Line #61 Main/WhiteMagic


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5	%% This list of examples has been alphabetized. Please add your example in the proper place. Thanks!
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14	[[quoteright:264:[[TabletopGame/MagicTheGathering https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/combatmedic.png]]]]
15
16	->'''Merryweather:''' I'd like to turn [Maleficent] into a fat ol'... hop-toad.\
17	'''Flora:''' You know our magic doesn't work that way.\
18	'''Fauna:''' It can only do good, dear, to bring joy and happiness.\
19	'''Merryweather:''' Well, that would make ''me'' happy.
20	-->-- ''WesternAnimation/SleepingBeauty''
21
22	Polar opposite of BlackMagic. "Holy" powers that the Heroes and Saints use. Probably called this because we tend to think of [[LightIsGood light as good]].
23
24	As with Black Magic, there are three factors that determine whether a power is White Magic or not.
25
26	* '''Source''': If it's [[BargainWithHeaven gained]] from {{God}} ([[CrystalDragonJesus or the local equivalent]]), a CouncilOfAngels, a SentientCosmicForce, TheLifestream, SealedGoodInACan, or some form of [[SaintlyChurch truly benevolent]] [[ReligionIsMagic spirituality or religion]], it's almost always White Magic. Other sources can include channeling the power of [[ThePowerOfLove love]], [[ThePowerOfFriendship friendship]], or "positive energy."
27	* '''Cost''': What is required to make the magic work. Whereas Black Magic may require sacrificing others for fuel, White Magic may instead require personal sacrifices from the practitioner herself, such as CastFromHitPoints. If any sacrifices from others are ever necessary, these will generally have to be completely voluntary (i.e., they weren't coerced into doing it) and usually altruistic and "pure" in motive. EyeOfNewt may be difficult to obtain, but will not require any actual evil.
28	* '''Effect''': The magic is directly constructed for the blessing, protection, [[HealingHands cure]], and/or promotion of the general welfare of others. [[HolyHandGrenade Offensive uses]] may be reserved for MadeOfEvil creatures such as [[DemonSlaying demons]] or [[TurnUndead undead]], by way of ReviveKillsZombie. This [[LightIsGood sometimes]] but [[LightIsNotGood not always]] includes [[ElementalPowers Elemental]] [[LightEmUp Light]].
29
30	As a rule, at least one of these must be positively good, and the other two at least neutral (good is better) to qualify as White Magic.
31
32	Unlike with BlackMagic, with White Magic you don't have to worry about malevolent side effects. (There may be a sacrifical cost to prove your commitment.) Whereas [[{{Satan}} evil]] [[GodOfEvil gods]] tend to despise their human patsies, ''genuinely good'' deities tend to ''genuinely like'' their devotees. However, with White Magic you do tend to face certain Restrictions, as good gods tend to be pickier about how their servants use the powers granted to them. CrystalDragonJesus usually wants his followers to use his powers to go out and help people, and he won't be amused when his devotees run around killing babies.
33
34	There are two common methods for imposing Restrictions. One is to limit what sorts of powers the disciples receive to largely beneficial effects that can cause no direct harm; [[HealingHands powers of healing]], protection, or [[StatusBuff blessed empowerment]]. Mature (or merely advanced) devotees might get a handful of spells for [[StatusEffects offensively weakening and hindering others]], though the available "debuffs" tend to be relatively gentle compared to the curses of BlackMagic. There may be at least one honestly destructive spell available, but which is only effective against AlwaysChaoticEvil creatures like TheUndead and TheLegionsOfHell; these spells are called TurnUndead for a reason. Occasionally, there may be exactly ''one'' destructive spell that can be used on any ''and'' everything -- the HolyHandGrenade.
35
36	It should be noted that between the lack of [[TheCorruption uglifying side-effects]] of BlackMagic and the abundance of healing effects, the followers of Good tend to be much healthier and prettier. (Which may actually serve as a {{Justifi\|edTrope}}cation for BeautyEqualsGoodness.) Remember, however, that Sacrifice is a virtue. You may be expected to use up your own LifeEnergy to get the job done.
37
38	The other most common Restriction method is requiring the practictioner to abide by a [[KarmaMeter specific code]] of [[TheFettered conduct]] that stipulates when White Magic should not be used, when it may be used, and when it ''must'' be used. This method is most often seen when the brand of White Magic involved features significant firepower. This code may mean contractual {{technical pacifis\|t}}m, or at least "Thou Shalt Not Murder" (which is distinct from ThouShaltNotKill). Perhaps [[ActualPacifist a priest can never take a life at all]], or perhaps, like a medical doctor under the Hippocratic Oath, he simply must never use his powers to cause harm. Perhaps a {{paladin}}, like a police officer issued a firearm, is allowed (or even obligated) to use deadly force in certain situations in order to save innocent lives, but may [[BroughtDownToNormal have that power revoked]] if it's misused.
