History Main / CourtMage

* ''Fanfic/ChildOfTheStorm'' had Merlin and Taliesin [[spoiler: a.k.a. Doctor Strange]] - the former being the senior adviser to Arthur Pendragon, while the latter was officially Court Physician and Court Bard.
* ''FanFic/TheTaintedGrimoire'' has a few examples.
** Babus Swain is such to Queen Remedi.
** Auggie is such to the Baron of Fluorgis

* Captain Jade Hasegawa finds herself promoted to this role for King Robert early on in ''Fanfic/TheWesterosi''. Her tenure does not survive the coronation of Prince Joffrey. After Jade leaves, Euron Greyjoy takes the position.
* Lyndess, kind of, in ''Fanfic/WithStringsAttached''. Her main job seems to be providing sexual stimulants for Grynun, the Idri-Head. And she really, really doesn't want to be there, but it's the best place for her to be, given that she's cursed to remain in Ketafa.

* Myth/{{Merlin}} the Magician, of course, was Myth/KingArthur's advisor and councilor at court. Unquestionably the TropeCodifier.

* Series/{{Arabela}} has Mr. Vigo, although it seems to be more of an InformedAttribute, since we never see him performing any magic.

* WesternAnimation/DonaldDuck holds this position at Disney Castle in ''Franchise/KingdomHearts''.

* In ''VideoGame/TheKingOfDragons'', atleast according to the [[AllThereInTheManual SNES manual]], the king of Malus has an advisor in the wizard Guindon.
* Merlin reprises his usual role in ''VideoGame/KnightsOfTheRound''.
* Minwu the [[WhiteMage White Wizard]] from ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyII'' served as the court magician for the royal family of the kingdom of Fynn.
* Kefka Palazzo, the MonsterClown BigBad of ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVI'', serves this role to Emperor Gestahl.

* Rone from ''VideoGame/{{Avernum}}'' counts for the titular kingdom of that game, whereas Garzhad is the court mage for the Empire.

* A staple in the ''Franchise/DragonAge'' series:
** In ''VideoGame/DragonAgeOrigins'', the Mage Warden can become this as well as TheGoodChancellor, for the new King or Queen of Ferelden. Another [[MultipleEndings ending]] can similarly have them share this responsibility with Wynne.
** In ''Literature/TheStolenThrone'', Severan serves as this to the Usurper King Meghren. Since Meghren is [[TheCaligula completely insane]], this means that he gets to run the country behind the scenes.
** In ''VideoGame/DragonAgeII'', a Mage Hawke unofficially serves the Viscount of Kirkwall in this role, becoming a legend throughout Thedas as the Apostate who rose from a simple refugee to become "The Champion of Kirkwall". Due to the fact that the "[[CityOfAdventure City of Chains]]" is known worldwide as a ''[[KnightTemplar Templar]]'' stronghold, Knight-Commander Meredith was '''not''' happy that the people chose to embrace a ''Mage'' as their protector.
** In ''VideoGame/DragonAgeInquisition'', Vivienne was the former Court Enchanter of Orlais. While this originally more or less amounted to the role of a court jester who performs parlor tricks for nobles, she managed to make it into a role of influence. However, by the time of the game, the the title has been taken by [[LadyOfBlackMagic Morrigan]], something that Vivienne is still incredibly bitter about.
* In the backstory of ''VideoGame/{{Warcraft}}'', the Court Conjurer of Stormwind, Nielas Aran, was such a powerful and talented mage that the Guardian Aegwynn believed he would be the [[StalkerWithATestTube perfect father for her successor Medivh]]. Aegwynn left their son for Nielas to raise. Things went pear-shaped when Nielas was slain by the backlash of Sargeras' and the Guardian's power awakening within Medivh. Medivh then took on his father's role, all the while [[EvilChancellor working to destroy Azeroth]] [[DemonicPossession under the influence of Sargeras]].
* ''VideoGame/MySimsKingdom'' has a wizard named Marlon. He created the wands that are used to build various structures throughout the game at the behest of the king. He also teaches the player character how to use them.
* If the Daughter from ''VideoGame/PrincessMaker2'' is a good enough mage, has a decent Faith ''and'' her Intelligence is higher than her Sensitivity, [[http://princessmaker.wikia.com/wiki/Court_Magician_Ending_(PM2) one of her prospect endings]] will have her appointed as the Court Magician of her kingdom.
* ''Franchise/SuperMarioBros'':
** Kamek is an EvilSorcerer who serves as [[EvilOverlord Bowser]]'s right-hand man and/or nanny for both the king himself and his son Bowser Jr.
** Kammy Koopa from the first two ''VideoGame/PaperMario'' games is effectively a [[DistaffCounterpart female version]] of Kamek and is TheDragon to Bowser in both games.

