Arcanum

A book of powerful Wizards

 Arcanum

A book of powerful Wizards

Name of the place
 Lord Of The Rings

Sauron's Tower
 Magic in Tolkien's Mythology is defined as mystical, paranormal, or supernatural activity. The system it is
based upon is colloquially called soft magic. It is an idea, in which magic is a very important part of world
building, although it may be not very spectacular or vsisable. It enhances life rather than drastically changing it.

“He that breaks a thing to find We can see that the land of Arda, Tolkien’s equivalent of the Earth, is full to the brim with magic. Proph-
ecies, shapeshifting, magical items or animism are a natural occurance in this universe, however it is rather
rare to see a crature being able to harvest that power; even less so control it. In fact, magical tendencies are
limited only to dieties of some sort, so in novels and movies we see very few magic users.

out what it is, has left the path Gandalf, Saruman, Radegast and two Blue Wizards are in fact lesser dieties called Maiar (singular Maia),
ancient and immortal spirits, taking up a form of elder men. They served Ainurs, angels so to speak, in
shaping and maintaining Arda.

of wisdom.” In the Third era, they were send to Middle-earth to counter Mordor’s every growing threat. Although similar
in status and ability to that of Sauron, wizards were prohibited from overpowering him, thus they were send
to counsel and assist all those who opposed the Dark Lord, later creating The White Counsel.

The only living race being able to conjure magical abilites are the Elves, but it is becuase they themselves
are of godly descent; from the very Eru Ilúvatar, The creator of all.