39
40	Depressing as it is, sometimes LightIsNotGood, or else [[LawfulStupid just very stupid]]. In these cases, people are able to use White Magic in all the wrong ways, either by serving as the personal healer of [[BigBad an evil overlord]] or by marauding around the countryside, using "holy" bolts to slaughter DarkIsNotEvil races like the aforementioned FriendlyNeighborhoodVampires and [[OurOrcsAreDifferent Blizzard-type Orcs]]. Either the deity behind the White Magic isn't [[GodIsFlawed all he's cracked up to be]], or the [[FunctionalMagic form of magic]] doesn't involve a sapient source at all.
41
42	Sometimes despite being well-intentioned, GoodIsImpotent, and White Magic falls under WhatKindOfLamePowerIsHeartAnyway. Other times, GodIsGood and White Magic falls under HeartIsAnAwesomePower. Also, though White Magic is good in nature, often it should be used with caution, because if used improperly, [[HolyIsNotSafe it can be quite dangerous]].
43
44	See also: TheMedic, whose HealingHands are often a result of White Magic. WhiteMage, who is sometimes powered by White Magic. BlackMage, who is the opposite in gameplay terms. ProtectiveCharm is also generally White Magic.
45
46	----
47	!!Examples:
48
49	[[foldercontrol]]
50
51	[[folder:Anime & Manga]]
52	* In ''Webcomic/HetaliaAxisPowers'', Russia used once the orthodox church to curse his enemies. Not only it is the contrast to England's BlackMagic, but also LightIsNotGood used for comedy.
53	* ''Manga/NegimaMagisterNegiMagi'' has this. It acts just as it should: all healing, no known attacks. Konoka Konoe is particularly good with this one; she can heal anything short of someone's [[ChunkySalsaRule head splattering like a tomato]].
54	* The magic of the Silver Crystal in ''Franchise/SailorMoon''. It's ''the'' most powerful magic in the universe and seems to be able to do anything - lifting evil spells, healing wounds, defeating any form of dark creature etc. In the anime it's even used to purify and redeem several villains via ThePowerOfLove. It's even able to resurrect the dead - though using the full force of the crystal's power is inevitably fatal.
55	* In ''Literature/{{Slayers}}'', there is White Magic and Holy Magic. White Magic is a pale imitation of Holy Magic, the "real" example of this trope, and was developed by humans after most Holy Magic spells were lost to them. Only dragons are known to use Holy Magic, but most spells we see in the anime (Flame Breath, Chaotic Disintegrate, even Ray Freeze) are offensive in nature. The show uses the "somewhat depressing" version of the trope, in that the god race and their servants, including the dragons, tend to behave in a less-than-saintly way and don't seem to bother teaching Holy Magic to humans.
56	* In ''Literature/SorcererStabberOrphen'', white magic is made of spells that allow the caster to enter the spirit world and control it. It has effects like healing and [[spoiler:letting the caster pulls a FreakyFridayFlip with their target]]. [[spoiler:This is how Azalie managed to take over Childman's body, leaving him trapped in the body of the dragon Bloody August.]]
57	* ''Literature/TrappedInADatingSimTheWorldOfOtomeGamesIsToughForMobs'': Marie and Olivia both have the same white magic power set associated with CrystalDragonJesus Saints: HealingHands, BarrierWarrior, and a MagicMissileStorm that can annihilate monsters. HealingMagicIsTheHardest fully applies here, as Marie was only able to master it at the cost of her body's development and hard work. It doesn't seem effected by personality; in the ''Marie Route'' AlternateTimeline, an Olivia under DemonicPossession uses it for evil as TheChessmaster and BigBad.
58	[[/folder]]
59
60	[[folder:Fan Works]]
61	* ''Fanfic/PrincessOfTheBlacks'': True white magic refers to magic granted to a mortal by one of the Light Powers. The exact abilities vary by patron Power, but it is far more potent than any other magic except the BlackMagic granted by the Dark Powers.
62	** There is also light magic, spells which are aligned with the agenda of the Light Powers but are castable by anyone except black mages. The most prominent example is the Patronus Charm.
