For questions about supernatural powers, often possessed by deities. Magic exists in many myths; do not use this tag unless magic is the focus of the question.
Questions tagged [magic]
20 questions
14
votes
2 answers
Why could Lleu Llaw Gyffes only be killed in a certain way?
In the fourth branch of the Mabinogion, Lleu Llaw Gyffes revealed to Blodeuedd that he can only be killed in a certain way.
'Will you, for God's sake and mine, tell me by what means you might be killed? Since my memory is a better safeguard than…
HDE 226868
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14
votes
1 answer
Where did Morgana le Fay come from?
Where did Morgana le Fay come from? From where did she get her power?
As the primary antagonist of many Arthurian legends, it always seems to me that she's just there because she's always been there, she has so much power; but no one else (except…
durron597
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11
votes
2 answers
Did Bedwyr (Bedivere) ever have dark magic?
A while back I found a small note (which seems to have been removed because of a lack of proper citation) on the Wikipedia article for Bedivere, speaking of his “role in Welsh tradition” and first mentioning:
Bedwyr is one of the earliest…
MorgenAfallon
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9
votes
3 answers
What are the special powers of a unicorn's horn?
The unicorn is a mythological creature similar in appearance to a horse but has a magical horn which is said to have very special powers. Can anyone mention a full list of powers of unicorn horn? I'm curious..
ViviRukisha
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9
votes
1 answer
Who's afraid of steel? Is iron different?
In Swedish folklore, carrying something made of steel – a knife, a pair of scissors, or anything really – is said to ward off various dark forces, anything from trolls to witches. Where does this belief originate, and where (in folklore in which…
peterorme
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9
votes
3 answers
What is the origin of the myth that witches burn in water?
As per most of the stories I know, witches usually burn when they come into contact with water.
Why is this so and what is the origin of this myth? Also,why do witches burn? What about wizards?
user1385
8
votes
1 answer
Are there any ancient myths about human body parts said to be benefical or detrimental when eaten?
Additionally, do we know why they were said to be beneficial/detrimental? I think I remember a myth in some culture believing that eating your enemy's heart would give you their strength, but I'm not sure where I remember this from.
NotACannibal
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6
votes
3 answers
Do leprechauns derive their power from gold?
I am trying to use them in a book I'm writing but I can't find a lot of details regarding Leprechauns. Do they have significant power, do they grant wishes, and if so with what magic? Any answers will help. Please don't answer if you don't know…
Anthony Gregory
5
votes
0 answers
Is there any historical documentation about witches using windows for divination?
Is there any historical documentation about witches using windows for divination?
I have seen some rabbinic scholars (like Alshich, Albo, Abarbanel, and Saba) ntrepret the Biblical passages concerning Sisersa's mother looking through a window…
Reb Chaim HaQoton
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5
votes
1 answer
Are there stories on gods turning into mortals, or losing immortality?
Besides the story in which Zeus turned Apollo and Poseidon into mortals once, are there more examples of gods losing their immortality in other mythologies as well? Not only in Greek Mythology.
バカです
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2
votes
2 answers
What would a Roman want to achieve with writing inscriptions and magical signs on bronze nails?
I was strolling through the Wikipedia page on bronze and found a picture of bronze nails from Roman times. Under the picture is a text saying
Roman bronze nails with magical signs and inscriptions, 3rd-4th century AD
What would a Roman want to…
Tom Sol
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2
votes
4 answers
Are There Biblical References to Good Magic?
I believe in God and Christianity and have had this question for a while. Are there scriptural references to good magic outside of heavenly miracles or priesthood? I know there are many stories of (evil) witchcraft, demons, and stuff but I am unable…
Capillary Cumorah
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2
votes
1 answer
What was the area of Koschei's sleeping/petrification spell?
In the Russian folk tale of “Ivan Sosnovich”, it says that the evil Koschei the Deathless put an entire kingdom to sleep (or petrified) via a spell after killing two of the three beauties he heard about and wounding the third. My question is: How…
user6625
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2
votes
0 answers
Need help identifying a specific prophetic or cursed book of unknown origin
My mum recently told me about a book that her own mother (my grandmother) mentioned to her when she was a child. Neither of them actually had a physical copy of the book, but I'd like to know if someone has maybe heard of something similar or might…
ParadoxPython
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2
votes
1 answer
Prior to the 1800s are there any examples of a (preferably mortal) being described as possessing telekinetic abilities in the modern sense?
For the purposes of this question, by telekinesis I mean the generalized ability to pick up and move most objects at will, not the ability to move a particular object under specific circumstances (like having a weapon return to one's…
99a99
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