Hey Fedi, I'm curious, where does the distinction between arcane n divine magic (i.e. mages and clerics) originate from? Was't DnD, or sth that predates it?
A lotta fantasy staples can be traced back'a Tolkien's works, but the wizards there all had religious significance (they were Maiar, effectively low-ranking angels), so I don't think the arcane/divine dichotomy was already present there (the magic was often less concrete n more mystical anyway). But a lotta modern fantasy works, notably DnD, various RPGs n RPG-inspired anime etc. have such a distinction. So, what was the first thing that introduced't?
#askfedi #fantasy #rpgs #dnd
(boosts welcome)
A lotta fantasy staples can be traced back'a Tolkien's works, but the wizards there all had religious significance (they were Maiar, effectively low-ranking angels), so I don't think the arcane/divine dichotomy was already present there (the magic was often less concrete n more mystical anyway). But a lotta modern fantasy works, notably DnD, various RPGs n RPG-inspired anime etc. have such a distinction. So, what was the first thing that introduced't?
#askfedi #fantasy #rpgs #dnd
(boosts welcome)
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