History Main / TrainingTheGiftOfMagic

* In Creator/SergeyLukyanenko's ''Literature/NightWatch'', the [[DifferentlyPoweredIndividual Others]] are born with the potential to do magic (except for humans turned by vampires and werewolves). However, in order to become a full-fledged Other, one must first be discovered by an Other (usually by AuraVision) and then initiated (an unspoken rule states that, if an uninitiated Other has been found by a Light or Dark Other, then an Other from the opposing side must not attempt to "poach" him or her; generally, an Other will attempt to subtly manipulate the uninitiated into a certain state of mind before their first trip into the Twilight). At the moment of initiation, the new Other's alignment (Light or Dark) is determined by their current emotional state. ''Using'' magic requires spells, which an untrained Other would not know. Both the Night and the Day Watches have school facilities in their headquarters, where the newly-initiated Others are educated in the history of the Others, rudimentary magic skills, and the need to maintain TheMasquerade. Those who subsequently join their Watch can be trained further in magic, although true mastery requires centuries. (It helps that the Others are, effectively, TheAgeless.)

* ''TabletopGame/{{Pathfinder}}'' (which derives from D&D as described above) features the Arcanist class, which is described as a person with the sorcerous gift who learns to channel and control it by wizard-like studies. While not meant to be more powerful than sorcerers or wizards (for balance reasons), by default they can be described as more magically adept than sorcerers, in that instead of the bloodline changes sorcerers develop arcanists get various tricks related to spells and magic.
* This kind of distinction is represented in the basic ''TabletopGame/{{GURPS}}'' magic system by the "Magery" character advantage (also known as "Magical Aptitude"). In some settings, only characters with Magery can cast spells; in others, in areas of "high mana", anyone can do so, but levels of Magery give a bonus.
* The powers possessed by "psykers" in ''TabletopGame/Warhammer40000'' aren't called "magic", but they might as well be. Psykers are randomly born, but they have a very strong tendency to get possessed by demons if not found and trained by the Imperium, a process that takes years and is extremely detrimental to the psyker's mental health (and since being a psyker involves hearing voices pretty much all the time, they aren’t generally all that sane to begin with).\\\

* In ''Webcomic/GirlGenius'', "the Spark" is a rare, largely hereditary personal attribute that grants access to mad science that frequently verges on the magical. "Sparks" primarily possess a capacity for insane levels of hyperfocus on technical tasks, and can function without training -- but obviously, a good technical education helps. They also need to learn to channel their own abilities ''relatively'' safely, and some are lynched by the non-Spark general populace when their abilities manifest uncontrollably for the first time.

%% Examples here are in ALPHABETIC SEQUENCE. PLEASE preserve this!

This is not the same as magic as an innate super-power, used instinctively; magic-working still requires study, and high levels of skill give a large advantage over under-trained casters. But you still need the "gift" to use magic at all. Where magic works and is a matter of education but this trope isn't in play, anyone with enough smarts, determination, and training can be able to use magic as well as anybody else.

This is not the same as magic as an innate super-power, used instinctively; magic-working still requires study, and high levels of skill give a large advantage over under-trained casters. But you still want the "gift" to start with. Where magic works and is a matter of education but this trope isn't in play, anyone with enough smarts, determination, and training may be able to work magic as well as anybody else.

* Mages in Creator/TamoraPierce's ''Literature/CircleOfMagic'' series have a law whereby, if a mage discovers anybody with untrained magic (usually children, but the occasional adult does pop up), the mage is required to become their teacher, or find someone better for the job -- the reason being that magic can be quite dangerous to people if they don't learn to control it.
* In Creator/MarionZimmerBradley's ''Literature/{{Darkover}}'' series, there is a saying that "An untrained telepath is a danger to themselves and everyone around them". Thus at least basic training is considered a must for anyone who manifests actual PsychicPowers. A properly-trained psychic, aided by a [[AmplifierArtifact matrix crystal]], can perform feats of what is MagicByAnyOtherName.
* This trope is at least implied in several places in the Literature/{{Discworld}} series by Creator/TerryPratchett.