%%* Osric from the ''Webcomic/SluggyFreelance'' StoryArc "[[http://sluggy.com/comics/archives/daily/19990704 The Storm Breaker Saga]]".%%ZCE

* Erik plays this role in the ''Kings War'' arc of ''{{Webcomic/Roommates}}'', despite not having any magical abilities himself, because James who got promoted to Goblin Regent temporarily and also got the magic with it had [[HowDoIShotWeb absolutely no clue how the spellcasting thing works]].

* ''WesternAnimation/TheSmurfs1981'' have Mordain serving King Argon in "The Good, The Bad, And The Smurfy", and Morlock serving Prince Theodore in "The Prince And The Hopper". Both are evil mages who seek to take over their kingdoms, and both were deposed from their positions with the help of the Smurfs.
* In ''WesternAnimation/HeManAndTheMastersOfTheUniverse1983'', Orko was a ridiculously powerful [[TheArchmage archmage]] in his home dimension but got stranded on Eternia, working as King Randor's [[CourtJester jester]] because magic works differently on Eternia vs Trollia.
* In ''WesternAnimation/HeManAndTheMastersOfTheUniverse2021'', [[AdaptationalBadass Orko the Great]] was the court magician to King Grayskull one thousand years ago. The position of court magician continued in Eternos until King Randor eliminated the position when his court magician Evelyn attempted a coup against him alongside Prince Keldor and Kronis. [[spoiler:He would reinstate the position after the Masters of the Universe save Eternos and named Teela his new court magician]].
* Sorcerio from ''WesternAnimation/{{Disenchantment}}'' fills the role but can't do any magic past card tricks. His motivation for helping the king catch Elfo is the hope that elf blood will let him do real magic.
* Lord Viren from ''WesternAnimation/TheDragonPrince'' is explicitly the High Mage of the Kingdom of Katolis, and King Harrow's close friend and advisor (at first, anyway). He constantly looks for ways to solve the Kingdom's problems using Dark Magic (the only magic humans have ready access to, considered taboo by the magical denizens of Xadia since it drains the life force of creatures as a power source), something that the King finds increasingly problematic.

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* [[ComicBook/DoctorStrange Doctor Stephen Strange]] in ''ComicBook/{{Marvel 1602}}'' is both the Queen's physician as well as the court sorcerer/{{alchem|y is magic}}ist.
* [[RealityWarper Reality-warping]] mage ''Mr Mxyzptlk'' from the ''ComicBook/{{Superman}}'' comics is a CourtJester in his home dimension. The mage thing probably isn't a big deal there because everyone in his world has similar powers.

* ''Webcomic/{{Nodwick}}'': In the ItsAWonderfulPlot story "It's a Wonderful Farce", the AlternateUniverse where Arthax never joined the party shows he became a court magician, advising his king and entertaining the courtiers with simple tricks. [[spoiler:In the BadFuture story "A World Without Piffany" from the print comic, he becomes the court soothsayer of BigBad Baphuma'al, a GodOfEvil, by being permanently bonded to the Orb of Omniscience.]]
* ''ComicBook/{{Empyre}}'': Wiccan becames the Court Wizard of the Kree-Skrull Alliance, as well as consort to Emperor Dorrek VIII (better known as Hulkling).

* Lyndess, kind of, in ''Fanfic/WithStringsAttached''. Her main job seems to be providing sexual stimulants for Grynun, the Idri-Head. And she really, really doesn't want to be there, but it's the best place for her to be, given that she's cursed to remain in Ketafa.

* ''Fanfic/TheBridge'': Archmage Saros was the court mage of Princess Amore Diamante. He secretly desired her, and when she marries a peasant named Bene Lyric and has a daughter, he eventually becomes King Sombra, [[IfICantHaveYou murders Amore and her husband]], and takes over the Crystal Empire.

[[folder:Films -- Animation]]
* Hotep and Huy from ''WesternAnimation/ThePrinceOfEgypt'', though it's unclear if they really have powers beyond clever sleight-of-hand. Given [[Literature/TheBible the source material]] and the fact that they're patterned after [[StageMagician Siegfried and Roy]], it's heavily implied that their feats are just really impressive tricks.
* Schmendrick becomes this in ''WesternAnimation/TheLastUnicorn'', entertaining King Haggard with magic tricks to distract him from the gang's attempt to free the unicorns. He replaced a previous court mage called Mabruk.
* Rasputin in ''WesternAnimation/{{Anastasia}}'' was said to be the court mystic for the Romanovs but he was banished for [[NoodleIncident treachery in a mysterious incident]], leading to him becoming an EvilSorcerer. The writer of the Creator/DonBluth film said he was inspired to create his Rasputin based off of myths about the real Rasputin, feeling it would fit the [[HistoricalFantasy fairy tale style]] adaptation of real-life history.

