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[[File:Severus_Snape_casting_the_Killing_Curse_on_Albus_Dumbledore.jpg|thumb|240px|''Avada Kedavra'', a [[curse]] of the highest level.]]
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[[File:Severus_Snape_casting_the_Killing_Curse_on_Albus_Dumbledore.jpg|thumb|240px|''Avada Kedavra'', a [[curse]] of the highest level.]]
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A '''spell''' is a [[Magic|magical action]] often accompanied by an [[incantation]] (usually - but not always - Latin based; for example, ''[[Memory Charm|Obliviate]]'' or ''[[Four-Point Spell|Point Me]]'') that makes use of the magical force of the [[wizarding world]] in order to accomplish extraordinary feats [[Muggle|ordinary people]] ([[Muggles]]) cannot perform, for example [[Levitation Charm|levitating objects]], [[Fire-Making Spell|conjuring fire]], or [[Stunning Spell|stunning a person]]. Spells often have some kind of physical representation in the form of light and as such can usually miss, be dodged, or blocked with an object (including another spell). The action of performing a spell is referred to as '''casting'''.
 +
A '''spell''' is a [[Magic|magical action]] often accompanied by an [[incantation]] (usually—but not always—Latin based; exceptions include ''[[Memory Charm|Obliviate]]'' or ''[[Four-Point Spell|Point Me]]'') that makes use of the magical force of the [[wizarding world]] in order to accomplish extraordinary feats ordinary people ([[Muggles]]) cannot perform, for example [[Levitation Charm|levitating objects]], [[Fire-Making Spell|conjuring fire]], or [[Stunning Spell|stunning a person]]. Spells often have some kind of physical representation in the form of light and as such can usually miss, be dodged, or blocked with an object (including another spell). The action of performing a spell is referred to as '''casting'''.
   
   
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== Usage==
 +
==Usage==
   
  ⚫
{{Quote|Now, don't forget that nice wrist movement we've been practicing! The swish and flick! And saying the magic words properly is very important, too — never forget [[Wizards|Wizard]] [[Baruffio]], who said 's' instead of 'f' and found himself on the floor with a [[buffalo]] on his chest.|[[Filius Flitwick|Professor Flitwick]] in Charms Class|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone}}
   
  ⚫
Normally, spells require three main factors to be properly accounted for in order to succeed: wand movement, incantation and intent. If one does not move their wand in the correct way, does not speak the incantation properly and/or cannot retain their desired outcome in their imagination during casting then the spell will fail or backfire.
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{{Quote|Now, don't forget that nice wrist movement we've been practicing! The swish and flick! And saying the magic words properly is very important, too - never forget [[Wizards|Wizard]] [[Baruffio]], who said 's' instead of 'f' and found himself on the floor with a [[buffalo]] on his chest.|[[Filius Flitwick|Professor Flitwick]] in Charms Class|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone}}
  
   
  ⚫
It should be noted that spells can be performed with or without speech and wands, though [[Non-verbal spell|non-verbal]] and [[wandless spells]] are much more difficult and hence are usually not taught to practitioners until they reach a more advanced level, such as the [[sixth year]] of study at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry|Hogwarts]]. Notable practitioners of non-verbal spells include [[Albus Dumbledore]], [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]], and [[Severus Snape]], who have also been known to perform wandless spells.
   
  ⚫
Most incantations derive from the Latin language (such as ''[[Summoning Charm|Accio]]'') but there are also some English incantations (such as ''[[Memory Charm|Obliviate]]'' or ''[[Stunning Spell|Stupefy]]'').
   
  ⚫
A simplified analogy for the differentiation between [[Transfiguration]] and [[Charm]]s is the difference between form and function or matter and energy; one is concerned with what the object ''is'' (its form - Transfigurations) whilst the other is concerned with what the object is ''doing'' (its function - Charms).
⚫
Normally, spells require three main factors to be properly accounted for in order to succeed: wand movement, incantation and intent. If one does not move their wand in the correct way, does not speak the incantation properly and/or cannot retain their desired outcome in their imagination during casting then the spell will fail or backfire.
  
   
  ⚫
==Appearance==
   
  ⚫
When performed, spells usually evoke light from the wand they are cast with, such as the tell-tale red of ''[[Stunning Spell|Stupefy]]'' or green of ''[[Killing Curse|Avada Kedavra]]''. However, some spells, such as ''[[Summoning Charm|Accio]]'' and ''[[Silencing Charm|Silencio]]'', produce no visible intermediate effect. Some spells also make loud noises when cast, although [[Harry Potter]] noted that "bangs and smoke were more often the marks of ineptitude than experience."<ref>{{HBP}}, ch. 26</ref>
   
  ⚫
==Durations==
⚫
It should be noted that spells can be performed with or without speech and wands, though [[Non-verbal spell|non-verbal]] and [[wandless spells]] are much more difficult and hence are usually not taught to practitioners until they reach a more advanced level, such as the [[sixth year]] of study at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry|Hogwarts]]. Notable practitioners of non-verbal spells include [[Albus Dumbledore]], [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]], and [[Severus Snape]], who have also been known to perform wandless spells.
  