** The one big attempt we see by untrained and ungifted characters to work significant magic, in ''Discworld/GuardsGuards'', involves lengthy rituals and external sources of power. It sort of works, very spectacularly, but does not end at all well.

* In Literature/TheDresdenFiles series by Creator/JimButcher, ordinary humans are limited to being able to make a circle (which just requires a drop of blood and an effort of Will), and work a ritual, which Dresden describes as “a cosmic vending machine” — perform ritual, insert sacrifice, get result, because the power comes from the being you're invoking. You need to have magical potential to work proper spells, but how hard you train ultimately affects what you can use your magic for, it being explicitly stated that even a relatively minor talent, properly trained and [[StrongerWithAge given time]] can "grow teeth." Harry starts out as StrongButUnskilled and over the course of the books learns a lot about using far more precision and focus (especially after he takes [[spoiler: Molly]] as his apprentice, meaning that he gets a much better understanding of the basics). This is made most apparent in ''Literature/SkinGame'', when he encounters another mage who he says has a similar level of raw power, but because she's only ever practiced fire magic and [[CripplingOverspecialization neglected everything else, she's ultimately the weaker of the two]]. [[spoiler: At the end, even though he's tired and carrying a number of broken bones, while she's relatively fresh and backed up by Lasciel, he still beats her comfortably.]]

* ''WesternAnimation/SofiaTheFirst'' spinoff ''WesternAnimation/ElenaOfAvalor'' clarifies everyone has some level of amount of raw magic potential, but this can be changed through powerful spells and other magical processes. Elena herself became a powerful magic user from her prolonged time in her amulet that she was able to unlock the magical properties of the royal Scepter of Light as well as being able to see spirits. This can apparently be absorbed from her (which would also kill her in the process). We also learn that magic potential is genetic, although inheritors don't always pursue learning magic (Rafa never pursued magic like her father because it was outlawed and she had no interest in it, but her son Mateo has followed his grandfather's footsteps; however, Rafa is shown to be able to use magic if she wanted to). Additionally, magic can be given if granted by another [[EvilSorcerer malvago]] or exposure to magic crystals -- similar to Elena with the amulet, Elena and [[spoiler:Esteban]] gain more magical powers from falling into the Crystal Forge, but require training to perfect them.

* In ''WebComic/YokokasQuest'', spells involving a MagicalIncantation require the caster to be able to speak the words in the correct elemental language, and characters have an "edge" element that they should be naturally good at using. Yin teaches Yokoka a [[BoringButPractical spell]] to [[NightVisionGoggles see in the dark, and Yfa fails to learn it due to [[LanguageBarrier not knowing the language for that spell]]. Inky also fails to teach Yokoka any Light magic, despite Light being her edge element, as [[LanguageBarrier she can't comprehend Light language]].

* In ''WebComic/YokokasQuest'', spells involving a MagicalIncantation require the caster to be able to speak the words in the correct elemental language, and characters have an "edge" element that they should be naturally good at using. Yin teaches Yokoka a spell to see in the dark, and Yfa fails to learn it due to [[LanguageBarrier not knowing the language for that spell]]. Inky also fails to teach Yokoka any Light magic, despite Light being her edge element, as [[LanguageBarrier she can't comprehend Light language]].

* Telepathy is an innate ability of a small percentage of humans (and possibly other species) in ''Literature/PayMeBug'', but telepaths must receive special training during their early adolescent years or their power could break their minds.

* Telepathy is an innate ability of a small percentage of humans (and possibly other species) in ''[[Literature/PayMeBug]]'', but telepaths must receive special training during their early adolescent years or their power could break their minds.