63	[[/folder]]
64
65	[[folder:Film -- Live-Action]]
66	* ''Film/CastADeadlySpell'': Kropotkin the witch landlady namedrops the trope, saying she only does White Magic.
67	* ''Film/HanselAndGretelWitchHunters'': White witches seem to primarily do healing and love spells, though remaining capable of attacking the evil black witches if necessary.
68	* ''Franchise/StarWars'': The Jedi qualify because the Force can be used to heal. In fact, it can even be used to bring back the Dead! At least, that's what Palpatine told Anakin. That he couldn't learn this ability ''as a Jedi'' implies it is Dark Arts instead of white magic though.
69	* In ''Film/TheThingThatCouldntDie'', a farmgirl names Jessica has the ability to dowse or otherwise find objects for others. When another character confronts her on her 'water-witching,' she says it's entirely benevolent and not something she can be forced or bribed into doing. Later, they meet a true BlackMagic practitioner who has no such restrictions... other than being a living corpse in two parts, of course.
70	[[/folder]]
71
72	[[folder:Literature]]
73	* In Stephen R. Donaldson's ''Literature/TheChroniclesOfThomasCovenant'', there's an interesting variation. While there is a "white magic" in this setting, it's not the magic of goodness (the good magic is generally blue or gold in color). White magic in this setting is the wild magic, the primal energy which holds the world together, and which consequently is the only thing strong enough to tear the world apart.
74	* Creator/RobertEHoward's Literature/ConanTheBarbarian:
75	** "Literature/ThePhoenixOnTheSword", Epemitreus marks Conan's sword to let it slay demons. Possibly the only benevolent use of magic in Howard's entire Conan saga.
76	** In "Literature/TheTowerOfTheElephant", the DeceptiveDisciple imprisoned his mentor because he was being taught only White Magic.
77	* ''Literature/TheDarkIsRising'' series by Creator/SusanCooper has the Light vs the Dark, where the Old Ones use magic to save humanity. Although it's not always nice to those who have to endure the effects or after-effects.
78	* In Creator/DevonMonk's ''Literature/DeadIron'', Mae's sisters use this. They find it hard to believe that her powers naturally turn to BlackMagic.
79	* In ''Literature/DragonBones'', the priests of the goddess of healing are implied to have some magic power. There are also lots of mages with powers they can use for good ''or'' evil. There are natural magic sources, which can become tainted by evil deeds, but seem to be otherwise a neutral natural resource.
80	* In ''Literature/TheDresdenFiles'', "Soulfire" is a source of power that can be used by certain angelic or holy beings to boost the power of magic. In general is is called ''the fire of creation.'' It works as a creative force, essentially combining with normal magic to create a sort of magical alloy that dramatically strengthens the power of the spell. Any spell boosted by Soulfire gets a silvery color added to it, i.e. a fire spell boosted by Soulfire comes out as silver/silvery blue flames. The only drawback is that using Soulfire [[OurSoulsAreDifferent takes power directly from your soul]] - [[CastFromHitPoints and burning away all of your soul using Soulfire is a Bad Thing.]] Happily if the user rests between uses the soul recovers over time. [[spoiler:Harry gains access to Soulfire thanks to the intervention of the Archangel Uriel after he redeemed Lasciel's shadow and to [[BalanceBetweenGoodAndEvil counter The Prince of Darkness giving his people Uber-Hellfire]].]]
81	* In Creator/GKChesterton's ''Literature/FatherBrown'' story "[[http://ebooks.adelaide.edu.au/c/chesterton/gk/c52fb/chapter30.html The Dagger with Wings]]," a character talks of using white magic against his enemy. [[spoiler:Father Brown deduces from the way he talks, philosophically, that he is the enemy, and he has already murdered the man he is posing as.]]
82	-->''"It is true that by studying magic he fell at last under the blight of black magic; the BlackMagic of this scoundrel Strake. But my brothers were wrong about the antidote. The antidote to black magic is not brute materialism or worldly wisdom. The antidote to black magic is white magic."\
83	"It rather depends," said Father Brown, "what you mean by white magic."\
84	"I mean silver magic," said the other, in a low voice, like one speaking of a secret revelation. Then after a silence he said: "Do you know what I mean by silver magic? Excuse me a moment."''
85	** Later, as Father Brown left,
86	--->''As he shuffled homewards through the snow, he muttered to himself: "And yet he is right enough about there being a white magic, if he only knows where to look for it."''
87	* In Creator/PeterSBeagle's ''Literature/TheLastUnicorn'', the title character is briefly held captive by a BlackMagic user named Mommy Fortuna. When the witch claims she would cut out her hapless assistant's liver to keep her, the unicorn replies that a true witch would never offer up someone else's liver for power. "You must tear out your own, and not expect to get it back."
