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Tag: #FindingTheMagicWithin

  • How Fantasy Heroes Find Their Magical Powers: PART III

    E.G. Kardos

    What’s your favorite way for fantasy heroes to find their magical powers? 

    In my previous posts (Parts I and II), I shared eight ways fantasy heroes find their magical or superhero powers. Thinking more about it, I wonderded of those eight, what do readers/viewers of fantasy feel are the most popular ways heroes find their powers?

    how fantasy heroes obtain their magic or super powers

    Since I don’t really know how anyone could honestly be sure about this answer, I decided to check it out on the internet…so ’ve read on that the most popular way that readers/viewers like their heroes to find their powers in the following way:

    • through some cool magical artifacts,
    • inherited abilities from their magical ancestors,
    • or from divine or supernatural forces that grant them magical or superpowers.

    …and the internet MUST be right…

    Well, that’s for another post. But if these three ways for heroes to obtain their powers are the most popular, then readers/viewers tend to prefer characters who are given their powers.

    I can see that, we all like gifts.

    In other words, it’s desirable for many readers/viewers of fantasy for the hero to be in the right place at the right time and gains incredible powers without much effort. It’s like winning the lottery. Great gig if you can get it.

    But what about this?

    I enjoy these heroes and their journeys as well, but I truly love stories where the hero has to act or work hard to earn their powers. Because if they have the drive to work toward something, their journey will be more compelling, and they’ll become a truly heroic figure in a different, more inspiring way.

    Maybe it’s just me.

    Consider it: if you’re lucky enough to win the lottery, sure, you might do something cool with the money. But say if you don’t win the lottery like 99.99% of everyone, and if you work hard at something you love and good fortune comes your way, you’ll more likely act differently—more thoughtfully, perhaps. Well, maybe.

    Heroes like this are underdogs and you gotta love the underdog.

    In my way of thinking, this describes most of us, or the 99.99% that don’t win the lottery. It makes me feel a connection to hero as maybe–just maybe–that could be me.

    How do you like the hero to find their magical powers?

    Think about your favorite heroes. How did they gind their magical powers? Let me know in the comments section below.

    In my last two posts, The Ways Our Fantasy Heroes Find Their Powers: Part I and Our Fantasy Heroes Find Their Powers: PART II, I listed the eight ways that I felt were popular ways for the fantasy hero to obtain their magical powers. Take a look.

    As promised, here is the third chapter of The Rings: Journey Beneath Sirok…

    …where Elias is one step closer to discovering his magical powers. This is the second of three books in the fantasy series, THE ELIAS CHRONICLES.

    ENJOY, and stay tuned—the fourth chapter is coming soon.

    Below is chapter 6 from The Rings: Journey Beneath Sirok. This is Book III in The Elias Chronicles. The hero, Elias, uncovers his powers in chapters 5, 6, 7 and 8 with the help of his mentor, Tas.

    Each of these chapters Elias learns more about his powers as his mentor, guides him to uncovering his powers and magic within and how they are part of a greater source. Like I said last time, pretty cool, huh?

    The chapters are:

    … the next chapter is coming soon.

    7

    The Truths

    The next day, Elias awoke to Tas standing knee-deep in the lake. He clapped his hands a number of times in a particular rhythm, and a fish jumped up where he could catch it. He did this two more times and walked to shore, where he started a fire. 

    “Let us start the day with brain food, Elias.”

    “How—how did you do that?”

     “Do what?

    “Catch fish like that.”

    “I merely opened my hands, and when the fish was near, I caught it. That was the easy part.”

    “No, no, no. I mean, how did you get the fish to willingly leap up out of the water?”

    “In due time, Elias. Let’s eat.”

    Tas began to clean the fish with a knife and then skewer them. Finally, he laid them on a red-hot stone surrounded by blazing embers. Elias looked on with interest.

    “Elias, the fish will be sacrificed for our nourishment. Appreciation and gratitude for all living creatures is important, and we must never forget to respect all life.”

    Tas flipped the fish and sat cross-legged while Elias sat on his knees. They both faced the lake. A cool breeze filtered in and out of the trees and sent small waves onto the shore. A few minutes later, they ate.

    Tas looked intently at the fire, and with the rhythm of a poem, he spoke.