* In Literature/TheDresdenFiles series by Creator/JimButcher, ordinary humans are limited to being able to make a circle (which just requires a drop of blood and an effort of Will), and work a ritual, which Dresden describes as “a cosmic vending machine” — perform ritual, insert sacrifice, get result, because the power comes from the being you're invoking. You need to have magical potential to work proper spells, but how hard you train ultimately affects what you can use your magic for, it being explicitly stated that even a relatively minor talent, properly trained and [[StrongerWithAge given time]] can "grow teeth." Harry starts out as StrongButUnskilled and over the course of the books learns a lot about using far more precision and focus (especially after he takes [[spoiler: Molly]] as his apprentice, meaning that he gets a much better understanding of the basics). This is made most apparent in ''Literature/SkinGame'', when he encounters another mage who he says has a similar level of raw power, but because she's only ever practised fire magic and [[CripplingOverspecialization neglected everything else, she's ultimately the weaker of the two]]. [[spoiler: At the end, even though he's tired and carrying a number of broken bones, while she's relatively fresh and backed up by Lasciel, he still beats her comfortably.]]

** The interplay between training and gift is emphasised in the short story "The Sea and Little Fishes", where someone says that recurring series character Granny Weatherwax has a "natural talent" and her friend Nanny Ogg replies that no, she works bloody hard at it. It’s sometimes hinted that Nanny herself may have a stronger gift, but can't be bothered with training it much. Though Granny ''is'' very definitely gifted in her own right, as are many members of the Weatherwax family. (Granny’s sister Lily was a powerful fairy godmother who ruled Genua as the ManBehindTheMan for decades, and Galder Weatherwax — a distant cousin — was Archchancellor of Unseen University back in the KlingonPromotion days.) Granny's hard work certainly more than makes up any deficit in her gift compared to Nanny’s.

* In the ''Literature/HarryPotter'' series, you're either a witch/wizard or a "muggle." Witches and wizards can only perform minor and largely uncontrolled magic without training and the assistance of a wand, but a muggle can study all they like, they'll ''never'' be able to do it. "Muggleborn" wizards exist, so the gift isn't always inherited direct from your parents, but WordOfGod is that they must all have ''[[RecessiveSuperGenes some]]'' wizard ancestors.
** This a sort of middle ground in the form of Squibs like Argus Filch. Their the children of wizards who don't have magical powers. Filch tried to use a lesson series to use some magic but he never developed any abilities and it's highly implied his lessons were a scam.

* In ''Series/{{Charmed}}'', witches are born with their abilities, and plenty of people are shown as being unable to use magic. And while you're born with your specific gift (other than the ability to cast spells and scry, each of the witches has their own skill -- telekinesis, empathy, etc.), you have to learn to use your abilities and hone your skills. Powers can also be "bound" (repressed) or transferred from one character to another. Characters can also power up over time with abilities changing to more powerful forms.

* In the ''Literature/HarryPotter'' series, you're either a witch/wizard or a "muggle". Witches and wizards can only perform minor and largely uncontrolled magic without training and the assistance of a wand, but a muggle can study all they like, they'll ''never'' be able to do it. "Muggleborn" wizards exist, so the gift isn't always inherited direct from your parents, but WordOfGod is that they must all have ''[[RecessiveSuperGenes some]]'' wizard ancestors.

* This is how "bending" works in the world of ''WesternAnimation/AvatarTheLastAirbender''. One is apparently born as either a "bender" or "non-bender". Without training, Katara's "waterbending" is little more than a parlor trick; you could move more water just by splashing with your hands. ''With'' training, she is capable of healing, manipulating, freezing, and thawing large quantities, and even (under the right circumstances) manipulating water ''in people's blood'' to make PeoplePuppets out of her enemies. It does appear to be possible for some prodigies (such as Avatar Korra of ''WesternAnimation/TheLegendOfKorra'', who is seen bending three of the four elements at a very young age with little or no formal training) to be self-taught, but it is ''very'' rare. One exception to the inborn aspect of bending shows up in the third season of ''WesternAnimation/TheLegendOfKorra''. The Harmonic Convergence at the end of season 2 somehow grants Airbending to people all over the world.

* In ''Manga/TheAncientMagusBride'', Elias [[SuperHumanTrafficking buys]] Chise in the first place to teach her magic. He says it's a common last resort since magically talent children are rare in the modern era.