[[folder:Films -- Live-Action]]

* Creator/JeremyIrons plays one of these (also an EvilChancellor) in the ''Film/DungeonsAndDragons2000'' movie.
* In the first ''Film/{{Wishmaster}}'' film, the court wizard in service to a ruler who once fell prey to the Djinn's machinations [[SealedEvilInACan sealed]] the [[JackassGenie Djinn]] in a [[CrystalPrison gemstone]] to prevent him from granting a third wish (which would unleash HellOnEarth).

* Lord Arthur's "Wise Man" from ''Film/ArmyOfDarkness'' is knowledgeable on the subject but doesn't seem to be able to do magic without the [[TomeOfEldritchLore Necronomicon]].
* Sokurah from ''Film/The7thVoyageOfSinbad'' until he betrays the Caliph in order to reclaim his lost magic lamp.

* ''Film/ConanTheDestroyer'': At the end, Queen Jehnna offers Akiro the Wizard to be her royal advisor and he accepts.

* OlderThanDirt: The [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westcar_Papyrus Westcar Papyrus]], dating from the [[UsefulNotes/AncientEgyptianHistory late Middle Kingdom or Second Intermediate Period]] of ancient Egyptian history (c. 1650-1550 BCE), tells of the lector priest and magician [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Djadjaemankh Djadjaemankh]], court magician to King Sneferu of the Old Kingdom Fourth Dynasty (from the 26th century BCE). Djadjaemankh was allusively associated with several wonders, but the only one that survives (from the story in the Westcar Papyrus) involves him parting the Nile to pick up a piece of jewelry a beautiful lady in Sneferu's service had dropped in the river during a pleasure cruise. Please note that while Djadjaemankh seems to be fictional, the lector priests in attendance at the ancient Egyptian royal court really were associated with magic (though their alleged abilities tended to be rather less impressive than Djadjaemankh's).
* Myth/{{Merlin}} the Magician, of course, was Myth/KingArthur's advisor and councilor at court. Unquestionably the TropeCodifier.
* ''Literature/TheLordOfTheRings'': Both Gandalf and Saruman have done stints as advisors to various monarchs.
%%* ''Literature/TheRunelords'': Binnesman and [[EvilOverlord Raj Ahten's]] flameweavers.
* ''Literature/{{Dragonlance}}'': Marwort the Illustrious was this to the Kingpriest, despite the latter's well-documented FantasticRacism towards wizards (it only worked out because Marwort swore never to use magic without the Kingpriest's permission, and then never in his presence). Other wizards, of course, considered him a traitor. Later on [[EvilSorcerer Fistandantilus]] took the job for his own ends.

* ''Literature/MalazanBookOfTheFallen'': Most civilizations have a court mage of some kind: the Malazans have Tayschrenn, the Letherii have their Atri-Cedas (High Mages), and so on.
* ''Literature/MythAdventures'': Skeeve becomes one early in the series. His mentor Aahz insists it's a cushy job, where all you have to do is show some parlor tricks and be a status symbol. As it turns out, the king expects Skeeve to single-handedly face down an invading army...
%%* ''Literature/TheWindsOfTheForelands'': Many [[MageSpecies Qirsi]] have this as a profession.

