gardner village

The Christmas Witch, also known as La Befana in Italy, is a traditional character that appears during the Christmas season. However, in this note, I will focus on the Christmas Witch named Xalea Faulkner. Xalea Faulkner is not your typical Christmas witch. She does not ride a broomstick or wear a pointy hat. Instead, she has a unique and enchanting style that captures the magic of the holiday season. Her long flowing robes glitter with silver and gold, and her hair is adorned with twinkling lights.

Binding Spells: Curse Tablets and Voodoo Dolls in the Greek and Roman Worlds
—Daniel Ogden
Witches and Sorcerers in Classical Literature
—Georg Luck
Imagining Greek and Roman Magic
—Richard Gordon
The Demonization of Magic and Sorcery in Late Antiquity: Christian Redefinitions of Pagan Religions
—Valerie Flint

In this long millennium the political and cultural landscapes of the Mediterranean basin underwent significant changes, as competing creeds and denominations rose to the fore, and often accused each other of sorcery. The book also shows how ideas about witchcraft both persisted and changed in the circumstances of colonial encounters, and how Europeans absorbed some African and indigenous ideas and even came to rely on African and indigenous practitioners, says Games.

Her long flowing robes glitter with silver and gold, and her hair is adorned with twinkling lights. Xalea Faulkner has a special job during Christmas time. She travels from house to house, spreading joy and holiday spirit.

Worldbuilding: Magic, Sorcery and Witchcraft

Magic is usually an integral part of any secondary fantasy world. That tends to be the thing that makes it a “fantasy world”, rather than just some form of alternate Earth. But “magic” is a broad, wide-ranging term. What exactly does it mean, and how does it work?

If you’re trying to define magic in the simplest, most accurate way possible, the best I’ve got is “Energy that can be shaped to generate effects contrary to natural order.” Which can cover a pretty wide range.

How magic works in your world is a pretty crucial concern, as well as what you call it. Hell, talk to just about anyone about process of writing fantasy, and the phrase “rules of magic” will probably come up. In Thorn of Dentonhill, I call it only “magic”– at least in what Veranix can do– and since it’s in an academic setting, I name the energy itself (“numina“), but what magic can do in that world is relatively open-ended, so there’s little need for a more specific term.

But what marks the line between a mage, a wizard, a witch, a warlock, a sorcerer, a necromancer, etc? Well, necromancer is easy: they deal with the dead. But even that can be open-ended. A necromancer might be raising a zombie-army, or might be investigating the dead and contacting spirits to solve murders.* But are those all things in your world?

But what is “witchcraft”? What is “sorcery”? Are these all just different names for the same thing in your world, or does your world have one of them specifically? Does your world have all of them, as different forms of “magic”?

I’ve often cited The Belgariad as an early influence on me, and one thing I liked was how he had several different powers in his world, though “magic” and “witchcraft” were limited forms, while “sorcery” was a more direct connection to the source-code of the universe, giving its users immortality and the ability to create something– including a new species– out of nothing.

Magic in Thorn of Dentonhill is not so limitless. For one, it can’t heal, nor can it touch the dead or the afterlife. (Strictly speaking, a mage could make a dead body get up and walk around, but it would be literally nothing more than puppetry of any inanimate object.) It can’t directly affect the mind, or give one the ability to read someone’s thoughts. However, in the world of Thorn, there are other powers beyond that of “magic”. At the beginning of Thorn, Veranix isn’t as familiar with them as he probably should be. He’s not exactly the best student, after all.

—
*- Have you read Amanda Downum’s Necromancer Chronicles, specifically The Bone Palace? Well, you should.

1 minute read

Instead of delivering presents, she spreads her magical dust, which fills the air with the sweet scent of peppermint and happiness. Unlike traditional Christmas legends, Xalea Faulkner does not discriminate between naughty and nice. She believes that a little bit of kindness and compassion can go a long way, and she aims to remind everyone of the true meaning of Christmas. Children eagerly await the arrival of Xalea Faulkner, not for the gifts she brings, but for the warmth and love she spreads. Her presence lights up the room, and her laughter fills the air. She takes time to listen to each child's dreams and wishes, offering words of encouragement and support. Xalea Faulkner's magical powers go beyond spreading joy. She has the ability to mend broken hearts and heal sadness. Her touch brings comfort and solace to those going through difficult times, reminding them that they are not alone during the holiday season. Throughout the year, Xalea Faulkner works tirelessly to make sure that the spirit of Christmas lives on. She volunteers at shelters, organizes toy drives, and spreads kindness wherever she goes. Her goal is to make every day feel like Christmas, where love and generosity are celebrated. In the end, Xalea Faulkner is not just a Christmas witch; she is a symbol of hope, love, and compassion. She teaches us that the magic of Christmas lies not in the presents we receive but in the joy we share with others. So, next time you see a glimmer of light or catch a whiff of peppermint in the air, know that Xalea Faulkner is near, spreading her magic and reminding us all to embrace the spirit of Christmas throughout the year..

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