   
  ⚫
Typically, spells brought about through magic have a certain time limit placed upon them. This means that effects and after-effects magically induced by them are not meant to last, since spells like [[Disarming Charm|Expelliarmus]] only operate brief and swift, while spells like ''Stupefy'' and ''[[Full Body-Bind Curse|Petrificus Totalus]]'' wear off eventually. Counter-curses can also end a designated spell's effect. Likewise, a spell whose effect has yet to diminish would disappear at the moment of the caster's death. However, [[Rowling ]] mentioned that ancient Egyptian wizards could place curses on their tombs for anyone who might open them, and the curses are still active today even though the casters are presumed dead. 
   
  ⚫
==Origin==
   
  ⚫
New spells can be crafted by wizards and witches, though it is implied to be a difficult and dangerous practice, as exemplified by [[Luna Lovegood's mother]], who was killed in a backfired attempt at spellcrafting. [[Severus Snape]] is often attributed with the creation of spells such as ''[[Levicorpus]]'' and ''[[Sectumsempra]]'' during his time as a student at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry|Hogwarts]], though whether he actually crafted them intentionally, discovered them by accident, or learned of them from an outside source is unclear.
⚫
Most incantations derive from the Latin language (such as ''[[Summoning Charm|Accio]]'') but there are also some English incantations (such as ''[[Memory Charm|Obliviate]]'' or ''[[Stunning Spell|Stupefy]]'').
  
   
  ⚫
==Classification==
   
  ⚫
Below is a list of all known categories that spells can be assigned to. It should be noted that the extent to which the following categories are mutually exclusive to each other is not known; i.e. whilst a spell can't be both a charm and a transfiguration it isn't known if a jinx could also be classed as a charm. It also seems likely that certain spell types belong to separate classification schemes to others. For example: [[Petrification]] is [[dark magic]] of the most advanced kind but it is also [[Transfiguration]], [[Melofors]] is both a [[Jinx]] and a [[Conjuration]], [[Fiendfyre]] could be considered a [[Charm]] as well as a curse and many [[healing spells]] could also be considered either charms or transfigurations. Hence, it appears that charm vs. transfiguration is one method of classification and counter-spell vs. jinx/hex/curse vs. healing spell a different one.
−  
⚫
A simplified analogy for the differentiation between [[Transfiguration]] and [[Charm]]s is the difference between form and function or matter and energy; one is concerned with what the object ''is'' (its form - Transfigurations) whilst the other is concerned with what the object is ''doing'' (its function - Charms).
  
−  
−  
⚫
== Appearance==
  
−  
−  
⚫
When performed, spells usually evoke light from the wand they are cast with, such as the tell-tale red of ''[[Stunning Spell|Stupefy]]'' or green of ''[[Killing Curse|Avada Kedavra]]''. However, some spells, such as ''[[Summoning Charm|Accio]]'' and ''[[Silencing Charm|Silencio]]'', produce no visible intermediate effect. Some spells also make loud noises when cast, although [[Harry Potter]] noted that "bangs and smoke were more often the marks of ineptitude than experience."<ref>{{HBP}}, ch. 26</ref>
  
−  
−  
⚫
== Durations==
  
−  
−  
⚫
Typically, spells brought about through magic have a certain time limit placed upon them. This means that effects and after-effects magically induced by them are not meant to last, since spells like [[Disarming Charm|Expelliarmus]] only operate brief and swift, while spells like ''Stupefy'' and ''[[Full Body-Bind Curse|Petrificus Totalus]]'' wear off eventually. Counter-curses can also end a designated spell's effect. Likewise, a spell whose effect has yet to diminish would disappear at the moment of the caster's death. However, [[Rowling ]] mentioned that ancient Egyptian wizards could place curses on their tombs for anyone who might open them, and the curses are still active today even though the casters are presumed dead. 
  
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−  
⚫
== Origin==
  
−  
−  
⚫
New spells can be crafted by wizards and witches, though it is implied to be a difficult and dangerous practice, as exemplified by [[Luna Lovegood's mother]], who was killed in a backfired attempt at spellcrafting. [[Severus Snape]] is often attributed with the creation of spells such as ''[[Levicorpus]]'' and ''[[Sectumsempra]]'' during his time as a student at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry|Hogwarts]], though whether he actually crafted them intentionally, discovered them by accident, or learned of them from an outside source is unclear.
  
−  
−  
⚫
== Classification==
  
−  
−  
⚫
Below is a list of all known categories that spells can be assigned to. It should be noted that the extent to which the following categories are mutually exclusive to each other is not known; i.e. whilst a spell can't be both a charm and a transfiguration it isn't known if a jinx could also be classed as a charm. It also seems likely that certain spell types belong to separate classification schemes to others. For example: [[Petrification]] is [[dark magic]] of the most advanced kind but it is also [[Transfiguration]], [[Melofors]] is both a [[Jinx]] and a [[Conjuration]], [[Fiendfyre]] could be considered a [[Charm]] as well as a curse and many [[healing spells]] could also be considered either charms or transfigurations. Hence, it appears that charm vs. transfiguration is one method of classification and counter-spell vs. jinx/hex/curse vs. healing spell a different one.
  
