The world is full of endless wonders and mysteries that captivate our imagination. Among these wonders, one of the most enchanting and intriguing is the concept of magic. Magic, the ability to harness supernatural forces and manipulate the natural world, has fascinated humans for centuries. Throughout history, magic has been portrayed in various forms, from ancient rituals and mysticism to contemporary fantasy novels and movies. It has been a constant source of inspiration for countless stories and legends, weaving a tapestry of spellbinding tales that transport us to realms beyond our imagination. The allure of magic lies in its limitless possibilities.
Zargal frowned, obviously confused. "If she took the blood", . "then why am I not ---"
A-unit is made up of the world s top aces with connections to European nobility; Squadron Leader Rosalie de Hemricourt de Grunne is the honorary commanding officer, but she doesn t usually command battles directly. A-unit is made up of the world s top aces with connections to European nobility; Squadron Leader Rosalie de Hemricourt de Grunne is the honorary commanding officer, but she doesn t usually command battles directly.
The allure of magic lies in its limitless possibilities. It allows us to escape the confines of reality and venture into a realm where anything is possible. With magic, we can summon mystical creatures, harness the elements, and cast spells that can shape the course of events.
Fantasy novel about a noble cursed by a witch-king to become a giant, then has to find a sorceress to cure the witch-king's sick daughter
I read this one as a child and I've never been able to find it again! It wasn't exactly Pulitzer material lol, but I have nostalgic memories of it. I believe the author was an American woman. It was published in the 90s at the latest, possibly 70s-80s. The title possibly had something like 'sorceress' in it. I believe the book cover had a picture of a sorceress in ragged black, wind-whipped clothing (I have a vague impression of a greyish-blue background). A nobleman (a duke?), described as handsome and dark-haired, gets drunk and rowdy in an inn. He humiliates a fellow guest who has deformities. The guest turns out to be a(n impoverished?) king, who's also a magician, so he places the nobleman under a curse. The curse is that the nobleman becomes uncontrollably hungry, and as he eats he becomes a giant. After eating so much that he's cleared out the townsfolks' larders, can't foot the bill, and reaches an enormous height, he's chased away. He meets a chipper lad, who becomes his sidekick, and hides in a field of magical (and unfriendly!) plants. Then he and the sidekick set off to find the witch-king and beg him to lift the curse. After some danger and adventures, they find the gloomy draughty castle. The witch-king agrees to slow down, but not lift, the curse-- if the nobleman works in his kitchen as a scullery boy. The witch-king says he'll review the punishment. in a few decades' time. Eventually, the noble-turned-scullery-boy meets the witch-king's predictably beautiful daughter. (Blonde, obviously. Described as pretty as a spring morning!) She's sweet but sad, she's nice to him, and they become friends. Then tragedy strikes! The witch-king's disabling and painful deformities, it's revealed, were the result of a sorceress' curse on his line many centuries ago. His daughter is also becoming sick. Her limbs will become painful and twisted until she, too, must endure the rest of her life in agony. Or maybe die? The king announces he's sending off an adventuring party on a quest to find the sorceress. She was capable (he thinks) of extending her life indefinitely. And they'll find her in a ruin in the middle of a swamp. Whoever finds her will be promised his daughter's hand in marriage (yuck, but again, not Pulitzer material). So some bold-yet-unpleasant noblemen, the giant scullery-boy, and the chipper sidekick set off in a magical sledge into the swamp. It's dangerous, horrible, they're plagued by insects, and most of them die. Eventually they find the sorceress in her ruin. She's staring at some magical paintings which keep her in a state of torpor. They break her torpor. For some reason, she agrees to come back with them and cure the king's daughter. The cure involves the sorceress magically replacing all of the princess' blood with the giant nobleman's (hope he's Group O). This means he will die, to which he agrees in order to save her. However, in a bold and unpredictable twist, he wakes up again a bit later. The witch-king tells him he had just enough blood left to survive, if he was the size of a normal man. So the witch-king broke the curse. Marriage, redemption etc, happily ever after. I realise I remember the entire story so well, finding the book seems redundant. but it's been a mystery for me for 20-ish years! I began to suspect I'd imagined this book! Thank you!
- story-identification
It taps into our innate desire for power, control, and the ability to transcend the mundane. But magic is more than just a fantastical concept. It holds a deeper meaning and significance in our lives. In many cultures, magic is intertwined with spirituality and religious beliefs. It is seen as a connection to the divine, a way to communicate with higher beings, and a tool for healing and enlightenment. Beyond its spiritual connotations, magic also serves as a metaphor for the extraordinary potential within each of us. It represents the inherent power we possess to shape our own destinies, overcome obstacles, and create the lives we desire. Just as a magician wields his wand to manifest his intentions, we too have the ability to manifest our dreams and aspirations through focus, determination, and belief in ourselves. However, it is important to note that magic, like any other power, can be both a blessing and a curse. It can empower us to do extraordinary things, but it can also lead us astray if used recklessly or for selfish gain. The duality of magic reminds us of the responsibility we have to use our powers wisely and ethically. In conclusion, magic is a fascinating and multifaceted concept that has captivated human imagination for centuries. It represents the boundless possibilities of the human spirit, our connection to the divine, and the power we possess to shape our own destinies. As we continue to explore the realms of fantasy and the mysteries of the universe, let us remember that the true magic lies within us all..
Reviews for "The role of magic in literature and storytelling"
1. Jane - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Last of Magic". The plot was all over the place and lacked coherence. The characters were poorly developed, and I couldn't connect with any of them. The writing style was also lacking and felt amateurish. Overall, I found the book to be unengaging and struggled to finish it.
2. Mark - 1 star - I couldn't stand "Last of Magic". The storyline was predictable and cliché, offering nothing new or unique. The pacing was extremely slow, and I found myself bored throughout most of the book. The dialogue was also unrealistic and forced. I wouldn't recommend wasting your time on this uninspiring fantasy novel.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Last of Magic" but was let down. The world-building was weak, and I couldn't fully immerse myself in the fantastical elements of the story. The narrative lacked depth and failed to explore interesting themes. It felt like a generic fantasy novel with nothing remarkable to offer. I was left unsatisfied and wouldn't recommend it to avid fantasy readers.
4. Alex - 2 stars - "Last of Magic" was a letdown for me. The characters felt one-dimensional and didn't undergo any significant growth throughout the story. The pacing was erratic, with some parts dragging on while others felt rushed. The plot twists were predictable and lacked the impact I was hoping for. Overall, it failed to deliver a captivating and memorable reading experience.
5. Emily - 1 star - Unfortunately, "Last of Magic" didn't live up to its hype. The plot was overly convoluted and confusing, making it difficult to follow along. The writing was repetitive and lacked eloquence. The character motivations were unclear, and I couldn't bring myself to care about any of them. It's a book I wish I hadn't wasted my time on.