* In ''Film/{{Excalibur}}'', when Merlin assesses Morgana as a possible magic-worker, he tests her knowledge of "the Art"--training in magic-related lore--and then attempts to determine if she has "the Sight"--innate magical sensitivity.

* Mages, in Creator/TamoraPierce's Literature/CircleOfMagic series, have a law whereby, if a mage discovers anybody with untrained magic (usually children, but the occasional adult does pop up), the mage is required to become their teacher, or find someone better for the job--the reason being that magic can be quite dangerous to people if they don't learn to control it.
* In Creator/MarionZimmerBradley's Literature/{{Darkover}} series, there is a saying that "An untrained telepath is a danger to themselves and everyone around them". Thus at least basic training is considered a must for anyone who manifests actual PsychicPowers. A properly-trained psychic, aided by a [[AmplifierArtifact matrix crystal]], can perform feats of what are MagicByAnyOtherName.

** The one attempt we see by untrained and ungifted characters to work significant magic, in ''Discworld/GuardsGuards'', involves lengthy rituals and external sources of power. It sort of works, very spectacularly, but does not end at all well.
** The interplay between training and gift is emphasised in "The Sea and Little Fishes", where someone says Granny Weatherwax has a "natural talent" and Nanny Ogg replies that no, she works bloody hard at it. Nanny herself has a stronger gift, but can't be bothered with training it much.
** Though it should be noted that Granny is gifted in her own right, as are most members of the Weatherwax family, who are explicitly stated (also by Nanny) to be good at magic. Lily Weatherwax was a powerful fairy godmother who ruled Genua as the ManBehindTheMan for decades, and Galder Weatherwax - a distant cousin - was Archchancellor of Unseen University back in the KlingonPromotion days. A better way to put it is that both are inherently talented, Nanny more so, with Granny's hard work more than making up the deficit.
* In Literature/TheDresdenFiles series by Creator/JimButcher, ordinary humans are limited to being able to make a circle (which just requires a drop of blood and an effort of Will), and work a ritual, which Dresden describes as 'a cosmic vending machine' - perform ritual, insert sacrifice, get result, because the power comes from the being you're invoking. You need to have magical potential to work proper spells, but how hard you train ultimately affects what you can use your magic for, it being explicitly stated that even a relatively minor talent, properly trained and [[StrongerWithAge given time]] can "grow teeth." Harry starts out as StrongButUnskilled and over the course of the books learns a lot about using far more precision and focus (especially after he takes [[spoiler: Molly]] as his apprentice, meaning that he gets a much better understanding of the basics). This is made most apparent in ''Literature/SkinGame'', when he encounters another mage who he says has a similar level of raw power, but because she's only ever practised fire magic and [[CripplingOverspecialization neglected everything else, she's ultimately the weaker of the two]]. [[spoiler: At the end, even though he's tired and carrying a number of broken bones, while she's relatively fresh and backed up by Lasciel, he still beats her comfortably.]]

* In Literature/TheDresdenFiles series by Creator/JimButcher, you need to have magical potential to work spells, but how hard you train ultimately affects what you can use your magic for. Harry starts out as StrongButUnskilled and over the course of the books learns a lot about using far more precision and focus (especially after he takes [[spoiler: Molly]] as his apprentice). This is made most apparent in ''Literature/SkinGame'', when he encounters another mage who he says has similar strength of magic as he does, but because she's only ever practiced fire magic and neglected other forms of magic, [[CripplingOverspecialization she's ultimately a weaker mage.]]

* The Sorcerer character class in ''TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons''. In contrast to wizards, sorcerers have an Inherent Gift for magic. However, like all other character classes, they have to accumulate experience points and gain levels in order to expand their spells known and how powerful the spells they can cast are. On the other hand, how much level advancement represents "training" really depends how one views the nature of the game world. There are also prestige classes that they can pursue in order to gain more specialized abilities.