* ''Literature/{{Discworld}}'':
** ''Literature/{{Mort}}'': Played with. When Princess Kelli becomes all but unnoticeable to non-wizards, she appoints the mage Cutwell, to be her Royal Recognizer. He also fills this trope, albeit incompetently.
** ''Literature/LordsAndLadies'': At the end, Ponder Stibbons is offered this position by King Verence of Lancre. "He says other kings have always had [[CourtJester fools]], so he'll try having a wise man around, just in case that works better." This apparently doesn't work out, since he's back at the University by ''Literature/SoulMusic''.
* ''Literature/TheWheelOfTime'': Rulers commonly have an Aes Sedai advisor. Most of the time it's kept secret, however, because the MagicalSociety has a well-earned reputation for ExactWords and political manipulation.
* ''Literature/EnchantedForestChronicles'': Cimorene learned some magic from her father's court mage before she was told that magic wasn't a proper pursuit for princesses.
* Several examples in Creator/TamoraPierce's books, with probably the straightest being Quenaill Shieldsman and Ishabal Ladyhammer of ''[[Literature/CircleOfMagic The Will of the Empress]]'' -- Quenaill specialises in protective magic while Ishabal specialises in destructive magic. The plot of the book is the four leads trying to escape becoming this themselves. The Emperor of Yanjing has a whole fleet of court mages from all around the world, while Inoulia keeps Yarrun Firetamer around to protect her lands from wildfires. Sandry also acts as a court mage to her uncle, but also handles his finances, runs his household and handles entertaining at his castle.
* ''Literature/SecondApocalypse'': The Imperial Saik are an entire order of court mages serving the Nansur Empire.
* ''Literature/HowlsMovingCastle'': The King's Sorcerer, Suliman. He's missing for most of the book, and it turns out one of the things Howl has been so enthusiastically avoiding is getting stuck with the job.
* ''Literature/ASongOfIceAndFire'':
** [[PlayingWithFire Melisandre]] serves as a combination of court mage/religious adviser/oracle to [[KnightTemplar Stannis]]. In later books, [[spoiler: [[{{Necromancer}} Qyburn]]]] becomes this to [[spoiler: [[GodSaveUsFromTheQueen Cersei]]]], and [[spoiler: [[EthnicMagician Moqorro]]]] to [[spoiler: [[PirateKing Victarion]]]]. [[NobleFugitive Danaerys]] briefly has [[WitchClassic Mirri Maz Duur]], but it ends badly for both of them.
** Generally, this position is filled by court scholars called maesters. Some of them study magic, but ultimately believe that it is fictional. Many of them are secretly hostile to it.
** The Mad King Aerys used to have [[AlchemyIsMagic pyromancers]] at his court to make [[GreekFire wildfire]] for him. He is obsessed with burning people, and has them make enough wildfire to burn King's Landing to the ground.

* ''Literature/TheWitcher'': Serving a term as a CourtMage for a minor lord is a standard step in a magician's career in the setting. High-ranking magicians are independent, but often advise kings and other rulers.
* ''Literature/TheRiftwarCycle'': Pug's first master Kulgan in ''Magician'' served as this for Duke Boric of Crydee. Pug himself was Prince Arutha's court mage for a short period, though he more often showed up temporarily to provide advice in times of need. On the Tsurani side the Warlord had a pair of Great Ones who supported his political ambitions functioning very much like this, though the Tsurani Great Ones normally stand outside the political intrigues that a part of life in the Empire.
* ''Literature/HeraldsOfValdemar'': We meet several in ''Vows & Honor''; downplayed in that one of the rules of Kethry's order, the White Winds, is that they ''don't'' accept permanent posts.
* ''Literature/{{Goosebumps}}'': In ''A Night in Terror Tower'', Morgred served the previous king [[spoiler:and cast a spell on Prince and Princess Eddie/Edward and Sue/Susannah of York to protect them from their wicked uncle, the usurper. It fails because the High Executioner interrupted his ritual and stole one of Morgred's magic orbs to chase the children into the future, causing the new memories Morgred gave them to be incomplete.]]

* ''Literature/SchooledInMagic'': Emily comes across several court wizards as she is traveling with Princess Alassa. The court wizard in Zangaria (Alassa's kingdom) is named Zed. He is a talented alchemist as well.

* ''Literature/TheDeathGateCycle'': Several variations:
** King Stephen and Queen Anne from the first book keep a wizard named Trian as one of their closest advisors; he is a friend to both royals and TheGoodChancellor.
** The Sartan are a powerful MageSpecies, but those of [[LethalLavaLand Abarrach]] have lost most of their magic, the chief exception being {{Necromancer}}s. Some of their rulers (like [[EvilOverlord Dynast Kleitus]]) are necromancers themselves; those who are not tend to keep a necromancer as an advisor. Baltazar, Court Necromancer to the king of Kairn Telest, is a significant character in the third book.
** When discussing the distant past, the Sartan leader [[KnightTemplar Samah]] describes how the Sartan's rivals, the Patryns (also a MageSpecies) would often take this role and use it to manipulate [[{{Muggles}} mensch]] governments without sitting on the throne. He gets rather defensive when the person he's talking to points out that the Sartan [[NotSoDifferentRemark used to do the same thing]].
* In Creator/KathleenDuey's ''Skin Hunger'' it is mentioned that having a court mage became quite common after Somiss' formalized magic education and made it male-exclusive. (Beforehand, there were witches and wizards, of questionable skill, who offered their services on market places and the like)

* Nevyn in the ''Literature/{{Deverry}}'' novels sort of takes this role on occasion, although he prefers his royal patrons to see him as an uncommonly wise herbalist who gives good general advice, and leave the dweomer out of it if possible. He also has to pull MyGrandsonMyself to explain why people with this odd name keep appearing in the history books.