Name of the place


Gandalf
The Gray
Most likely the best known wizard from J.R.R Tolk-
ien’s novels. Gandalf was one of the wisest and most
knowledgeable beings in Middle-earth, believed by
Galadriel to be more worthy than Saruman in lead-
ing the White Council, though he was less mighty in
magic, until his resurrection. He has extensive knowl-
edge of many languages and writing systems used in
Middle-earth, as well as in the history and customs of
several of its peoples. He considers himself the greatest
scholar of Hobbit traditions. His long journeys have
allowed him to meet many influential and powerful
individuals and form lasting bonds with them. The
Hobbits know him as a masterful crafter of firecrackers.
Lord Of The Rings
Originally called Olórin, he was accounted as the
wisest of the Maiar. He was created by Ilúvatar before
the Music of the Ainur, and was at the beginning of
Time amongst the Ainur who entered into Eä. In his
early days he became one of the Maiar who served
Manwë, Varda, Irmo, and Nienna. He was associated
with light and fire, much like Varda, yet his ways often
took him to Nienna, from whom he learned pity and
patience. He loved the Elves, but walked unseen among
them, or wore the guise of an Elf, and sent them fair
visions in their hearts that made them wiser. Through-
out his life he followed the example of Nienna, talking
pity on the sorrows of the Children of Ilúvatar and
drawing those who listened to him out of despair.
When the Valar decided to send the Istari (also called
Wizards) to Middle-earth to fight the migtht of Sauron,
Manwë and Varda included Olórin among the five to
be sent. At first, Olórin was nervous and described
himself as too weak and afraid of Sauron. Manwë
understood, and told Olórin that such was a reason
why he should go, to overcome that fear. Furthermore,
the One Ring, containing much of Sauron’s power,
presumably still existed somewhere. Thus, Manwë
insisted that Olórin should go as the third, but Varda
convinced him to send Olórin as the second instead.
He agreed, and prepared for Olórin’s departure from
the Undying Lands with the other four.
10
Saruman
Of Many Colors
Saruman was first of the order of Istari, who came
to Middle-earth as emissaries of the Valar in the
Third Age. He was the Wizards’ leader, and chief of
the White Council that opposed Sauron. His extensive
studies of dark magic, however, eventually led him to
desire the One Ring and lust for power. Thinking he
could gain it for himself or become Sauron’s servant
alone, Saruman allied Isengard with Mordor in the
War of the Ring, in which he was defeated.
He is one of the few characters in Middle-earth who
is morally „grey” - being neither a genuine servant of
evil nor an agent of good. He ultimately trusts only his Hobbits and Shire, he sent spies after him, out of fear,
own counsel and schemes for his own ends.
Lord Of The Rings
Saruman was originally one of the powerful Maiar of
Aulë, the Smith named Curumo. He volunteered to be
send to fight Sauron the second time around, as opposed
to Olórin, who was chosen by Manwë and Varda, later
becoming jealous of him because of that very decision.
Curumo grew ever more jealous of Gandalf as the years
went by. He was better respected, considered more wise
and a better fit for the head of The White Council.
This sentiment agitated Saruman, perhaps beacuse
of a lingering fear of being overthrown.
When Saruman started seeing Gandalf’s intrest in
he’s looking for a way to become more powerful (and
overthrow him). It was revealed however, that amongst
the purposes of his visits was to procure some of the
halflings’ Pipe-weed, for which later Saruman publicly
mocked him.
In the year 2759 of the Third era, Saruman settled in
Isengard. There he became important in the informal
alliance defending the west of Middle-earth. In the
tower of Isengard, Orthanc, he also found one of the
remaining palantíri, one of the seeing-stones.
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 Lord Of The Rings
Radegast
The Brown
Radagast is a Maia of Yavanna, the queen of earth.
He mainly concerned himself with the well-being of
the plant and animal worlds, and thus did not partic-
ipate heavily in the War of the Ring.
Originally called Aiwendil, a friend to birds.
Radagast descended as a last Maia to Arda in order
to serve the Valar. He was sent to Arda because of a
plee made by Yavanna to Curumo, and although he
wasn't fond of Aiwendill, he agreed.
He is of oblivious nature, not being a sagnificant
part of any novels nor films, although it is speculated
that it is he who saved Gandalf from Isengard, alerting
the Great Eagles, with whom he was great friends with.
When the Wizards took their mission, they roamed
Middle-earth. In this period, Aiwendil was renamed
'Radagast' by the Ñoldor and became known for both
his protection of the great Forests and his zeal for the
animals, worrying little with the affairs of Men and
Elves, but was far more knowledgeable in plants, birds
and beasts in the forest.
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Lord Of The Rings
Pallando & Alatar
Blue Wizards
The Blue Wizards were two mysterious Istari, named Tolkien writes that, "indeed of all the Istari, one
as such because they both wore sea-blue robes. only remained faithful," referring to Gandalf. Also
in letter 211, he said, "what success they had I do not
The existence of five Wizards is only mentioned know; but I fear that they failed, as Saruman did,
briefly in The Lord of the Rings. In J.R.R. Tolkien's though doubtless in different ways; I suspect that
Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age it is told that they were founders or beginners of secret cults and
aside from Saruman, Gandalf, and Radagast, there were 'magic' traditions that outlasted the fall of Sauron".
'others of the Istari who went into the east of Mid-
dle-earth, and do not come into these tales' Tolkien
also writes in Unfinished Tales that the two Wizards were
sent to the East. Alatar was a Maia of the Vala Oromë
who chose him to go to Middle-earth. Alatar asked his
friend Pallando to join him on his mission (this book
is not an official source of information, thus I shall
claim that they were, in fact, lovers).
The time that the Blue Wizards arrived in Mid-
dle-earth is uncertain. In Unfinished Tales, Tolkien
wrote that the five Istari came to Middle-earth
together in the year 1000 of Third Era. However, in
The Peoples of Middle-earth, they are said to have arrived
in the Second Era, around the year 1600, the time
of the forging of the One Ring. Their mission was
directed at weakening Sauron's forces in the eastern
and southern parts of Middle-earth, whereas the other
Istari were focused on the west. It is also uncertain
whether they failed in their mission, but it seems
most likely.
13
 The Wizard of Oz

The Emerald City

 “Are you a good witch Land of Oz is based on fairytails. There are fairies, witches, talking animals and magical wares.
Magic is not crutial to the existance of this world. It is just a nice and convinent tool to ease everyday life, to
those who posses the ability to do so.

or a bad witch?” However the simple formula that The Wizard of Oz was initially created on, holds many intresting and
intricate details about the world, which have built up over many years and even more so with countless forms
of media it was adapted into.

