History Main / WizardClassic

*** Marune of the Shadow Thieves (see [[http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/CnD/106.jpg in the canon art]]).

* The Wizards of Unseen University in ''{{Discworld}}'' fall into this, as does Rincewind (whose association with the university varies.) Of course their "wisdom" in regards to magic mostly consists of not using it and jockying for a KlingonPromotion or two. With the exception of a few who seem to actually do important research and get results (for example creating [[MagicalComputer Hex]] and Roundworld).

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* ''The500Kingdoms'', being a gentle subversion of fairy tales, has both Wizards and Sorcerers that fit this mold, although Sorcerers tend to do the lofty tower isolation bit and Wizards tend to do the wandering the earth bit. Note that neither title denotes evil, though - that just gets you an Evil or Dark tacked on the front. Justified in-story by the fact that magic is an semi-active force that likes things to fall into Traditional paths, so the more like a Traditional wizard you look and act, the better.

** ForgottenRealms has Elminster traditionally portrayed this way. It's demonstrated in novels (and [[WordOfGod confirmed]]) that he's a man of many masks and looks like this mostly in the "example for younger wizards" role because he knows lots of folk look up to him. He's not inclined to play by rules unless it's the whole point, and isn't always recognizable as a living creature, let alone himself, when goes out to ''do'' something.

* Also Odin from NorseMythology, a god of wisdom who was the precursor to Merlin and carried a spear instead of a staff. Stories of him wandering the lands disguised as a simple traveller were a direct inspiration for [[JRRTolkien Gandalf]]. He thus serves as the UrExample to many later characters in this tradition.

** Elminster in the ForgottenRealms setting is portrayed this way. Of course, in novels he looks like this mostly in the "example for the young wizards" role. He's not inclined to play by rules if it's not the whole point, and when goes out to ''do'' something isn't always recognizable as a living creature, let alone himself.

* Dumbledore in ''HarryPotter''. While all male magic users are called 'wizards' in harry potter, Dumbledoor specifically fits the 'wizard' image. He's old, wise, has a beard, wears robes and floppy hats, and kind of lives in a tower too. uses wands though, like everyone else in the universe.

* The ''DorrieTheWitch'' have featured a few, some good and some evil.

* The Wizards of Unseen University in ''{{Discworld}}'' fall into this, as does Rincewind (who's association with the university varies). Of course their "wisdom" in regards to magic mostly consists of not using it and jockying for a KlingonPromotion or two. With the exception of a few who seem to actually do important research and get results (for example creating [[AC:[[MagicalComputer Hex]]]] and Roundworld).

A Classic Wizard is not always a SquishyWizard, but it's common. The same with a KungFuWizard.

* '''Wizardry''': Wizards practice '''wizardry''' specifically as their [[UnequalRites type of magic]] which tends to have to do with cosmic energy and powers through intensive study of arcane knowledge. They are often seen reading the stars and tapping into the energy of the earth directly, casting spells with runes or magic words, or pure thought. Wizards appear to have been somewhat based on ''{{Druid}}s'' and ascetic ''[[HermitGuru Hermits]]'' but are not directly comparable. They may have a personal SpellBook, but more likely they have an entire library of gathered knowledge.

* '''Association with Age and Wisdom''': Wizards are usually very old, the implication being that it takes one that amount of time studying before one can really be considered a true wizard, fit to master the secrets of the universe. Sometimes these wizards cast illusions to appear old, if they aren't, so they're more respected. Furthermore it's common that Wizards Live Longer than most other people, even most other magic uses, for which this is common. Wizards are known for being very wise, and 'wizard' actually comes from the word 'wise'. They often act as advisers to very important people, like royalty, and mentors to heroes.

While the term ''wizard'' itself is often applied as a catch-all word for male magic users in fiction, the image of the classic mage as it has evolved out of Western traditions and folklore, has a number of distinct trappings and tropes. In short, this is the character most people think of when they hear the word "Wizard".

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While the term ''wizard'' itself is often applied as a catch-all word for male magic users in fiction, the image of the Classic Wizard as it has evolved out of Western traditions and folklore, has a number of distinct trappings and tropes.

* Also Odin from NorseMythology, a god of wisdom who was the precursor to Merlin and carried a spear instead of a staff.

* ''Webcomic/Homestuck'': Zazzerpan from the in-story novel ''The Complacency of the Learned''. Other wizards are mentioned as well, but there's not enough information to know how closely they stick to the archetype. The Lalonde house is decorated with a frightening amount of artwork of Zazzerpan and numerous other classic wizards--these are the cause of a bizarre, passive-aggressive ([[spoiler:and completely one-sided]]) fight between Rose and her mom.

* ''Homestuck'': Zazzerpan from the in-story novel ''The Complacency of the Learned''. Other wizards are mentioned as well, but there's not enough information to know how closely they stick to the archetype. The Lalonde house is decorated with a frightening amount of artwork of Zazzerpan and numerous other classic wizards--these are the cause of a bizarre, passive-aggressive ([[spoiler:and completely one-sided]]) fight between Rose and her mom.

* '''Wizardly Habits''': Wizards are very often solitary folk who live alone in far off, difficult to reach places, studying in seclusion. They also tend to live in tall towers, the better to be closer to the stars. They have been known to enjoy WalkingTheEarth, however, and people seem to stumble upon them at random...or is it fate? They also tend to have apprentices hanging around. A Wizard can be a CourtMage but even then they tend to have their own areas and act aloof. If they have a pet, it's usually a bird of some kind, like a crow or owl. A degree of [[EccenticMentor eccentricity]] is quite common, be it real or feigned, which masks the wizard's considerable power.

* '''Wizardly Habits''': Wizards are very often solitary folk who live alone in far off, difficult to reach places, studying in seclusion. They also tend to live in tall towers, the better to be closer to the stars. They have been known to enjoy WalkingTheEarth, however, and people seem to stumble upon them at random...or is it fate? They also tend to have apprentices hanging around. A Wizard can be a CourtMage but even then they tend to have their own areas and act aloof. If they have a pet, it's usually a bird of some kind, like a crow or owl.

** Elminster in the ForgottenRealms setting.

* Depictions of {{Merlin}} in all media.