Story Marc | Between Hard And Soft: Magic System Explained | Mapping The Spectrum Of Magic Systems @story_marc | Uploaded June 2024 | Updated October 2024, 7 hours ago.
Between Hard And Soft: Magic System Explained | Mapping The Spectrum Of Magic Systems
Over the last two decades or so, magic systems in media have been categorized into two broad types: hard and soft. From what I can gather from my research, we can thank Brandon Sanderson for popularizing these terms and breaking down their distinctions.
This framework has proven invaluable for both creators and critics. Hard magic is defined by its clear, explicit rules and limitations, operating almost like a science. Soft magic, on the other hand, embraces the mysterious and unknowable, often defying explanation and creating a sense of wonder.
I’ve seen many treat this as a binary, despite the fact Sanderson himself acknowledges there being things in between. I myself am guilty of this. I think part of the problem is that “hard” and “soft” magic have clear definitions, but not everything in the middle. So, with that in mind, I’ve created to a diagnostic tool I call “The Theory of Magic Dynamics.”
0:00 The Hard and Soft Magic Binary
0:35 What's In Between Hard and Soft Magic
0:56 The Theory of Magic Dynamics
1:14 Hard Magic: The Cosmere & Brandon Sanderson
1:33 Soft Magic: A Song of Ice and Fire & George R.R. Martin
1:47 Mystical Magic Systems: Middle Earth & Tolkien
2:15 Guided Magic Systems: The Force & George Lucas
2:48 Rational Magic Systems: The Wizarding World & J.K. Rowling
3:07 The Complete Theory's Spectrum
📽️Watch Related Videos📽️
✔️The Secrets Of Writing Strong Character
➣ youtu.be/VASqJ64jDLc?si=F9fikGMHIM6I43IB
✔️How to Discern a Mary Sue
➣ youtu.be/Wf-dKBokhnQ?si=Shrf3Ry_cpEVMAdD
✔️How to Keep The Story Going Beyond Defeating Evil
➣ youtu.be/9jiwMm3YGVI?si=8_Am1TAquYXOTnVQ
✔️Enneagram Type Four Character Overview
➣ youtu.be/4AI8ibNzQE4?si=tLkwW1v8ex3Umkar
Enjoy the video while taking in new ideas about magic systems. Comment below and share your ideas about magic systems.
Give this video a Thumbs-Up & press the Bell Icon to watch more videos like this. Don’t forget to share this video with your friends.
Subscribe to join the Story Marc community.
#magic
#SoftMagic
#StoryMarc
#HardMagic
#magicsystems
#HardVsSoftMagic
#MagicSystemMapping
Between Hard And Soft: Magic System Explained | Mapping The Spectrum Of Magic Systems
Over the last two decades or so, magic systems in media have been categorized into two broad types: hard and soft. From what I can gather from my research, we can thank Brandon Sanderson for popularizing these terms and breaking down their distinctions.
This framework has proven invaluable for both creators and critics. Hard magic is defined by its clear, explicit rules and limitations, operating almost like a science. Soft magic, on the other hand, embraces the mysterious and unknowable, often defying explanation and creating a sense of wonder.
I’ve seen many treat this as a binary, despite the fact Sanderson himself acknowledges there being things in between. I myself am guilty of this. I think part of the problem is that “hard” and “soft” magic have clear definitions, but not everything in the middle. So, with that in mind, I’ve created to a diagnostic tool I call “The Theory of Magic Dynamics.”
0:00 The Hard and Soft Magic Binary
0:35 What's In Between Hard and Soft Magic
0:56 The Theory of Magic Dynamics
1:14 Hard Magic: The Cosmere & Brandon Sanderson
1:33 Soft Magic: A Song of Ice and Fire & George R.R. Martin
1:47 Mystical Magic Systems: Middle Earth & Tolkien
2:15 Guided Magic Systems: The Force & George Lucas
2:48 Rational Magic Systems: The Wizarding World & J.K. Rowling
3:07 The Complete Theory's Spectrum
📽️Watch Related Videos📽️
✔️The Secrets Of Writing Strong Character
➣ youtu.be/VASqJ64jDLc?si=F9fikGMHIM6I43IB
✔️How to Discern a Mary Sue
➣ youtu.be/Wf-dKBokhnQ?si=Shrf3Ry_cpEVMAdD
✔️How to Keep The Story Going Beyond Defeating Evil
➣ youtu.be/9jiwMm3YGVI?si=8_Am1TAquYXOTnVQ
✔️Enneagram Type Four Character Overview
➣ youtu.be/4AI8ibNzQE4?si=tLkwW1v8ex3Umkar
Enjoy the video while taking in new ideas about magic systems. Comment below and share your ideas about magic systems.
Give this video a Thumbs-Up & press the Bell Icon to watch more videos like this. Don’t forget to share this video with your friends.
Subscribe to join the Story Marc community.
#magic
#SoftMagic
#StoryMarc
#HardMagic
#magicsystems
#HardVsSoftMagic
#MagicSystemMapping