88	* In ''Literature/TheLostRedeemer'', one order of Ethermancers (the Redeemers) has a form of power that comes directly from the world's deity and involves healing and protection abilities. This stands in contrast to the other two orders which involve combat and offensive magic.
89	* ''Literature/AMagesPower'': There is a division of magecraft that serves the purpose of healing magic. It heals injuries, cures disease, and grants greater power to others. The arcane variety is no different in source or cost from any other kind of magic (personal {{mana}}) and used by doctors. The divine variety is drawn from the Goddess of Life and used exclusively by her clergy.
90	%%* Creator/PiersAnthony uses this in ''Literature/OnAPaleHorse''.
91	* In L. Jagi Lamplighter's ''[[Literature/ProsperosDaughter Prospero Lost]]'', Theo argues that there is no such thing as White Magic, that even though he used his powers to blast demons and practioners of very BlackMagic, he must give it up to avoid damnation.
92	** In ''Prospero in Hell'', Miranda hypothesizes that their father thought that sprouting part of the True Cross and carving a staff from the tree using it to resurrect someone White Magic.
93	* In A.L. Phillips' Literature/TheQuestOfTheUnaligned, all four elemental magics have BlackMagic and White Magic inextricably intertangled in them. Each mage must fight every day to focus on the good side of his power and suppress its darkness. [[spoiler:It is, however, possible with the aid of the [[MacGuffin Prince's Crown]] to transform someone else into an orah, a mage who can call on the good side, and only the good side, of all four elements]].
94	** [[spoiler:A slight variation from the usual in that while light magic is drawn directly from elemental goodness (and has to be bestowed by someone else, as it's impossible to claim for oneself), it has no more of a cost than any other magic (in fact, it has rather less, as it's mentioned that light magic is easier to control than regular elemental energy) and there doesn't seem to be any rule against using it as a weapon (the hero blows up a dark construct summoned by the villain at one point.)]]
95	* In ''Literature/ProphecyOfTheSisters'' it is revealed that [[spoiler:Lia's mother]] worked white magic. In an usual twist, this white magic, which was only for protection, was not allowed - higher powers decided that this kind of magic is not for our world, perhaps in an attempt to also keep dark magic at bay.
96	* At one point in Creator/PamelaDean's ''Literature/TheSecretCountry'', Fence is described as a "white magician", meaning that he is good. The various styles of magic in that world are categorized by colors, so he is actually doing ''blue'' magic. Any of the magic types can be perverted to cause harm.
97	* In Creator/SaraDouglass' ''Literature/{{Tencendor}}'' novels, the Star Dance is sentient magic that doesn't approve of being weaponized and reacts badly against the hero when he tries.
98	* ''Literature/VillainsByNecessity'': Kaylana's magic is largely benign, used mostly for healing or talking with animals.
99	* A point of in universe controversy in ''Literature/TheWitchWatch'', is whether or not white magic exists. Is it holy to use magic for the purpose of healing? [[spoiler:Not when it turns out it requires human sacrifices to function]].
100	[[/folder]]
101
102	[[folder:Live-Action TV]]
103	* In ''Series/{{Charmed\|1998}}'', all good beings like good witches, white lighters, elders, fairies, and so forth use some form of holy-based spell casting in one form or another. Whitelighters especially are notable - as their power to heal any wound is triggered by feelings of love. Most other forms of magic are triggered by fear or anger.
104	* ''Series/OnceUponATime'' distinguishes between Dark and Light magic. Dark Magic tends to [[ArcWords come with a price]] or else takes great effort to learn. Light Magic meanwhile is born of love and is used for good. It seems to be that Light Magic in humans is natural - and gets produced when a child is born to parents that have True Love for each other.
105	[[/folder]]
106
107	[[folder:Myth and Religion]]
108	* Literature/TheBible holds a number of examples of God bestowing White Magic upon mortal men and women, other than simply working miracles around a chosen spokesman. None of it bears any resemblance to video-game White Magic, and there is certainly nothing like MP involved. In the Old Testament, Samson gets SuperStrength (and likely some sort of MadeOfIron nature that let him take on hundreds of soldiers at once but still get crushed by a collapsing roof). In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul talks about "Spiritual Gifts" that born-again Christians get, that are weapons for spiritual (rather than physical) warfare.