    “Wood feeds fire,

    Fire created Earth,

    Earth bears metal,

    Metal enriches water,

    Water nourishes wood,

    and then again, wood feeds fire and so on.

    Tas stood and walked to the lake and stood in the water. Elias sat and thought about the words he had just heard. He then joined Tas.

     “I get it. Everything is connected. Everything needs everything else,” Elias said.

     “This rock is the home of every inhabitant from the ant to the antelope. The snail to the sperm whale. Every tree is sacred, and every life enriches another from what we think is the smallest to what we believe is the biggest.” Tas cupped his hands into the water and splashed his face. He took a drink of the fresh, clean water. Tas continued and said, “Come with open hands and drink your fill.”

    Elias jogged to where Tas stood, cupped his hands, and drank. He felt the coolness of the liquid as it streamed down his chin and dripped down his neck. He used the back of his hand to wipe his mouth.

    Tas looked at Elias and said, “Ah, water—it becomes you, my boy.”

    Elias smiled at his friendly remark. Tas nodded his head and began to walk to the edge of the water. He waved his hand, and Elias followed. “Let us sit, Elias.” The two sat on the wet beach and stared out over the water and the stone pillars that stood tall. A breeze rushed in and gave Elias a chill.

    “There is a balance to everything, but when the balance is disturbed, we have chaos and destruction. Sometimes this chaos and destruction are easily seen, and other times it is hidden in the hearts and souls of man.”

     Without warning, Tas sprung up and swiftly walked into the lake, dove in, and swam to the stone pillar that was closest. He pulled himself up and sat gazing off to the horizon. Elias followed.

    “I call this balance The Truths. Alone, the world balances itself. With man, the world falls victim to human desire. What a man wants, a man tries to get.” 

    “Our history books at school are filled with battles and one country overthrowing this country or that—of wars. I think you’re right. Man sees something he wants and goes for it right or wrong,” Elias said as he picked up a stone and tossed it over the cliff.

    “That is troubling if that, indeed, is what man is,” Tas said as he shook his head.

    “I agree—it doesn’t sound good,” Elias said.

    “Only a man with compassion knows the importance of The Truths, and his compassion shows the way.”

    “Compassion? What do you mean?”

    “All humans SHOULD have concern for the suffering of others.”

     “I don’t know…I think you need more than that,” said Elias.

    “Yes, but compassion is where it starts. You can also call it your conscience. Without it, rules mean nothing. This is where the imbalance begins.”

     “Hmmm. I think I see what you mean,” Elias looked at Tas, and Tas looked back at him. “I don’t think this way of thinking crosses their minds,” said Elias.

    “Even when it crosses a mind or two, man sometimes doesn’t try to understand a person’s struggles and disappointments. Man, many times, does not care. Oh, it is too often that man loses sight of what’s in him—how he can make a difference. This is when a man does nothing,” Tas turned and looked into Elias’ eyes.

    “I would never do that.” 

    “I believe you, Elias, but sometimes we are tempted as we are not perfect. Sometimes it is easy to do nothing, to give up. When more and more souls are tempted, give up, or give in, The Truths go out of whack. The two great powers must be in balance—easy as that.”

     “We are all part of the bigger world,” said Elias. 

     “I would say—the bigger cosmos and the larger dream…but you know, it is rather ironic that even as weak as man is, he still has the ability and responsibility to balance the two great powers. This is just how it is.”

    Tas looked at Elias until Elias began to squirm.

    “Why are you looking at me that way?” Elias asked.

    “Elias, you have the Donum.”

    “The what?”

    “The Donum is the gift. It’s been given to you—this gift.”

    “What gift? And what does this have to do with me and my journey? How does this save Zoltan?”

    Tas stood and brushed off his pant legs. He walked a little way from where they sat. He placed his hand over his eyes to shield the sun’s rays.

    “Well, aren’t you going to tell me about this gift I supposedly have?” 

     “In due time, my boy. In due time.” Tas turned to him. “It has a great deal to do with you, but let me first tell you more about The Truths.”

    Elias grew more and more impatient but kept his feelings to himself as Tas continued.      

    “First, Earth. It is stubborn and patient. It has been here for millions of years, taking considerable abuse, but it is steady. It brings life and brings metals, minerals, and beauty. The Earth has volatile powers. It has explosive energy, but in the end, it balances itself. The Earth is special. We only have one, and from it comes all life. This is why we call her Mother.”