* In the TabletopGame/Warhammer40000 ''Literature/HorusHeresy'' books, the [[GodEmperor Emperor of Mankind]] is far and away the most powerful psyker in the galaxy, but he's got an empire of over a million worlds and he has his hands full with researching Eldar Webgates. Not to mention he's got some prejudices that really affect his judgement. So his buddy Malcador the Siglite is a distant 2nd or 3rd greatest psyker and he provides counsel to the Emperor, not fearing to disagree with the Emperor if he feels his boss is in the wrong. As the Emperor withdraws deeper into his research, Malcador takes on an increasing amount of rulership in the Imperium.

* In Daniel Polansky's ''Low Town'', the Blue Crane was one of the greatest wizards in the setting and served as the court mage for a few years. Surprisingly for the [[DarkFantasy "grimdark" subgenre]], the Blue Crane is indisputably good, using only healing and protection magic. [[LovedByAll He's completely beloved]] by the kingdom, especially the poor, since he regularly donates to charities to help the less fortunate and it was his ward that stopped an epidemic of the plague. Too bad his student Celia doesn't have his power or morals.

* ''Literature/TalesFromNetheredge'' has Myr of the North (and previously his father Goren) serving as the court mage to the royal family of Bow.
* In Creator/PaoloBacigalupi and Creator/TobiasBuckell's ''The Tangled Lands'', the Mayor is essentially the king of the great city of Khaim. Magister Scacz is the last great Magister in the world and for all his power, he has no interest in governing and only cares to use magic and prevent others from casting spells. As such he'll aid the Mayor completely as the two essentially share goals and are kindred spirits. While Scacz does some advising and planning, he and the Mayor are more like partners in crime than a superior and his subordinate.
* ''Literature/TheCrimsonShadow'': Greensparrow was this for Avon's king before taking power.
* ''Literature/ForestKingdom'': In book 1 (''Blue Moon Rising''), the Astrologer serves as this, and before him the High Warlock.
* ''Literature/ForgottenRealms'': The Kingdom of Cormyr has a hereditary Court Mage. The original, Baerauble Etharr, was a human who managed to become this to the king of the Elves; after the elves decided to leave Cormyr and suceed power to the growing human settlements that would eventually become Cormy, the king ordered Baerauble to stay behind and continue guiding the newly-crowned human king. After his death, his descendants kept up the position for each succeeding king of Cormyr, acting as both advisor, and TheChessmaster who works behind the scenes.
* ''Literature/ProphecyApprovedCompanion'': The Kingdom that the Evil Emperor took over, had court mages that apparently could not withstand his might.
* ''Literature/SoThisIsEverAfter'': After becoming king, Arek appoints Matt, who's a mage, to be his.

** ''Literature/LordsAndLadies'': At the end, Ponder Stibbons is offered this position by King Verence of Lancre. "He says other kings have always had fools, so he'll try having a wise man around, just in case that works better." This apparently doesn't work out, since he's back at the University by ''Literature/SoulMusic''.

In fantasy series it's fairly common for a king or other high-ranking ruler to [[StandardRoyalCourt keep a magic-user]] [[StealthPun on staff]], primarily to provide mystical advice and magical spells, and possibly general wisdom and advice on politica strategies. Can also show up in historical fiction or even RealLife, as during time periods when sorcery was widely believed in, having a mage or alchemist on hand was generally seen as a smart idea. The character can be TheGoodChancellor, the EvilChancellor, or anything in-between. Sometimes they're also the CourtJester or the HighPriest (if the kingdom's dominant or state [[ReligionIsMagic religion is or is at least believed to be magical]] in any way). The mage may also help out during battles, either offering strategic advice, divining the enemy's intentions or casting spells. As a general rule, the mage will likely keep their quarters and workshop [[MageTower at the top of the castle's highest tower]].

* Binnesman and [[EvilOverlord Raj Ahten's]] flameweavers from ''Literature/TheRunelords''.
* Marwort the Illustrious was this to the Kingpriest in ''Literature/{{Dragonlance}}'', despite the latter's well-documented FantasticRacism towards wizards (it only worked out because Marwort swore never to use magic without the Kingpriest's permission, and then never in his presence). Other wizards, of course, considered him a traitor. Later on [[EvilSorcerer Fistandantilus]] took the job for his own ends.

* A variant of this recurs in the ''Literature/{{Deryni}}'' works. Since the Haldane kings need help (including a magical ritual) to access their powers, one or more other Deryni serve this function. It starts with Camber and his family discovering the Haldane Potential and helping Cinhil Haldane and his sons in the ''Legends of Camber'' and ''Heirs of Camber'' trilogies. Generations later, Donal Haldane uses the services of Deryni (including Alyce de Corwyn Morgan) and actually imprints instructions for his son Brion's ritual in the minds of Alyce and her son Alaric. The adult Alaric Morgan and Duncan [=McLain=] work together in this unofficial position for Brion's son Kelson.