109	** Jesus also promises that his followers will wield great powers than he does, and declares "Do ye not know that ye are gods?" - pretty awesome statement from the founder of a monotheistic religion. [[note]]UsefulNotes/{{Jesus}} was speaking using Old Testament definitions and that the in greek translation of the old testament word, calling someone a god is the equivalent to calling them 'a glorious' person.[[/note]]
110	* Theurgy, or Theosophy, which was popular among the renaissance occultists, was basically the [[TruthInTelevision historical variant of this]]. It stood in direct opposition to [[BlackMagic Goetia/Cacodæmony.]]
111	* The distinction between the [[BlackMagic Left-Hand Path]] and the '''Right-Hand Path''' in occult traditions was historically mostly this, healing magic. This is not to say that Left-Hand specialists [[BadPowersBadPeople are evil]] and Right-Hand specialists [[GoodPowersBadPeople are not always good]]. Others think these distinctions are bullshit anyways.
112	[[/folder]]
113
114	[[folder:Tabletop Games]]
115	* The Paladins and Good-Aligned Clerics of ''TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons''.
116	** Expanded in the ''Book of Exalted Deeds'', which features "Sanctified" spells that can be used by any spellcasters, but require a non-evil alignment. Each one also requires a certain personal sacrifice, which range from a few HitPoints to permanent [[LevelDrain attribute drain]] or death. The effects of the spells are almost exclusively for healing, purification, assistance, and evil-destroying.
117	** Interestingly, Neutral-aligned clerics can choose either White Magic or Black Magic at level one, and then are never allowed to change their minds. There are some exceptions: some neutral deities have restrictions based on what they're the god of. Wee Jas, for example, is a death goddess so her clerics are restricted to Black Magic despite her not being evil while neutral nature deities are often restricted to White Magic. It determines whether or not you can swap any prepared spell for a ''cure'' or ''inflict'' spell, and the specificity of your TurnUndead power.
118	* Healing spells in ''TabletopGame/{{GURPS}}'' are called white magic, but the third edition ''Magic'' sourcebook notes that, because of the way the magic system works, the understanding of life-force and physiology they provide are a prerequisite for necromancy, and the deeper understanding of restoring life provided by the necromantic spells is required for Resurrection, as a result of which many healers refuse to learn it.
119	* In ''TabletopGame/{{Pathfinder}}'', this is any spell that deals with Positive Energy. These spells are typically used by clerics and paladins, though druids and bards have limited access to these. This also takes the form of the Channel Energy ability of certain classes, but this is notable in that a character's alignment determines what kind of energy they channel, with Good characters using the white-magic Positive Energy while Evil characters have [[BlackMagic Negative Energy]].
120	* ''TabletopGame/PrincessTheHopeful:'' The powers of the titular Princesses are drawn from the Light, a SentientCosmicForce that is [[MadeOfGood the embodiment of goodness and benevolence in the universe]], and on a smaller scale a Princess replenishes her [[{{Mana}} Wisps]] either by spending time with friends and family or by somehow working to make the world a better place. Similarly, each Princess has specific standards she is required to live up to, varying by Calling (Champions are required to use their strength to protect the weak and destroy the evil, Seekers are forbidden from lying except when it is needed to protect themselves or others, and so on).
121	* Sisters of Battle faith powers in ''TabletopGame/Warhammer40000'' are a borderline example. While they fit the first two criteria perfectly, and the third from the perspective of the Sisters, the Sisters are fanatical KnightTemplar soldiers of the ChurchMilitant, who ''really'' like burning people at the stake.
122	* In ''TabletopGame/MagicTheGathering'', white magic is one of the five fundamental types of magic, and heavily associated with civilization, tradition, law, religion and {{light\|EmUp}}. Many white cards are geared toward healing and protection, without the nasty side-effects or drawbacks other colors have for the same effects, as well as non-fatally disabling or pacifying opponents (typically referred to as "removal"). It also contains its fair share of {{Holy Hand Grenade}}s to eliminate threats. That being said, the game’s fluff is quite explicit about none of the colors being outright good or evil, and White remains the magic of order, straightforwardness, and stability, ''not'' [[LightIsNotGood benevolence]]. It can be quite merciless at wiping out attacking enemies, and has a number of cards that outright kill everything on the battlefield, getting around the no killing ban by enforcing order through emptiness. Finally, while it is the color of peace, faith, and just laws, it is also the color of tyranny, [[KnightTemplar blind zealotry]], and parochialism -- in the end, White wants order, and doesn’t much care how that order comes about.