Deep dive into the geo-political intrigue of this world will show us betrayls, dethronings, changes in borders
and so on. One cannot describe the magnitude of Oz in a short summary text...

Name of the place


Glinda
The Good Witch
Glinda is the beautiful and independent Good
Witch of the South, as well as the official Ruler of
Quadling Country. Compassionate, knowledgeable,
and ethereally lovely, Glinda is the most educated and
respected sorceress in the entire Land of Oz - despite
her youthful beauty and lively personality, she was
rumored and even hinted by Baum to be many cen-
turies - if not millennia - old.
Many centuries ago, when Oz was ruled by a
Wicked king, Glinda placed the Forbidden Fountain on
the grounds where the Royal Palace of Oz stands long Ozma regain her rightful throne and became her per-
before the Emerald City had been built or King Pas- sonal protector, gaing the title 'Glinda, The Protector
toria had ruled. The Wicked King and all his subjects of Ozma'.
drank of it, and afterward grew wise together.
Glinda became the Ruler of the Quadlings after
vanquishing the Wicked Witch of the South.
Over a hundred years ago, Dorothy Gale visited
Glinda on her first visit to Oz to ask for her help in
returning to Kansas. The Good Witch told her of the
charm of the Silver Shoes. Then she took the Golden
Cap from Dorothy and commanded the Winged Mon-
keys to carry the Scarecrow back to the Emerald City,
the Cowardly Lion back to the forest where he was
made king, the Tin Woodman to the Winkie Coun-
try to rule as Emperor. She then gave the Cap to the
Winged Monkeys, thereby freeing them forever.
The Wizard of Oz
When the Scarecrow was deposed as King of Oz
by the Wizard who left as just as he came decades
prior, Glinda politely declined to help him regain
the royal throne in The Emerald City. And Instead
initiated a long grueling search across all the land of
Oz, for the rightful ruler of royal blood. The only heir
to the throne of Oz was the long lost Princess Ozma,
the daughter of King Pastoria who once ruled in a
kingdom before the Wizard arrived.
Through trials and tribulations, Glinda Helped
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The Wizard of Oz
Elphaba
Wicked Witch
Of The West
Despite being such an iconic character, Wicked Witch Though unjustly, Elphaba faced a lot of tragedy
of the West does not play a big part in the history of through out her life. In her early years, she loses
Oz after her death. her mother. At the age of 17 she was invited to the
Crage Hall, all- female college at Shiz University.
In 1995 however, Maguire writes a novel, creating a She was noticed for her great magical abilities. There,
full portrait of a tragic antagonist to Dorothy Gale and Elphaba faces a lot of tragedy as well. She doesn't fit
the whole Oz, showing us Elphaba's story. in; is a target of many pranks and jokes, witnesses a
murder of her beloved professor and is generally rid-
Elphaba Thropp was born in Rush Margins, a rural iculed though and through. She does however find a
area of Munchkinland in the Land of Oz. Unlike any great friend in Glinda, once unbearably priviliged and
other Ozian, she was mysteriously born with florescent spoilt child of royal blood.
bright green skin. In addition to the green skin, she
was born with a full set of teeth, as well as a strange After that follows the rebellion. Elphaba joins the
scientifically inexplicable allergy towards water, which cause of fighting for social change for animals, which
causes it to painfully burn her to the bone, like acid. there are a lot of prejudice against. At this time she
Regardless of her bizarre skin condition, Elphaba lives in the Emerald City, working in the underbelly.
seems to be a very normal young lady in all other She reconects with her friend from college, Fyero, with
aspects. She is highly intelligent, ambitious, cynical, an whom she later has a monts-lasting romance. Later he
independent thinker. Due to her family's noble blood, was killedin the midst of Elphaba's home being raided
she is tall, unlike most diminutive Munchkinlanders by wizards, as they discover the rebellion.
who are short in stature.
In grief, she decided to go to Kiamo Ko, where she
resides for years, learning magical spells and finding
affinity for wizardry.
19
 Warcraft