[[folder:Anime/Manga/Light Novels]]

[[folder:Live-Action Television]]

** In the Literature/HeraldsOfValdemar series, true magic and mind-magic (PsychicPowers) are both inborn gifts. Untrained Gifts suffer from PowerIncontinence; an untrained {{telepath|y}}, for example, could drive herself mad through HearingVoices and needs to learn a PsychicBlockDefense to stay sane. Gifts tend to [[PubertySuperpower manifest at puberty]]. Those with the potential to be Heralds attract the attention of the [[BondCreatures Companions]], who Choose likely youngsters and carry them off to the capital to be trained. Others get training with Healers, Bards, independent magic schools, or even foreign mages like the Tayledras.

# one must have an inborn git to practice magic

** Magic in the Literature/ElementalMasters series appears to follow this pattern. Marina specifically points out in ''Literature/TheGatesOfSleep'' that while she may have the potential to be an Elemental Master, she doesn't have the training to claim that title.
** In ''Literature/TalesOfTheFiveHundredKingdoms'', however, magic is the ability to manipulate the [[BackgroundMagicField Tradition]], and it does not appear to be an innate ability. What is needed is more the right set of Traditional circumstances, a savvy tutor, and a good stock of magic already at hand to learn on. Some characters receive the blessing of the Fae, which makes the magic visible and helps a lot, but it doesn't seem to be strictly necessary.
* In ''Literature/TheMortalInstruments'' and its prequel series ''Literature/TheInfernalDevices'', Warlocks and Shadowhunters are an example of this. Warlocks are the HalfHumanHybrid offspring of demons and possess an innate ability to wield magic. But they can only do so in the most crude ways without training in magical languages, writing and spells. Likewise, the Shadowhunters have angelic blood that gives them the potential to scribe [[GeometricMagic magical runes]] from the language of Heaven. However, this is akin to learning calligraphy, as the runes are often very complex. They also have to be drawn with focused intent using an implement called a ''stele'' (analogous to a wand) in order to work. Most Shadowhunters only know a fraction of the runes originally given to them by the [[CelestialParagonsAndArchangels Angel Raziel]]

* In the ''Literature/{{Nightrunner}}'' series, most of the [[OurElvesAreBetter Aurënfaie]] and many humans with 'faie ancestors exhibit some Inherent Gift. It is usually very minor unless they work to develop proficiency with it. The Third Orëska of Skala actively seeks children with magical potential and recruits them as apprentice wizards.

* Human magic may work this way in Creator/UrsulaLeGuin's Literature/{{Earthsea}}. Ged is first taken as a trainee by a witch when he shows a remarkable ability to cast simple spells after hearing them once, then recruited for (extensive) training at a WizardingSchool after showing greater but still limited power. It's possible that anyone could achieve ''something'' if they knew the right [[LanguageOfMagic true names]], but most people would probably be dangerously clumsy at best.

** In the Literature/HeraldsOfValdemar series, true magic and mind-magic (PsychicPowers) are both inborn gifts. Untrained Gifts suffer from PowerIncontinence; an untrained {{telepath|y}}, for example, could drive herself mad through HearingVoices and needs to learn a PsychicBlockDefense to stay sane. Gifts tend to [[PubertySuperpower manifest at puberty]]. Those with the potential to be Heralds attract the attention of the [[BondCreatures Companions]], who Choose likely youngsters and carry them off to the capital to be trained. Others get training with Healers, Bards, independent magic schools, or even foreign mages like the Tayledras.\\\

* In ''Literature/TheWheelOfTime'', approximately one percent of people have the ability to touch the True Source and draw on the One Power, but they'll never do it unless they learn [[MeditationPowerUp the proper form of meditation]]; then they have to learn the precise ways of arranging the Power into [[GeometricMagic weaves]] to create a specific desired effect. This attribute is partly genetic, partly spiritual, which basically means it crops up more often among families, but the main characters are more capable than most BecauseDestinySaysSo. Of those who can channel, about one percent have what is called the "spark", and will eventually channel whether they try or not. If they aren't guided the first few times, they have a three in four chance of dying.