Say hypothetically I wanted to get into the magic business, and wanted to become an elemental shadow caster. Can I do so without turning into a pasty-faced freak? And can I truly wield the shadows without turning into an evil jerk-face bent on plunging the world into chaos?
-Mason
This is a fantastic question, thank you. Please excuse my long-winded reply! The question of good and evil where it overlaps magic is a topic that I have a lot of interest in, naturally.
To start with, I think the answer to your question lies in the magical laws and theories that govern the world you live in. You see, though I tend to use fire magic as an element of choice, the truth is, my most powerful natural elemental sphere is Shadow magic. I have spent much time in the most recent years learning about the element… after shying away from Shadow magic for the same reason you have stated above.
I certainly hope that embracing my strengths in the Shadow Arts has not turned me into a pasty, evil jerk-face. But I guess I’ll leave that assessment up to others! :}
Let me back track some to my original statement. It really does depend on the magical laws and theories of the world you live in. In my dimension, shadow does not equal evil or chaos. Shadow is, as you noted, an element. While it is the opposite of Light, it is truly no more good nor evil than the person who uses it.
Does it come with its temptations? Certainly…. but so does any other element. What’s to stop a flame wielder from giving into the temptation to set someone’s feet on fire when that person has just irritated them? Or what earth mage isn’t tempted to shove a fist full of dirt in someone’s mouth after being insulted?
It is no more or less for someone specializing in the Shadow Arts, to be honest. Elements of my world are neutral spheres of power until they are shaped by their caster.
On the other hand, there are also the forces of Chaos and Creation that work upon creatures of the higher magic — such as Arweinydd and Sygni. However, even Chaos and Creation are not totally evil nor good.
You can use Chaos to achieve good things as long as you keep it in control… though it is very difficult to harness Chaos as its natural tendency is to break down order and generally be destructive. Is that evil within itself? From the perspective of order-loving creatures, yes. Something that drives one to destroy things is considered evil… though destruction itself could be argued to be a part of the natural flow of life — things are born, grow, diminish, and die. For example, I have seen the Earthanydd Zazo use forces of destruction to heal people by breaking down and destroying the germs that cause illness in the body.
On the other hand, Creation, is generally perceived to be something good. People naturally feel that the act of making is positive. But what if the things that are made are not good things? For example, during the time of the Old World, the Arweinydd Zerom attempted to use the force of Creation and ended up making what we know as the Marked. Though the act of creating something was there, that which was created was flawed through the maker’s nature and intent. So… Creation can be turned towards evil, despite generally considered to be good.
As you can see, very few things in life are completely black and white. This includes laws of elemental magic.
So to make a long ramble short, in my world, it’s quite possible to be a Shadowmancer without being evil. In your case, you will have to decide the natural laws that govern your world — if you are an author — or discover what those laws say — if you are a figment.
I hope this sheds some light (haha) on the subject for you!
Here’s a site that lists the top 100 fantasy books of all time, updated monthly! I’m not sure if this is done by poll or vote or sales. Still, here’s the current top ten:
It may be mostly over with, but it’s never too late to celebrate!