* ''Literature/TheWindsOfTheForelands'': Many [[MageSpecies Qirsi]] have this as a profession.

In fantasy series it's fairly common for a king or other high-ranking ruler to [[StandardRoyalCourt keep a magic-user]] [[StealthPun on staff]], primarily to provide mystical advice and magical spells, and possibly general wisdom and advice on politica strategies. Can also show up in historical fiction or even RealLife, as during time periods when sorcery was widely believed in, having a mage or alchemist on hand was generally seen as a smart idea. The character can be TheGoodChancellor, the EvilChancellor, or anything in-between. Sometimes they're also the CourtJester or the HighPriest (if the kingdom's dominant or state [[ReligionIsMagic religion is or is at least believed to be magical]] in any way). The mage may also help out during battles, either offering strategic advice, divining the enemy's intentions or casting spells.

* In ''Literature/DragonBones'', Ward's father keeps a mage.
* In ''Literature/MalazanBookOfTheFallen'' most civilizations have a court mage of some kind: the Malazans have Tayschrenn, the Letherii have their Atri-Cedas (High Mages), and so on.
* Skeeve becomes one early in the ''Literature/MythAdventures'' series. His mentor Aahz insists it's a cushy job, where all you have to do is show some parlor tricks and be a status symbol. As it turns out, the king expects Skeeve to single-handedly face down an invading army...
* Many [[MageSpecies Qirsi]] have this as a profession in ''The Winds of the Forelands''.
* Flagg from Creator/StephenKing's ''Literature/TheEyesOfTheDragon'' is the King's magician and also an EvilChancellor.
* In ''Literature/TheLastUnicorn'', Schmendrick becomes one of these for King Haggard, displacing his former court wizard Mabruk.

** Played with in ''Literature/{{Mort}}''. When Princess Kelli becomes all but unnoticeable to non-wizards, she appoints the mage Cutwell, to be her Royal Recognizer. He also fills this trope, albeit incompetently.
** At the end of ''Literature/LordsAndLadies'', Ponder Stibbons is offered this position by King Verence of Lancre. "He says other kings have always had fools, so he'll try having a wise man around, just in case that works better." This apparently doesn't work out, since he's back at the University by ''Literature/SoulMusic''.
* Rulers in ''Literature/TheWheelOfTime'' commonly have an Aes Sedai advisor. Most of the time it's kept secret, however, because the MagicalSociety has a well-earned reputation for ExactWords and political manipulation.
* Cimorene, from ''Literature/EnchantedForestChronicles'', learned some magic from her father's court mage before she was told that magic wasn't a proper pursuit for princesses.

* The Imperial Saik from the ''Literature/SecondApocalypse'' books are an entire order of court mages serving the Nansur Empire.
* The King's Sorcerer, Suliman, in ''Literature/HowlsMovingCastle''. He's missing for most of the book, and it turns out one of the things Howl has been so enthusiastically avoiding is getting stuck with the job.

* A popular profession among the titular Magisters of the ''Literature/MagisterTrilogy''. Kings consider these immortal, nigh omnipotent sorcerers indispensable to their reigns.
** One of the big reasons why having a Magister Royal is so indispensable is that if you have one the Magister Law forbids other Magisters from screwing around with your kingdom.
* Serving a term as a CourtMage for a minor lord is a standard step in a magician's career in Franchise/{{the Witcher}}world. High-ranking magicians are independent, but often advise kings and other rulers.
* Pug's first master Kulgan in ''[[Literature/TheRiftwarCycle Magician]]'' served as this for Duke Boric of Crydee. Pug himself was Prince Arutha's court mage for a short period, though he more often showed up temporarily to provide advice in times of need. On the Tsurani side the Warlord had a pair of Great Ones who supported his political ambitions functioning very much like this, though the Tsurani Great Ones normally stand outside the political intrigues that a part of life in the Empire.
* We meet several in Mercedes Lackey's ''[[Literature/HeraldsOfValdemar Vows & Honor]]''; somewhat averted is that one of the rules of Kethry's order, the White Winds, is that they DON'T accept permanent posts.
* Morgred in the ''Literature/{{Goosebumps}}'' book ''A Night in Terror Tower''. He served the previous king, [[spoiler:and cast a spell on Prince and Princess Eddie/Edward and Sue/Susannah of York to protect them from their wicked uncle, the usurper. It fails because the High Executioner interrupted his ritual and stole one of Morgred's magic orbs to chase the children into the future, causing the new memories Morgred gave them to be incomplete.]]
* In ''Literature/MemorySorrowAndThorn'', Doctor Morgenes is officially employed as a scholar and physician by High King John, he's also a wizard of not-inconsiderable talent, albeit one who prefers to use his powers sparingly and not flaunt them. After John dies, his son [[AntiVillain Elias]] makes [[EvilSorcerer Pryrates]] his chief counselor. Subverted later in the series with the Duke of Nabban's advisor, the astrologer Xanassavin, who is presented as a quack, albeit one who occasionally gets lucky.
* In the ''Literature/SchooledInMagic'' series, Emily comes across several court wizards as she is traveling with Princess Alassa. The court wizard in Zangaria (Alassa's kingdom) is named Zed. He is a talented alchemist as well.
* Many vermin leaders in ''Literature/{{Redwall}}'' have a seer on hand to explain their prophetic dreams, give advice, and keep the troops afraid with stage magic (multicolored smoke and explosions are popular). However, it's not a very desirable position, as they're just as likely to be victim of the warlord's mood swings, tantrums, and general bad temper.
* Several variations in ''Literature/TheDeathGateCycle'':