123	* ''TabletopGame/WarhammerFantasyRoleplay'':
124	** Priestesses of the HealerGod Shallya [[ReligionIsMagic wield benevolent magic]] that can [[HealingHands heal wounds]], disease, poisoning, and even [[RestorationOfSanity madness]]. Their one exception is a spell that can only harm followers of Shallya's nemesis, Nurgle the {{Plaguemaster}}.
125	** Though none of the Winds of Magic are intrinsically good or evil, spells of the White Wind tend to focus on {{healing\|Hands}}, Daemon-slaying, protection, and truth. (And [[EyeBeams shooting lasers out of your eyes]].) The wizards who study it tend to have a relatively good reputation with the general public compared to the other Colleges of Magic.
126	[[/folder]]
127
128	[[folder:Video Games]]
129	* Zig-zagged heavily in ''VideoGame/{{Bayonetta}}'' and ''VideoGame/Bayonetta2''. The Lumen Sages use light magic granted to them by the [[OurAngelsAreDifferent angels of paradiso]], and they use their power to maintain balance between [[BalanceBetweenGoodAndEvil light and darkness]] alongside their counterparts the Umbra Witches. That being said, the angels whom the Sages serve and draw their power from are [[LightIsNotGood evil]] [[EldritchAbomination Eldritch Abominations]] who want to wipe out humanity. The sages themselves are [[LightIsGood good]], but the angels are known for using them as pawns in their plans. The same also applies to the Witches, who use BlackMagic to maintain the balance of light and dark. But like the sages, their [[OurDemonsAreDifferent demonic masters]] are also eldritch abominations who want to wipe out humanity, and use the witches as pawns.
130	* A horrifying possibility of White Magic [[GoodPowersBadPeople being used for evil]] comes up in ''VideoGame/BravelyDefault''. The enemy white magic user says that White Magic makes ColdBloodedTorture more effective, as her side could keep doing it without the victim dying, until their body is healthy but their mind is gone.
131	* ''VideoGame/DarkSouls'' has the "miracle" subcategory of magic. These magics are based on faith, and are usually tied to some sort of deity. These spells tend to be defensive in nature, such as the healing and magic resist miracles. Joining covenants of gods usually grants you miracles as a reward, and allows the use of specific miracles.
132	* In ''Franchise/TheElderScrolls'' series, the Restoration school of magic naturally fits. It consists of spells which resist damage or [[HealingHands restore wholeness by reknitting the damaged material]]. It also includes wards, curing of disease and poison, physical fortification, and the [[ReviveKillsZombie turning of undead]] (a forced purification effect).
133	* Played with in ''VisualNovel/FateStayNight'': Kotomine Kirei is a priest who is extremely adept with healing magic, that being one of the only magic disciplines he has been able to master. He's also a sadistic sociopath who delights in others' pain and tries to bring about TheEndOfTheWorldAsWeKnowIt. Despite his goals and personality, however, there is nothing evil whatsoever about his powers on their own.
134	* The White Mages and Paladins of ''Franchise/FinalFantasy'' are the TropeCodifier. The mechanics are as written but there's only anything approaching moral associations with the magic in IV (maybe IX, but that's because black mages are a separate race), and even then no one was terribly worried about the BlackMagic users. What's more is that villains are able to use White Magic too, as heroes can use Black Magic. Though there has yet to be a villainous WhiteMage character for obvious reasons ([[VideoGame/BravelyDefault in the main series, at least)]].
135	** In ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXIV'' White Magic was abused to devastating effect in the ancient city of Amdapor. It was conceived of as a counterbalance to the destructive BlackMagic used by Amdapor's rival civilization Mhach, but since both of them drew on the power of the land [[NiceJobBreakingItHero the existence of two such arts simply drained the land dry twice as fast.]] Ever since then, White Magic has been kept and protected by [[HornedHumanoid the Padjal people]] to prevent its further abuse, though players who meet the right qualifications can earn the right to wield it themselves.
136	* ''Videogame/FireEmblem'':
137	** Both [[LightEmUp Light magic]] and healing magic are explicitly said to be based on faith, and practitioners, including clerics and bishops, [[ReligionIsMagic worship good- or light-aligned gods or goddesses]]. Some healing staves do not just restore lost {{Hit Points}}, but also [[StatusBuff temporarily boost a unit's physical defense or magic resistance]] or teleport them out of a dangerous position, among other effects.
138	** ''Videogame/FireEmblemGaiden'' has a series of magic explicitly called White Magic, originating from worship of the good-aligned goddess Mila. Inlike the light magic or healing magic of other games in the series, White Magic is CastFromHitPoints, though it does many of the same things that other divine magic in the series does.