    “Ah, Mother Earth,” Elias said with a smile.

    “Trees bring us wood. Wood may be very sturdy but also may be very flexible. Trees give us what we need to breathe. Trees and the wood from the trees give us shelter and fuel. I could go on and on. Trees are generous.”

    “So it is sacred.”

     “Yes, Elias, trees are sacred. As far as metal, it is also sacred as it enriches our lives—in our water and food, as well as provides tools for our homes. It is also precious and highly prized. It turns into tools or weapons. The Truths must always stay in balance.” 

    “I bet my paintings have something to do with this imbalance, I’m sure.”

     “You have finally brought up your paintings. I was waiting for that as I have heard of your paintings. Yes, I think you are right—your paintings have much to do with this imbalance.”

    “Did you hear this from the Turul too?” Elias asked.

     “Of course, Elias, who else?” Tas roared with laughter. Elias couldn’t help but laugh too.

     “What about water?” Elias asked

     “Ah, water. It is so very precious. We must all have it. It must be clean. It must be abundant. It nourishes trees. It nourishes everything, including our souls. As it is vital to life, it may be very destructive, and its force should always be respected.”

     “Tas, I know about fire. I learned this from…”

      “…Gaspar! My dear friend. How is he?”

      “You know Gaspar?”

     “Absolutely. EVERYONE knows Gaspar. He is the goldsmith of goldsmiths. He is peculiar but a very good man. What did you learn from him?” Tas asked. 

    “How hot and how long. When something is precious, he said, one must know how close and how long to expose it to what could destroy it. He said you don’t think it—you feel it. Fire changes things—for good and for bad.”

    “I couldn’t have said it as eloquently as that. Elias. I am telling you something so simple—no secret about it, but to balance The Truths, we must be kind and compassionate souls. Just as catching the fish is the easy part, what gets the fish in the air is different altogether. Tomorrow. More tomorrow.”

    Look for the next chapter when Elias learns about “The Dancing Souls”.

    If you enjoyed this post, you may like these: Hero’s Journey Monomyth;Why Fantasy is a Good Read; YA Fantasy Trilogy: Saving the World One Book at a Time; Fantasy Fiction and Real Life are the Same; Storytelling Within a Story, What Mentors Do Best.

    About E.G. Kardos

    I am a fiction writer and the author of five books. My writing draws inspiration from the beauty surrounding us all—both in nature and in each other. Spirituality, friendship, love, and our connection to the universe inspire me to write.  Here’s more about me and my books.

    Okay, okay…for this article, I just had to do it.

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  • Ways Fantasy Heroes Find Their Magical Powers: PART II

    E.G. Kardos

    Ways fantasy Heroes Find Their Powers

    Have you ever wondered how fantasy heroes find their powers? In my last post, The Ways Our Fantasy Heroes Find Their Powers, I shared some ways how the hero finds their powers. Not all fantasy heroes are cut from the same cloth, AND that means their powers come to them in very unique ways.

    Eight Ways a Fantasy Hero Find their Powers

    In my last post, I shared my favorite ways a fantasy hero uncovers their powers. Here they are again:

    Some are born with it. That’s the easiest way. Although I love these characters, I feel like I did when I was hanging around with the “cool” kids growing up. Why them? I would ask. I think there are many other ways our hero can become “the chosen one”…

    Characters might find their powers from someplace within them. Some event or situation in their lives triggers an emotion, and they begin to use their powers without even knowing it. They realize they have it—they have powers. This is a favorite of mine as I always think that maybe some event in my life with spark my unique power.

    Heroes that we love are sometimes the children of a divine or cosmic power or god. These heroes are great, and I love them as well. Unfortunately for me, I won’t be getting any suprpowers this way.

    How about the characters who have access to information, and they learn magic? This is an awesome way, as maybe I can find an old book, thumb to the correct page, and learn how to harness the powers that only a few possess. You never know.

    Then come the characters who find someone else with magic, and they cut a deal to access this power for themselves. I don’t know many folks who have these answers, but that would be kind of cool.

    Magic can be found in our natural world if we only know where to look. Sometimes heroes connect with someone who can guide them to help them find this special place, the spirit or force where these powers flow.