In fantasy series it's fairly common for a king or other high-ranking ruler to [[StandardRoyalCourt keep a magic-user]] [[StealthPun on staff]], primarily to provide mystical advice and services, and possibly general wisdom as well. Can also show up in historical fiction or even RealLife, as during time periods when sorcery was widely believed in, having a mage or alchemist on hand was generally seen as a smart idea. The character can be TheGoodChancellor, the EvilChancellor, or anything in-between. Sometimes they're also the CourtJester or the HighPriest (if the kingdom's dominant or state [[ReligionIsMagic religion is or is at least believed to be magical]] in any way). The mage may also help out during battles, either offering advice or casting spells.

If the character has high standing among other mages as well as the king, they're also TheArchmage. If this is common and magic is real and powerful, one may have to ask why wizards don't run things themselves; contrast TheMagocracy, SorcerousOverlord and BenevolentMageRuler, where they do. One reason that Arch Mages may prefer to have a king or queen appear to lead (as a PuppetKing) is that there are advantages to being the power behind the throne: if a ruler becomes unpopular, a new one can be swapped in.

** Also in ''Delfador's Memoirs'' is Sagus, the predecessor to Delfador who was fired for [[HeadInTheSandManagement dismissing Delfador's warnings about]] [[BigBad Iliah-Malal]]. [[spoiler:In the final mission of the campaign, he is revealed to be Asheviere's father, and allowed her to turn him into a Lich out of bitterness and resentment over Delfador usurping his position.]]

** Delfador is a respected mage and the advisor to King Garard II in the backstory of ''Heir to the Throne'', prior to Garard's death due to his son and Asheviere's betrayal. [[spoiler:After Queen Asheviere is defeated, Delfador once again becomes the advisor mage to Li'sar.]] How he got the position is shown in ''Delfador Memoirs''.

* Myth/{{Merlin}} the Magician]], of course, was Myth/KingArthur's advisor and councilor at court. Unquestionably the TropeCodifier.

* In Daniel Polansky's ''Low Town'', the Blue Crane was one of the greatest wizards in the setting and served as the court mage for a few years. Surprisingly for the [[DarkFantasy "grimdark" subgenre]], the Blue Crane is indisputably good, using only healing and protection magic. [[OneHundredPercentAdorationRating He's completely beloved]] by the kingdom especially the poor since he regularly donates to charities to help the less fortunate and it was his ward that stopped an epidemic of the plague. Too bad his student Celia doesn't have his power or morals.

* In ''WesternAnimation/HeManAndTheMastersOfTheUniverse2021'', [[AdaptationalBadass Orko the Great]] was the court magician to King Grayskull one thousand years ago. The position of court magician continued in Eternos until King Randor eliminated the position when his court magician Evelyn attempted a coup against him alongside Prince Keldor and Kronis.

* Literature/TheBible ascribes court magicians to Pharaoh ([[Literature/BookOfExodus Exodus 7 and 8]]) and to the King of Babylon (Literature/BookOfDaniel Daniel 1, 2, 4, and 5]]). Confirmed at least for Egypt by historical sources: a Pharaoh always had a court mage and a physician on the payroll -- the latter was expected to perform mystical healing arts as well as mundane, thus overlapping the role somewhat. It's believed that the death of at least one Pharaoh was indirectly caused by a treacherous court mage removing the divine protection from him, and getting caught in the act -- placebo can work in both ways (the negative effect is actually called "nocebo").