139	** ''VideoGame/FireEmblemThreeHouses'' revisits the White Magic/Black Magic dichotomy, and White Magic is learned by improving a unit's Faith skill. However, unlike ''Gaiden'', where White Magic was purely supportive while even the light-themed attack spells Nosferatu and Seraphim fell under Black Magic, a number of offensive spells including the aforementioned can be learned through Faith.
140	* Light Magic in (old verse) ''VideoGame/MightAndMagic'' has a bit more offensive uses that ''aren't'' limited to undead than the norm (though the basic Light spell does double damage to undead), but less so than the other schools of magic. Costwise, it also fits: where Dark Magic has a spell to sacrifice a hireling for health, Light Magic has an extremely powerful healing spell that ages the caster ten years whenever it is cast. In terms of morality, however, a point is made that while Light Magic is mostly used by and associated with good people, it has no inherent morality, and the most important factor is how you use it (TheCorruption is ''not'' a factor when it comes to Dark Magic in that verse).
141	* Shepherd angels in ''VideoGame/NexusClash'' focus heavily on this trope, with abilities devoted to healing, bolstering others and removing debuffs. In the endgame they may become an Advocate who embodies white magic even more, but then other options available to Shepherds include being a KnightTemplar or an outright FallenAngel.
142	* While the Personas from ''Franchise/{{Persona}}'' aren't inherently white magic (though they are granted by Philemon, a higher power, and can be used to heal, they can also be granted or used for evil purposes), each game starting with ''3'' has a spell used by the protagonist's [[EvolutionaryLevels Ultimate Persona]] to defeat the FinalBoss that qualifies as white magic:
143	** In ''VideoGame/Persona3'', [[spoiler:the Great Seal is powered by the protagonist's bonds with his friends, and is used to seal the embodiment of death, [[Myth/ClassicalMythology Nyx]], away from Earth, but at the cost of his own life]].
144	** In ''VideoGame/Persona4'', [[spoiler:Myriad Truths, cast by [[Myth/JapaneseMythology Izanagi-no-Okami]], is described as "the word of power that banishes all the world's curses and falsehoods". It's used to defeat Izanami-no-Okami, the embodiment of humanity's self-deception, and, of course, it's powered by Yu's bonds with his friends.]]
145	** ''VideoGame/Persona5'' has something of a subversion: [[spoiler:Sinful Shell is not a thing of peace or a means of expressing humanity's will; it's a weapon to kill a god -- specifically, [[UsefulNotes/{{Gnosticism}} Yaldabaoth]]. Not to mention, it's mainly powered by the support of Japan's populace rather than the bonds between Joker and his friends.]]
146	* In ''VideoGame/RagnarokOnline'' there is the Priest class, who uses White Magic. His spell are mostly beneficial in nature, sometimes hindering the opponent or placing the gods judgment on him, but NOT dealing damage to something that's not an undead or demon (those better beware!) except the spell Holy Light that might be considered a lovetap comparing to other classes power (But considering that he can make himself almost invulnerable this may result in DeathOfAThousandCuts. And as the name suggests he uses the power of God. And there's the Soul Linker who's powers come the spirits also having mostly supporting or defensive abilities. He has also offensive spells but those only work on monsters not on players.
147	* ''VideoGame/ShadowEra'' has the Priest Heroes, who use white magic to heal and protect their active allies.
148	* The Paladin Class of ''VideoGame/WorldOfWarcraft'' draw their powers from "the Light." While this is no guarantee of the goodness of the ''player'' behind the character (or for that matter, NPC paladins), as a whole paladins are supposed to be upstanding individuals, and their powers are definitely geared towards helping others. Lore-wise, blood elf paladins used to have the unusual attribute of using the Light by force, which wasn't so nice of them, but that's changed with the passing of the story. The Priest Class is a more mixed bag -- depending on race they are either Priests of the Holy Light (human, dwarf, draenei, blood elf), the Moon (night elf), the Sun (tauren), a group of tribal gods (troll), or the shadow (Forsaken). All are benevolent towards at least their own Faction, though, so that's something, but any of them can [[AvertedTrope Avert]] this Trope by choosing the "Shadow Priest" talent-build.
149	** The light of paladins is only semi-sentient, it will respond if they ''think'' they're right even if they aren't, which is why the xenophobically insane scarlet crusade could still use the light. Not to mention the Dreadlord who was leading them. Also the Light is not exactly what one might describe as "good". It can be addictive and has no real concern for the wishes of real people.
