magic system in “The Lightbringer” series has practical applications beyond combat and warfare. Luxin is used in various industries, such as lighting, transportation, and construction. The inclusion of luxin powered technologies and their integration into everyday life enhances worldbuilding, illustrating the impact and integration of magic into the world.
“The Inheritance Trilogy” by N.K. Jemisin:
This trilogy of fantasy novels presents readers with a world where gods and mortals co-exist. The magic in this world is tied to the gods’ influence and manifests through various forms, such as shape-shifting and manipulating dreams. The exploration of magic in the series touches on themes of identity, relationships, and the balance between gods and mortals. In “The Inheritance Trilogy,” worldbuilding delves into the creation and shaping of the world itself. The gods are responsible for the creation of realms and continents, and their magic is tied to the very fabric of existence. The exploration of world creation and the gods’ abilities to shape reality adds depth to the mythology and the cosmology of the series. The worldbuilding in “The Inheritance Trilogy” explores the concept of binding, where individuals can enter into contracts or oaths with gods, spirits, or powerful entities. These bindings can grant individuals access to magical abilities or forge alliances. The presence of binding oaths adds depth to worldbuilding by establishing rules, consequences, and intricate relationships between mortals and higher beings. Magic serves as a catalyst for change and transformation within the narrative. It can empower individuals to challenge oppressive systems, redefine societal norms, and bring about revolutions. The exploration of magic as a force of change contributes to worldbuilding by highlighting the possibilities and consequences that arise from wielding such power.
“The Craft Sequence” by Max Gladstone:
This fantasy series presents a world where magic is a legal and economic system. Magic is used for contracts, commerce, and the resurrection of gods. The world-building is this series combines elements of urban fantasy, legal drama, and corporate politics, exploring themes of power, faith, and the role of magic in society. In this series, magic is known as Craft, and it operates as a form of contract law. Magic users, known as Craftsmen or Craftswomen, negotiate and enter into binding contracts with supernatural entities to harness magical powers. The presence of Craft and its connection to contract law forms the foundation of the world’s legal system, shaping the power dynamics and establishing a unique blend of magic and legal frameworks. “The Craft Sequence” explores a world where gods and divine beings exist alongside powerful corporate entities. These corporations act as deities in the modern world, and the interactions between gods and corporations become central to worldbuilding. The existence of these entities and their influence on the economy and governance create a distinct blend of magical and business-driven systems. The world of “The Craft Sequence” features an economy centered around souls. Necromancers and soul arbitrageurs play a significant role in this economy, dealing with the trade and manipulation of souls. The inclusion of the soul-based economy and the practice of necromancy adds depth to worldbuilding, exploring the moral implications and economic consequences of soul manipulation. By incorporating the concepts of Craft as contract law, the integration of gods and corporations, the economy of souls, and the influence of city-state divinities, Max Gladstone creates a world in “The Craft Sequence” that is deeply influenced by magic and its implications. The exploration of these magical systems and their impact on society, economics, and governance contributes to the intricate worldbuilding and engages readers in a richly layered world.
“The Grisha Trilogy” by Leigh Bardugo:
Set in the Grisha-verse, a world inspired by Russian folklore in a world reminiscent of Tsarist Russia, this series explores a magical system known as the Small Science. The “Grisha,” individuals possessing different magical abilities, play a significant role in the world’s politics and conflicts. The series examines themes of identity, loyalty, and the price of power.The Grisha are individuals who possess magical abilities known as the Small Science. They are organized into different orders, each specializing in a specific aspect of magic. These orders have distinct powers and roles within the society. The existence of these orders and their abilities create a structured magical system that influences the world and the characters’ interactions The Shadow Fold, a dangerous and mysterious expanse of darkness, is a central element of the worldbuilding. It is a result of dark magic gone wrong and serves as a physical and metaphorical barrier within the story. The existence of the Shadow Fold highlights the consequences of magic and its potential for both creation and destruction. It adds a sense of danger, fear, and tension to the world. The Darkling, creator of the Shadow Fold and a central antagonist in the series, possesses unique and formidable powers. His abilities, such as summoning darkness and manipulating shadows, contribute to worldbuilding by showcasing the breadth of magic and its potential for both good and evil. The Darkling’s powers and his role in the narrative add a layer of mystery, intrigue, and conflict to the world. Magic plays a significant role in the social dynamics of the world. Grisha are both feared and revered, and their powers can impact social standing and influence. The inclusion of magic in the societal structure creates a power imbalance and highlights the prejudices and discrimination faced by those with magical abilities as well as shaping the political landscape and social hierarchies within Ravka.
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Teresa Coffey
Fantasy author, blogger, and book reviewer. I spend my spare time as a Chihuahua herder, intrepid explorer and international woman of mystery. I'm changing the world one word at a time.
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