Magick has existed before time was even a concept. It exists within the depths of the Earth. Every leaf, every blow of the breeze, magick is involved. It has coexisted amongst the non-magickal, or what we now call "mortals" since the dawn of life. There are several notable names in history that are credited with some creation or popularization of magick. Merlin is the most well-known. Merlin existed in a time of fantasy and myth. His existence isn't entirely confirmed, though. Historians are unsure of where his body has been buried, or if it was even an individual. For all they know, it could have been a coven of sorts that did well in our world.
Regardless, Merlin is a name to know; one we will expand on in later chapters. Other worthy names include Albert Einstein, Nicolaus Copernicus, Galileo Galili, Elon Musk, and Queen Elizabeth of England (why do you think she's still alive?). Authors of fantasy novels involving magickal elements are usually mortals who have had interactions with magickal things, or magicians themselves. These magicians, humans born with magick, are just a few of the many. They cover the world in great numbers. The origin of our powers is greatly debated. Several societies argue a religious angle, primarily the Egyptians and Greeks. Some simply say that Mother Nature herself has imbued her children with her magick. Some say magick began with Merlin, although that ideology is mostly disproved. What people know for a fact, is that it is an inherited trait. People don't just randomly become magicians. It is passed through parent to child, but it may not always be present in that child. We also know that there are creatures that can trace their origins back farther that humanity's existence. Nymphs, for example, are real and side with the Greeks in their argument for the origin of magick. Sphynxes also exist, and they side with the Egyptians. There is no definite answer. However, it is a widely held belief that some sort of higher power gifted magick upon humans, whether that be Earth or Gods.
On the other side of the coin, simple belief is thought to be enough. Believing is seeing, after all. There is no real way to prove this, but it is said that children who believe in magick are more likely to "awaken" their magickal gene within them. Perhaps all humans are born with the possibility to create magick? Perhaps it is not inherited, but early exposure leading to belief? Philosophers and historians alike continue to ask these questions, despite scientists arguing against it.
Mortals are largely unaware of our existence, magicians and creatures alike. With the exception of government officials working alongside the Magick Councils, average citizens are shielded from magick. This is largely due to the Salem Trials and the accusations of witchcraft causing many innocent deaths. This will be expanded upon later. Magickal creatures also work with an air of secrecy. Some of their holidays, usually religious, allow for them to be discovered. Beltane, a popular Pagan holiday, is when the veil between Fae and mortals is thinnest. Mortals may stumble upon them and interact with them most easily during this time. Creatures do sometimes work with the mortals of their own free will, but otherwise, we are all hidden.
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Magick - A Brief History
Historical FictionBetween the Tribunal Schools, magickal governments, and a couple wars, magick is enriched with so much history and culture. Although it is hidden from the mortal world, magicians have played a part in nearly every step of the way. This is your comp...