150	** One of the FourHorsemen has to be able to use the Light. The thing is that the four horsemen are undead beings. The original four horsemen were in fact mind-controlled by the Scourge: making it seriously impressive that the Light still responded to Sir Zeliek.
151	** When undead priests or paladins use the Light, it burns them (although it doesn't cause any lasting damage): in keeping with this trope. Even living paladins can cause themselves pain if they channel too much Light too quickly, or if they try to pull the Light out of a creature like the blood elves did. Using powerful abilities can often require [[CastFromHitPoints self-sacrifice.]]
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153
154	[[folder:Web Comics]]
155	* In ''Webcomic/BasicInstructionsBeforeLeavingEarth'', some angels such as [[TheMedic healers]] can use white magic using energies channeled to them through their [[HolyHalo halos]]. Any other magic causes TheCorruption, unless it's an [[CelestialParagonsAndArchangels archangel]] or [[HumansAreSpecial human]] angel casting it.
156	%%* ''Webcomic/DominicDeegan'': Gregory's speciality
157	* In ''Webcomic/DragonMango'', [[http://dragon-mango.com/comic/chapter03/dm03-02.htm Mango must have been healed with holy magic while she lay unconscious.]]
158	%%* ''Webcomic/{{Exiern}}'': [[http://www.exiern.com/?p=10 It can't hurt, unless it's really powerful]]
159	* ''Webcomic/{{Homestuck}}'' inverts this - [[DespairEventHorizon Eridan Ampora's]] white magic is exclusively destructive, and leads to [[spoiler:the death of one of his teammates and the [[OurVampiresAreDifferent Rainbow Drinkerization]] of another]]. This turns out to be a neat piece of FridgeBrilliance as trolls, a nocturnal species whose planet is at its most dangerous during the day, have an inverse view of the connotations of [[LightIsNotGood light]] and [[DarkIsNotEvil darkness]].
160	* In ''WebComic/YokokasQuest'', Inky is shown using Light elemental magic to heal his allies and bind enemies in chains of light.
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162
163	[[folder:Web Original]]
164	* ''WebVideo/{{AFK}}'': Serena's healing magic, which uses [[CastFromHitPoints her own energy]] as fuel. However, she's capable of offensive spells on people if they threaten herself or others.
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166
167	[[folder:Western Animation]]
168	* ''WesternAnimation/TheFairlyOddParents'' has Da Rules, which ''attempts'' to make fairy magic work this way. In a general sense, fairies are unable to interfere with things like true love; furthermore, it's possible for a fairy's wand to be disabled if a godchild makes selfish wishes without showing any sort of appreciation. There are also more specific examples: In one episode, Cosmo and Wanda are unable to conjure tickets to a sold-out event, as they would have to steal them from those who already have them. In another, Timmy wishes for a magic kung fu belt and headband to become a karate champion, but discovers that they only grant him amazing skills when he uses them to protect and help others. However, creative wishing is able to subvert these rules (it's revealed in one episode that a godchild somehow made a wish that ''caused the assassination of Franz Ferdinand'', plunging Europe into World War I). In general, the second purpose of Da Rules is to cover poorly thought-out wishes children might make (Timmy wishing it was Christmas every day was met with an ObviousRulePatch once the matter was resolved).
169	* ''WesternAnimation/TheLegendOfKorra'': Unalaq engages in a holy form of waterbending that allows him to pacify spirits by turning negative energy into positive energy. The water also glows with golden light. Becomes a case of GoodPowersBadPeople after TheReveal. He has a BlackMagic variation on this ability which infuses dark energy instead of light, which can kill human souls if used on them.
170	* ''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic'': The Mane Six are able to harness White Magic through use of the Elements of Harmony, empowered by their collective bond of friendship.
171	* The Dragon's Flame from ''WesternAnimation/WinxClub'' is literally a gift from their equivalent of God: the Great Dragon, who created the magical universe and all living beings. As such, the Flame has healing powers, can break dark spells, grants the ability to see people's auras (feelings), and sense the presence of danger. The Dragon's Flame is also the source of every magical power so it can warp reality, control space and time, balancing life and death, fuel other types of magical affinities, water and ice included, and even imbue objects. This explains why the Flame is the mightiest kind of magic. Its elemental counterpart is the Water Stars that were also present at the origin of the universe and are the only thing that can extinguish the Dragon's Flame. The Great Dragon itself has an evil counterpart: the Shadow Phoenix — where the Dragon creates (magic) and nurtures, the Phoenix absorbs and decays.
172	[[/folder]]

Context Main / WhiteMagic