* Literature/TheBible ascribes court magicians to Pharaoh (Exodus 7 and 8) and to the King of Babylon (Daniel 1, 2, 4, and 5). Confirmed at least for Egypt by historical sources: a Pharaoh always had a court mage and a physician on the payroll -- the latter was expected to perform mystical healing arts as well as mundane, thus overlapping the role somewhat. It's believed that the death of at least one Pharaoh was indirectly caused by a treacherous court mage removing the divine protection from him, and getting caught in the act -- placebo can work in both ways (the negative effect is actually called "nocebo").

If the character has high standing among other mages as well as the king, they're also TheArchmage. If this is common and magic is real and powerful, one may have to ask why wizards don't run things themselves; contrast TheMagocracy, SorcerousOverlord and BenevolentMageRuler, where they do. One reason that Arch Mages may prefer to have a king or queen appear to lead is that there are advantages to being the power behind the throne: if a ruler becomes unpopular, a new one can be swapped in.

If the character has high standing among other mages as well as the king, they're also TheArchmage. If this is common and magic is real and powerful, one may have to ask why wizards don't run things themselves; contrast TheMagocracy, SorcerousOverlord and BenevolentMageRuler, where they do. One reason that ArchMages may prefer to have a king or queen appear to lead is that there are advantages to being the power behind the throne: if a ruler becomes unpopular, a new one can be swapped in.

In fantasy series it's fairly common for a king or other high-ranking ruler to [[StandardRoyalCourt keep a magic-user]] [[StealthPun on staff]], primarily to provide mystical advice and services, and possibly general wisdom as well. Can also show up in historical fiction or even RealLife, as during time periods when sorcery was widely believed in, having a mage or alchemist on hand was generally seen as a smart idea. The character can be TheGoodChancellor, the EvilChancellor, or anything in-between. Sometimes they're also the CourtJester or the HighPriest (if the kingdom's dominant or state [[ReligionIsMagic religion is or is at least believed to be magical]] in any way).

If the character has high standing among other mages as well as the king, they're also TheArchmage. If this is common and magic is real and powerful, one may have to ask why wizards don't run things themselves; contrast TheMagocracy, SorcerousOverlord and BenevolentMageRuler, where they do.

In fantasy series it's fairly common for a king or other high-ranking ruler to [[StandardRoyalCourt keep a magic-user]] [[StealthPun on staff]], primarily to provide mystical advice and services, and possibly general wisdom as well. Can also show up in historical fiction or even RealLife, as during time periods when sorcery was widely believed in, having a mage or alchemist on hand was generally seen as a smart idea. The character can be TheGoodChancellor, the EvilChancellor, or anything in-between. Sometimes they're also the CourtJester or the HighPriest (if the kingdom's dominant or state religion is or at least believed to be magical in any way).

* ''LightNovel/ReZero'': He dresses like a clown and acts like a fop, but Marquis Roswaal L. Mathers is Court Magician to the nigh-extinct royal family of Lugunica with [[TheArchmage good reason]].

* [[Myth/{{Merlin}} Merlin the Magician]], of course, was Myth/KingArthur's advisor and councilor at court. Unquestionably the TropeCodifier.

* As noted in Literature above, the lector priests who attended [[UsefulNotes/AncientEgyptianHistory ancient Eygptian monarchs]] were the primary practicioners of ''heqa'', i.e. "magic" as the Egyptians understood it. (Literally the word means "rule" or "power" but whatever.) This largely consisted of reciting ritual spells invoking the gods at appropriate moments, which shows the extent to which the line between "court mage" and "court priest" can be blurry.

In fantasy series it's fairly common for a king or other high-ranking ruler to [[StandardRoyalCourt keep a magic-user]] [[StealthPun on staff]], primarily to provide mystical advice and services, and possibly general wisdom as well. Can also show up in historical fiction or even RealLife, as during time periods when sorcery was widely believed in, having a mage or alchemist on hand was generally seen as a smart idea. The character can be TheGoodChancellor, the EvilChancellor, or anything in-between. Sometimes they're also the CourtJester.

* OlderThanDirt: The [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westcar_Papyrus Westcar Papyrus]], dating from the [[UsefulNotes/AncientEgyptianHistory late Middle Kingdom or Second Intermediate Period]] of ancient Egyptian history (c. 1650-1550 BCE), tells of the lector priest and magician [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Djadjaemankh Djadjaemankh]], court magician to King Sneferu of the Old Kingdom Fourth Dynasty (from the 26th century BCE). Djadjaemankh was allusively associated with several wonders, but the only one that survives (from the story in the Westcar Papyrus) involves him parting the Nile to pick up a piece of jewelry a beautiful lady in Sneferu's service had dropped in the river during a pleasure cruise.

If the character has high standing among other mages as well as the king, they're also TheArchmage. If this is common and magic is real and powerful, one may have to ask why wizards don't run things themselves; contrast TheMagocracy and SorcerousOverlord, where they do.