Could there be such a thing as neutral magic? Magic that responds exactly the same to the heroes as to villains, manipulated and used by both sides?

What are your guys' thoughts? I would think there could be, but I don't know enough of the technological side. Any thoughts?

Most of the time when I have magic in stories, it's neutral. There's nothing good or evil about the power itself. What matters is how you're using it.

*agrees with Leandra*

I would argue that most magic in Fantasy is neutral magic.

I certainly agree that you could do this; however, there might be some theological implications that people don't agree with (i.e., being close to witchcraft). I think that, to some extent, it's really between you and God.

I think it can be done, but it does bring up multiple questions. Say there is magic that can be used by either side (good and bad), but it does not change when used by either side, there is no way to tell them apart. It seems pretty simple, but there are some holes.

How can good defeat evil if it is the same strength as the evil, of the same power and using the same tools?
Who's to say that this isn't implying that one can be of both good and evil?

Of course, I also agree with Leandra, the power in itself isn't evil. We can say we have magic in our world (Not real magic. ), the magic of the Bible, so let's use that as an example.

The Bible is/can be used for both good and evil. If used by say...an evolutionist, it will be changed. One cannot disprove the Bible without changing the context inside it. So, if evil uses the "magic" the "magic" will change according to evil's intent. What was once good will be used for bad and therefore shall be bad. And there shall also be holes and weaknesses.

The Bible can and is supposed to be and shall be used for good. If say, a Christian uses the Bible to disprove the evolution theory then the Bible shall not be changed. One does not need to change the context of the Bible to prove that which is already written clearly inside the first chapter. The "magic" stays in its purest form, as the day it was made. Therefore the "magic" is stronger and without holes. This makes the good stronger.

So, to conclude my ramble. Yes, magic can be neutral, but it should be affected by which side uses it. Nothing can be used by both good and evil and be neither good nor evil.

Bethany Faith

Yes, there can be neutral magic. It also depends on how your magic works, whether it's a gift from the powers that be, an inborn trait strengthened through strenuous mental practice, or something like electricity that's just there.

It also depends on how people are depicted in your stories. I have a tendency that's prevalent in sci-fi to view people (or aliens) as a combination of both good and evil. Thus, what could be considered magic is the same way. Even my Teleporters, created specifically to fight evil, are neither good nor evil because of their choices, and most people get 'magic' from the Teleporters.

In Velaiar, magic is like electricity and guns. It's a natural force that can harnessed by those with the ability and training. Some can use it more effectively, some use it for good, others for bad, and some don't use it at all.

OK... those are interesting thoughts. An example: a tree in one of my stories is a sort of magical tree-home to fairies. It can be accessed through the use of a special gem, opening the entrance. Would that be a type of neutral magic?

Bethany - Those... are interesting questions. I would think that good can defeat evil with the same tools and strength, it depends on in what ways it's used.

Suiauthon - How so?

I think that would count as neutral magic. If there were rules that meant only the "pure of heart" or whatever could use it, that'd be different. But if anyone can use the gem and get it to work, I think that would be neutral magic.

Neutral magic is quite common throughout my worlds. I've talked about that in my world sub-forum: Red World Cobha. Craft and tyyr are my neutral cobhas, magic in Red World terminology is not neutral.

I completely agree with Leandra, again.



In my opinion, magic that is given by God, or, that can only be used by "the pure of heart" would be good magic. Magic that is used by "manipulating"/"calling on" evil demons (Earth examples being the use of fetishes, or Ouija boards) is evil magic. Magic that anybody can use, or anybody with the ability or training, (i.e. creating fire from your fingertips or healing someone with staves) would be neutral magic. Usually neutral magic falls under the domain of cobha though.

Of course there can! I think that some examples could help:

Invisibility: It works the same for good and evil.

Flying: Also works the same.

Super-strength: Things like that count as magic and they respond the same to whichever side! Hope I helped!