    What about the wands, swords, and other artifacts that somehow possess the powers that our hero wants or needs? These heroes are powerless without them, but wouldn’t we all want something like this? I would!

    My favorite is when the hero uncovers powers from within, but it has nothing to do with birthright, but all to do about their own will. They are guided by a mentor who helps them by opening a place deep within them. I feel we all possess this kind of magic and can do wonderful things we never thought we could do. It’s up to us.

    There are so many great ways our fantasy heroes find their powers

    As promised in my last post, I am including chapter 6 from The Rings: Journey Beneath Sirok. This is Book III in The Elias Chronicles. The hero, Elias, uncovers his powers in chapters 5, 6, 7 and 8 with the help of his mentor, Tas.

    Each of these chapters Elias learns more about his powers as his mentor, guides him to uncovering his powers and magic within and how they are part of a greater source. Like I said last time, pretty cool, huh?

    The chapters are:

    • 5 – Tas (last post)
    • 6 – The Endless Within
    • 7 – The Truths
    • 8 – Dancing Souls

    So here’s the next chapter… the next two are coming soon.

    6

    The Endless Within

    First, Tas taught him rhythmic breathing. “In slow…and even…out slow…easy. “You are not your mind, but you need to ‘see’ your mind. You need to see how it works, Elias,” Tas told him. “Cast no judgment, Elias—welcome no criticism, Elias—stand apart, away from your world.” Tas moved his hands together up and down. “You are like a stone pillar. You must stand alone—nothing can get you or get into you unless you let it.” Tas placed his hand over Elias’ heart. “You see peace. You feel peace. You are free from evil, and you want to share this bliss with everyone.”

    With hours left in the day, Tas asked Elias to meditate and not to utter one word until the sun sunk beneath the green hills. Tas asked him to spend the day and watch him and his actions. 

    Tas dove into the water and swam to a tall stone pillar that protruded high into the sky. He climbed to the top. Elias followed and climbed with confidence to the top. With energy and strength that matched Tas’, though a little slower. They stood in silence and viewed the world from its pinnacle as the Turul flew close by.            

    Again, Tas dove into the water, swam to the shore, sat on a slab of limestone, and meditated. Elias stood still and watched Tas until he sat in his familiar pose. Elias twisted his waist from side to side, inhaled, and dove into the crisp, clear water below. He swam to where Tas was sitting. 

    As he looked for a place to rest, Elias chose to sit on the warm sand and closed his eyes. He concentrated on his breathing as he took in the air slowly and evenly and out easy and even. As Tas taught him, he wiped clean all the thoughts that bounced in his head. It was difficult to do, but he continued to focus. Like the stone pillar, he saw himself as tall and strong. He was formidable. As he felt he was part of the Earth, he felt warmth move through him like a wave of strength. Is this what peace feels like? He thought.

    Moments later, Tas stood and walked to the edge of the water. A foamy wave gently washed up on his feet. Elias opened his eyes with a few blinks, got up, and walked near where Tas stood. Squatting, Tas picked up a stone that could fit in the palm of his hand. He slowly stood and brought his arm back and behind him in one motion. He tilted his head and closed one eye. His arm snapped forward, and he flung the stone with super speed. Elias was shocked. The stone hit the perch where they had stood earlier in the day.

    “Wow. How’d you do that? I mean, it really took off. I didn’t think it would ever come down. Will you show me?”

    “In due time, Elias. Now I asked you to say nothing until the sun has sunk beneath the hills.”

    “You’re right—sorry.”

    Tas said nothing but looked away, so Elias did not see the smile that took over his face.

    _______________________

    Night came, and a half-moon shone in the sky. Tas and Elias sat by a fire on the shore. Elias dared not to say anything even though his curfew was over. They heard nothing but the gentle rush of the water that flowed close to their feet and then back out. Without warning, beams of colorful light appeared from all of the stone pillars in the water and glimmered upward. Elias looked around and did not believe what he saw.

    “Those lights, Tas, what are they? They seem to be shooting up from those rocks.” 

    “Those lights are special. Every color known to man comes together and pierces the vast nothingness—the dark. It is brilliant, yes?”

    “How, how…”

    “In due time. In due time you will learn about the lights.

    So Elias, what did you learn today?” 

