Magic: Four Myth-conceptions

Now, the thing about magic in fiction is, that there is a whole lot of it. Every fantasy writer (trust me, I know this first hand) seeks a way to create a world in which magic is used in a new exciting way. Yet it's pretty much impossible.

So what I'm doing here is laying out the cliché magic types, so you can avoid them when you're writing your masterpiece.

1. The Wizard

   This first moniker, the "wizard" is the most diverse one. In some cases the wizard is always an old man with some innate power, augmented of course by the hat, robe and beard combination. Yet in others, anyone can be a wizard. In fact, you could be a wizard, you just have to read a lot.
   
   This makes the wizard one of the better ones to use, since it isn't very heavily defined. Most people still think of Gandalf or some similar archetypal figure when they see the word wizard. Its up to you to change that!

2. The Sorcerer

   
   
   A sorcerer is a person who is connected to the magic in the world in a serious way. They tend to be descended from some ridiculously magical being like a dragon or a god or some such. They don't so much cast spells as throw magic at people in big amounts and hope that it has the desired effect, which tends to be the exploding of said people. Sorcerers tend to be a bit cool, what with the glowing eyes and the running around, magicking the bejesus out of everything.
   
   This is a fun one to play with, especially if you play up the magical power of the person to a level where they can barely control it. Every sneeze is a matter of national security, every stubbed toe a danger to the planet.

3. The Warlock

   
   
   The warlock is a favourite of mine for the reason that they make for excellent stereotypical bad guys. Warlocks use the dark side of magic to their advantage. Rather than bothering with all that magic and such, they summon demons and spirits to do it for them. Warlocks are those evil men who get those terrible names, such as Rancoth the Toeslicer. They tend to be tall and dark, but rarely handsome.
   
   The warlock can be used to great comical effect by playing up every evil genius stereotype imaginable, making it almost like a parody. Goatee is absolutely essential.

4. The Druid

   
   
   The druid is the nature buff, the hippie, the old hermit in the woods. They tend to be mysterious, but neither helpful or hindering. As far as magic is concerned, they use nature and the weather and homeopathic medicines and other such things.
   
   The druid is, to be honest, my least favourite of the magical stereotypes. Nature can be impressive, but in the hands of a druid, who strives for balance, it gets a bit boring for me.