How Fantasy Magic Teaches Real Life Lessons

Magic is a critical element to every great fantasy novel. It’s what makes the story so fantastical and wondrous, bringing an element of impossibility to life that tantalizes our imaginations in a way that few “realistic” things ever could. Some would argue that magic is the primary factor which makes fantasy such a popular genre. For all the marvelous beasts and heroic adventures and epic battles, it’s the inclusion of magic that takes the genre a step farther.
But the beauty of magic is that, no matter how improbable it is, there is always a way it is related to real life. In fact, some of the greatest life lessons can be learned from examining the way magic is used in fantasy novels.
The power is within us.
Magic empowers its wielders in concrete ways, giving them the ability to summon fire, craft weapons, heal injuries, even defeat gods. In fantasy novels, we walk through the hero’s journey as they learn to use the magic they are able to access because of WHO they are and WHAT makes them unique.
And that’s real life, too! We all have something unique, something that makes us special and gives us “powers” no one else has. It’s only by searching within ourselves and coming to understand our own abilities and strengths that we can truly see what we have to offer the world.
Look deeper into oneself or beyond what is visible.
Magic is often used as a parallel to examine religious belief or faith. After all, magic provides a physical manifestation that can only be brought to life because the magic-wielder believes in their abilities or powers or spells or incantations.
Magic is rarely immediately visible, but it is created because the magic-wielders are looking beyond what their physical eyes can see. How true for those of us who believe in something greater than ourselves!
Control your emotions.
Many emotion-based magic systems require wielders to master their feelings in order to gain access to specific powers or abilities. Only by learning to control emotions can they tap into those abilities.
This is an AMAZING skill to develop in real life. Not to suppress or avoid emotions, but learn to recognize and control them. The more we are in control of our reactions to situations, the greater our emotional health.

Read the entire article in the April 2020 issue of InD'Tale magazine.

You can just click on the magazine image on the left hand side of our home page to open and enjoy!

OR

If you would like to receive the magazine every month (for FREE!) , just sign up on our home page. Once you do, an e-mail validation notice will be sent directly to you. Just open and click the link and you're in - forever!  Each month the magazine will be delivered directly to your inbox to downlad and read!