The Magic Series by Larry Niven
"The Magic Series" explores the concept of mana, the fundamental energy source behind magic in various narratives. The series includes "The Magic Goes Away," a short novel set in 12,000 BCE where a group of magicians searches for a way to restore magic to a world where mana has been depleted. Key characters include Warlock, a two-century-old wizard, and Orolandes, a Greek swordsman seeking redemption for his past actions related to the downfall of Atlantis. As they attempt to resurrect Roze-Katee, the last god, they confront the unpredictable nature of divine power, leading to significant consequences.
Additionally, "The Magic May Return" features five interconnected stories that delve deeper into the implications of mana in magical societies. Each tale brings forth unique characters and scenarios, from gods hoarding mana to an old man's desperate quest for power. "More Magic" further expands on this universe with four additional stories that examine the presence and scarcity of mana across different timelines, illustrating its impact on civilization and individual aspirations. Overall, the series intertwines themes of power, responsibility, and the consequences of magic's ebb and flow.
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The Magic Series
First published:The Magic Goes Away (1978), The Magic May Return (1981), and More Magic (1984)
Type of work: Novel and stories
Type of plot: Fantasy—high fantasy
Time of work: Prehistoric to modern times
Locale: Various locations on Earth
The Plot
The three books in this series contain stories dealing with the idea of mana as the energy behind all magic in the world. The Magic Goes Away, a short novel, is set around 12,000 b.c.e. Mana-based magic is the foundation of many an empire, including Atlantis, which was kept afloat by sorcerer-priests. Like any natural resource, mana can be used up, leaving a land barren of magic. A group of magicians realizes this. The Warlock, a two-hundred-year-old wizard; Clubfoot, a lame American Indian; Mirandee, a witch; and the reanimated skull of Wavyhill, an evil magician, join together to find a way to bring magic back to Earth. They are joined by Orolandes, a Greek swordsman who was in on the attack on Atlantis and feels responsible for its destruction. While the magicians look for a source of mana, Orolandes looks for atonement. Another magician, Piranther, refuses to join this group and plans on seizing for himself whatever power source they find.
Wavyhill suggests that they wake up Roze-Katee, the last god left, to gain enough magic to bring the Moon down to Earth so that they can use the mana of the Moon. The group sets off, riding a cloud. They crash land, and Clubfoot and Warlock are captured by Nordik tribesmen. Mirandee, Orolandes, and Wavyhill escape the Nordiks and find the lair of the last god, but they are stopped by Piranther. Piranther then summons Clubfoot and Warlock to the scene. Piranther meets his doom, and the others eventually find a way to bring Roze-Katee, the god of love and madness, back to life. They realize, however, that this might not have been a wise thing to do, as gods are not controllable. A final magical confrontation defeats the god, but at a terrible price for the magicians.
The Magic May Return is a collection of five stories by Larry Niven, Fred Saberhagen, Dean Ing, Steven Barnes, and Poul Anderson and Mildred Downey Broxon. The first story, “Not Long Before the End,” features Warlock and his battle with the demon sword Glirendree. This story sets the scene for The Magic Goes Away because in it Warlock discovers that mana can be depleted.
“Earthshade,” by Fred Saberhagen, is a story about an old man named Zalazar and his supposed grandson who are drafted by the goddess Je to storm Cloudholm, the last home of the gods. This story reveals that the gods have kept mana to themselves but that it might one day return.
“Manaspill,” by Dean Ing, concerns a fake shaman who suddenly finds his spells working. His evil intentions are revealed, and a young girl is recruited to work lost magic to stop him. On top of this, a “mana spill” makes everyone’s wishes come true. “. . . but fear itself,” by Steven Barnes, has two parts. The framing device is set in modern times as a dying woman tells a young man a story. This story is about a tribe in Africa that has cultivated mana. The tribe eventually misuses its gift, bringing destruction. “Strength,” by Poul Anderson and Mildred Downey Broxon, deals with how a civilization built on magic must change in order to survive. Brandek must lead the people from civilized ways back to hunting and gathering to survive.
More Magic also is a collection, consisting of four stories based on Niven’s mana. The first story in the collection, “The Lion in His Attic,” is by Niven. It is a story from the time of Warlock. Some magic still exists, but it is disappearing rapidly. The story features two nobles looking for a power stone so they can get revenge on their enemies. “Shadow of Wings,” by Bob Shaw, is about a magician, Dardash, who yearns to be the greatest sorcerer since the old days. Some mana has returned by the time this story takes place. Dardash takes on the job of assassinating a king. He learns that the king can wield mana instinctively and possibly could be the ancestor of many evil men.
“Talisman,” by Niven and Dian Girard, is the story of a young female thief and an old magician who search for a magical treasure. It has a clever twist to the ending. “Mana from Heaven,” by Roger Zelazny, has a contemporary setting and deals with a group of sorcerers who still know how to wield mana. It is a good magical duel story and suggests the possibility that mana may return to its former levels.