Dalaran, The Flying City of Mages

 the world of Azeroth is a realm filled with potent magics and mighty beings. Since the dawn of time, these
forces have influenced the cosmos, setting the stars in motion and the destiny of countless worlds and mortal
civilizations.
In warcraft lore, there are energies called The Cosmic Forces. They are the very base of everything that exists,
and by that nature, are magic.

“Bein’ a mage means knowin’ The most fundemental of these forces are Light and Shadow, they bound together all cosmic scale. One
cannot exist without the other. They reside outside of reality, however their shades are seen all across the
cosmos. Light manifests and holy magic, shadow (also called The Void) as shadow magic.

power can flow in more than

Then there is Life and Death magic, these forces hold sway over every living thing in the physical universe.
The energies of Life, known commonly as nature magic, promote growth and renewal in all things. Death, in
the form of necromantic magic, acts as a counterbalance to Life. It is an unavoidable force that breeds despair
in mortal hearts and pushes everything toward a state of entropic decay and eventual oblivion. Another type

one direction.”
of Death magic is Domination, which is capable of controlling and reshaping souls.

The forces of Order and Disorder (also called Chaos) govern the cosmic systems of the physical universe.
Order is most commonly perceived in reality as arcane magic. This type of energy is innately volatile, and
wielding it requires intense precision and concentration. Conversely, Disorder is manifested as highly destruc-
tive fel magic. This brutal and extremely addictive energy is fueled by drawing life from living beings.

The elements of fire, air, earth, and water serve as the basic building blocks of all matter in the physical
universe. Shamanic cultures have long sought to live in harmony with, or assert dominion over, the elements.
To do so, they called upon the Primordial forces of Spirit and Decay. Those who seek to bring balance to the
elements rely on Spirit; This life-giving force interconnects and binds all things in existence as one. Decay is
the tool of shaman seeking to subjugate and weaponize the elements themselves.