    “Huh?” he answered as he continued to stare at the lights. “Um…well … I must always start with what’s inside of me before I can expect to know where I’m going and what I’m going to do there.”

    Tas turned to Elias. With pursed lips, he slowly nodded. “Yes, of course, Elias—you knew that was going to be on the test. But I told you that. Tell me what came from you.”

    As he leaned back on his elbows and looked directly at Tas, Elias asked, “You don’t make any of this easy, do you?”

    Tas leaned back on his elbows as well and let out a laugh so loud it echoed from pillar to pillar.

    “Okay, let me think for a moment.” Elias looked up to the brilliance and energy of the lights that split the night. He could not stop staring at this mystery. He then gazed at the outline of the half-moon. He looked at Tas. “Okay, okay, I got it. This place—this place can be real. Yes, it can exist. I mean, what’s holding us back? Water, sun, air, trees—life; nothing here is complicated. It seems so simple, and everything seems so rich.”

    “Yes, Elias, it is a man who makes things complicated. It is a man who wants more than his fair share. It is a man who makes the decisions. He wants power.”

    “Why is that, do you suppose?” asked Elias as he looked back at the lights.

    “Because of The Two Powers.”

    “The Two Powers? What?” Elias asked.   

    “Because of the contrasts. Of the many contrasts, The Two Powers make all the difference, and One Power sometimes overshadows the other.” Tas stood up, stretched his long arms on either side and looked upward. He inhaled the fragrant, clean air and then exhaled. He looked at Elias, squatted in front of him, and said, “The Two Powers I am talking about are simply known as good and evil.’’

    “Everyone knows about good and evil. So Tas, what

    does this have to do with me, and where am I headed?” 

    “You will learn more, Elias—in due time.” Tas walked

    toward the lights.

    Elias rolled his eyes and said, “Tas, don’t get me wrong, but I didn’t come here to spend time and just hang out. I’ve got to get what I need and find Zoltan. He needs help.”

    Tas turned back to Elias and said, “Impetuous Elias, that’s what you are. Let me tell you how you will get what you need. First, you will spend more time with me. Then I will ask you to leave. At that time, you will discover where you must go from here.”

    “Okay—I got it so far,” Elias said as he sat up and wrapped his arms around his knees.

    “Good—I will learn just like you.”

    “Huh?” Elias stood, stretched, and walked toward Tas. 

    Tas turned to Elias. “You heard me. I don’t have all the answers, but they will come to us somehow. But this is what I do know. You will seize a power that you will find in your soul. A power all man has but seldom uses. Call it intuition, call it a sixth sense, or call it a message from the creator of the cosmos. Whatever you call it, you will understand what this power is saying to you. It is the connection between thought and heart. It’s the Endless Within.”

    He looked puzzled and said, “Endless Within?”

    “Of course—the Endless Within!”

    “So this Endless Within…does it have something to do with these lights? 

    “Oh, it very well might.” Tas stood and walked to a smooth slab of stone. He lay down and became silent like the night. Elias looked over at him and expected him to say or do something, but he lay motionless. Elias held his open palms out to either side and shook his head.

    “Really? Hey, Tas, what are you doing?”

    “I’m trying to sleep.”

    “What? We’re in the middle of something here,” Elias blurted.

    The palette of lights that emanated from the pillars mesmerized Elias. Frustrated, he looked back at a sleeping Tas and shook his head. As he felt the strain of a long day, Elias tried to hold back a yawn, but another one followed. He rubbed his eyes and scratched the back of his neck. He nestled up near a stone ledge to his side, and, light or no light, he fell asleep.

    Look for the next chapter when Elias learns about “The Truths”.

    If you enjoyed this post, you may like these: Hero’s Journey Monomyth;Why Fantasy is a Good Read; YA Fantasy Trilogy: Saving the World One Book at a Time; Fantasy Fiction and Real Life are the Same; Storytelling Within a Story, What Mentors Do Best.

    About E.G. Kardos

    I am a fiction writer and the author of five books. My writing draws inspiration from the beauty surrounding us all—both in nature and in each other. Spirituality, friendship, love, and our connection to the universe inspire me to write.  Here’s more about me and my books.

    Okay, okay…for this article, I just had to do it.

    Latest Posts

    Most Viewed Posts

    All Posts

    Please notify me when you publish a new blog post.

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