By Emma Hayes
We are nearing the start of the Year of the Dragon, a mystical creature commonly found in magical and fantastical tales. We explore different words and phrases commonly found in fantasy books that are sure to get your imagination going.1. Alchemy (pronounced: al-kem-ee)Meaning: using magic to transform something into a different type of matter, often with the use of metal. A person who can perform alchemy is an “alchemist”.Example: This is a place of alchemy, where metal can be turned into gold.2. Bewitch (pronounced: be-wich)Meaning: to cast a spell on someone, usually to control the person. This is common in fantasy novels where magic is real.Example: The witch bewitched the prince, and now he was at her command.Being bewitched by someone means they find you enchanting or delightful. Illustration: Shutterstock3. Enchantment (pronounced: en-chahnt-ment)Meaning: another way to say a spell or magic, often cast over another personExample: The fairy was acting strangely, for she was under a powerful enchantment.4. Lair (pronounced: lehr)Meaning: a place where a wild animal – typically a dangerous one – lives. In fantasy, however, it is also often used to describe where an evil villain lives.Example: The wizard took the prisoners back to his lair.5. Lore (pronounced: low-r)Meaning: a particular group’s traditions and knowledge, which is often passed down by word of mouthExample: The beautiful fairy lore of Ireland tells tales of many different legends.9 of our favourite words that debuted in Merriam-Webster dictionary in 20236. Mythology (pronounced: mith-all-oh-gee)Meaning: a collection of traditional stories often belonging to a specific culture or religion. These usually explain how certain groups get their view of the world.Example: Greek mythology tells tales of gods, monsters and brave heroes.7. Necromancy (pronounced: neck-row-man-see)Meaning: a spooky concept, wherein someone magically communicates with the dead, often to predict the future. The word also alludes to dark sorcery and black magic.Example: The evil warlock often went to graves to commune with the dead and used his powers of necromancy.Mythology is a collection of myths, especially one belonging to a particular religious or cultural tradition. Photo: Getty Images8. Quest (pronounced: kwest)Meaning: a mission where a hero – often a knight in medieval stories – must complete an important taskExample: The brave knight went on a quest to save the princess.9. Slay (pronounced: slay)Meaning: to kill. The word is often used when a hero kills a monster or villain.Example: To protect his village, the blacksmith slayed the demon.Top 10: If you could only say one word for the rest of your life, what would it be?10. Sorcery (pronounced: sore-sir-ee)Meaning: the use or practice of magic, especially black magic. In fantasy tales, you will commonly see a villain using sorcery. A man who practises sorcery can be called a “sorcerer”, while a woman would be called “sorceress”.Example: The sorceress used her powerful magic to capture the young hero.ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7tK%2FMqWWcp51kxrF7w6KqnKemmr9wrdGtoJyklWSAc4CYaW5yZ5yewLV51qGgpquZmK6tecWapa2Zo6m2pK3LZq2om5GXwq2t0bJkamhdoq6otcKao2aslae6tHnAq5xmn6WWv6K6056cnWWSmsSqwMKhZLKnpQ%3D%3D