Name of the place

 Warcraft Warcraft

Queen Azshara Medivh

The Prophet
Azshara is the queen of the naga, ruling from the to unleash his Burning Legion upon Azeroth. The Medivh means Keeper of secrets in Thalassian. He was Medivh is, similarely to all mages presented in this
underwater city of Nazjatar. She was entrancingly Dark Lord entranced Xavius, most trusted advisor to the last Guardian of Tirisfal, an ancient line of pro- book, one of the strongest mages in Azeroth's history.
beautiful and beloved by her people. Once the beloved the Queen, pulling him under his power, following tectors bestowed with great powers to battle against He is a decended of a former guardan Aegwynn and
ruler of the Kaldorei Empire over ten thousand years quickly with most of the Highborne and eventually the agents of the Burning Legion. He was possessed a mage named Aran. Through they destain toward
ago, now remembered as a doom-bringer to the known Azshara herself. even before birth by the spirit of the lord of the Burn- magic council, they've decided that the next guardian
and realtively peaceful reality. ing Legion, Sargeras. Under his influence, Medivh (as there is to be only one guardian at a time) must be
Summoning the Fel power into Azorth, finally broke contacted the orc warlock Gul'dan, and together they free of their watchful eye, thus giving life to Medivh.
Azshara was ever-tempted with the promise of great- the Well, which resulted in a splitting of the continent opened the Dark Portal, bringing the Old Horde to
ness. She was born with golden eyes, which in the cul- into many parts, leaving gigantic Maelstrom in the Azeroth. He was slain some time after by a party led unbenounced to everyone, Medivh from the very
ture of highborne, was regarded as a sign of sagnificant middle of the earth. by his best friend, Anduin Lothar. begging was possesed by evil forces and so, a lot of
future. She always sought to be better than all by any dark thoughts spun in his head. He got obssessed
means neccesary, and it is because of that very need Resurrected by his mother Aegwynn, Medivh with the idea of stopping the Burning Legion, not
she started meddling with the Well of Eternity. returned as a mysterious prophet shortly before the knowing he was controlled by that very force. He
beginning of the Third War, manipulating events in gained knowledge of Dreanor and Orcs, old slaves of
Azshara ordered her Highborne to join the night order to arrange the formation of a last-ditch alliance Sargeras, and thought it;d be a great irony to defeat
elf priests in trying to uncover the secrets of the Well. between the mortal races of Kalimdor, guiding them the Legion with their help.
In their quest to learn its secrets, the night elves dis- to victory at the Battle of Mount Hyjal.
covered that they could manipulate the cosmic ener- He contacted Gul'dan from within his tower of
gies flowing from the Well. Perhaps no one was more Karazhan and ploted to create a powerful portal that
suited to this task than Azshara. She was one of the would let the Orcs through to azeroth, and with the
greatest magic users who had ever lived. Many of the help of powerful forces on both sides, his plan came
Highborne living in the palace devoted themselves to to a successful conclusion. On that day, every mage in
constant study of the Well. As their obsession grew, Azeorth has felt a powerful fel magic come through to
these Highborne drew magic from the Well's depths at this plane, changing the course of the history forever
reckless speed and channeled the chaotic energies into and falling right into Sargeras' trap.
ever-greater spells. The Well was thrown into constant
turmoil. Dark storms broke out over its surface, and Although being an antagonist in the begging,
its waters darkened until they became utterly black. Medivh reedems himself after his ressuraction, no
longer being possesed, he helps defea tthe Legion for
Their meddling with immense magic, however, drew the second time at the Battle of Mount Hyjal.
the eye of an interested observer: Sargeras. Seeking

24 25
 Warcraft Warcraft

Jaina Proudmoore
Lord Admiral
Lady Jaina Proudmoore is considered one of the finest Dalaran. She came to be known as a star pupil who
mages in all Azeroth and the most powerful human sor- excelled at magical research and investigation, and
ceress alive. She is the Lord Admiral of Kul Tiras, the Antonidas believed she had the potential to become
former leader of the Kirin Tor of Dalaran, and of the the greatest sorceress in human history.
port-city of Theramore.
She is known for her once peaceful, now aggre- Following the Legion's defeat on Mount Hyjal, Jaina
sive attitude toward horde, following the bombing of took her refugees to an island outpost off the eastern
Theramore. The story of Jaina Proudmoore however coast of Kalimdor, newly named Theramore. There an
is still in writing, as she is an avtice part of the current
alliance was struck between her and the orcs. This pact
in-game lore, so everything we know about her is still however was broken by her father, where upon arrival,
a matter to possibly change. he killed what he claimed to be an enemy, and so as to
not create conflict, Jaina helped Thrall take revenge on
Born three years prior to the First War, Jaina Proud- her father. Since then the Kul Tirans claimed her an
moore was the middle child of Lord Admiral Daelin enemy to the whole nation she was once a treasure of.
Proudmoore, ruler of Kul Tiras, and his wife Katherine.
Jaina was loved by her family and, from an early age,
was filled with the joy of learning and the duties of
a young lady, despite House Proudmoore's military
background. Once her magical abilites developed,
Her parents decided she should be send of to a mag-
ical univesity of Dalaran, where she would be able to
fully flourish.

Jaina spent the following years studying as a member

of the Kirin Tor in Dalaran. She was inspired by Aeg-
wynns power and was determined to follow her path to
greatness. 6 years after her arrival to the city, she badg-
ered the Kirin Tor's leader Archmage Antonidas into
accepting her as an apprentice, eventually becom-
ing one of the few female wizards in direct service to

26