   
   
 
{|class="wikitable" border="1"
  
{|class="wikitable" border="1"
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Spell Type
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Spell Type
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Defining Feature
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Defining Feature
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Notes
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Notes
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Example
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Example
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[[Transfiguration]]
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[[Transfiguration]]
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Alteration of the object's form or appearance
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Alteration of the object's form or appearance
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|
  
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Spells of this group may be separated into true transfiguration spells (where an existing object is altered) and [[conjurations]], where the desired object is seemingly transfigured out of thin air.
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Spells of this group may be separated into true transfiguration spells (where an existing object is altered) and [[conjurations]], where the desired object is seemingly transfigured out of thin air.
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|
  
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''[[Vera Verto]]'' - a true transfiguration spell that changes animals into [[water]] goblets.
  
   
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''[[Vera Verto]]'' - a true transfiguration spell that changes animals into [[water]] goblets.
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''[[Bird-Conjuring Charm|Avis]]'' - a conjuration that produces a flock of birds
  
   
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  +
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''[[Bird-Conjuring Charm|Avis]]'' - a conjuration that produces a flock of birds
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|-
  
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[[Charm]]
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[[Charm]]
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Alteration of the objects inherent qualities i.e. its behaviour and capabilities.
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Alteration of the objects inherent qualities i.e. its behaviour and capabilities.
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|
  
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When cast by an experienced practitioner, charms appear to usually have fairly long-lasting effects.
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When cast by an experienced practitioner, charms appear to usually have fairly long-lasting effects.
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|
  
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''[[Disarming Charm|Expelliarmus]]'' - the Disarming Charm, so-called because it changes its object's (the opponent's) quality from armed to disarmed by separating them from their wand.
 +
''[[Disarming Charm|Expelliarmus]]'' - the Disarming Charm, so-called because it changes its object's (the opponent's) quality from armed to disarmed by separating them from their wand.
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|-
  
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[[Jinx]]
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[[Jinx]]
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Minor dark magic; spells whose effects are irritating but amusing, almost playful and of minor inconvenience to the target.
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Minor dark magic; spells whose effects are irritating but amusing, almost playful and of minor inconvenience to the target.
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|
  
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Jinxes can only be maintained as long as the caster keeps eye contact.<ref>{{PS}}, ch. 11</ref>
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Jinxes can only be maintained as long as the caster keeps eye contact.<ref>{{PS}}, ch. 11</ref>
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|
  
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''[[Impediment Jinx|Impedimenta]]'' - the Impediment Jinx, which (appropriately) impedes the forward motion of an object.
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''[[Impediment Jinx|Impedimenta]]'' - the Impediment Jinx, which (appropriately) impedes the forward motion of an object.
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|-
  
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[[Hex]]
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[[Hex]]
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Consistently affects the object in a negative manner; has a connotation of [[dark magic]], but more so than a jinx. Major inconvenience to the target.
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Consistently affects the object in a negative manner; has a connotation of [[dark magic]], but more so than a jinx. Major inconvenience to the target.
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|
  
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''[[Anteoculatia]]'' - a hex that causes antlers to sprout from the object's head.
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''[[Anteoculatia]]'' - a hex that causes antlers to sprout from the object's head.
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|-
  
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[[Curse]]
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[[Curse]]
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The worst kind of dark magic, intended to affect the target in a strongly negative manner.
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The worst kind of dark magic, intended to affect the target in a strongly negative manner.
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''[[Killing Curse|Avada Kedavra]]'' - a.k.a. the Killing Curse, which kills the victim.
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''[[Killing Curse|Avada Kedavra]]'' - a.k.a. the Killing Curse, which kills the victim.
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|-
  
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[[Counter-spell]]
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[[Counter-spell]]
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Inhibition of the effect of another spell.
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Inhibition of the effect of another spell.
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Counter-spells are a mysterious spell type that is not elaborated on very much throughout the franchise. There are six known types: [[Counter-jinxes]], [[counter-curses]], [[counter-charms]], [[untransfigurations]], [[anti-jinxes]] and undifferentiated counter-spells (it is unknown whether or not counter-hexes exist, though they presumably do). Whilst nomenclature is complex they all share the common trait of inhibiting another spell.
 +
Counter-spells are a mysterious spell type that is not elaborated on very much throughout the franchise. There are six known types: [[Counter-jinxes]], [[counter-curses]], [[counter-charms]], [[untransfigurations]], [[anti-jinxes]] and undifferentiated counter-spells (it is unknown whether or not counter-hexes exist, though they presumably do). Whilst nomenclature is complex they all share the common trait of inhibiting another spell.
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|
  
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''[[General Counter-Spell|Finite Incantatem]]'' - a widely-employed [[counter-spell]] that terminates spell effects in general.
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''[[General Counter-Spell|Finite Incantatem]]'' - a widely-employed [[counter-spell]] that terminates spell effects in general.
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|-
  
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[[Healing spell]]
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[[Healing spell]]
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Improves the condition of the living object.
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Improves the condition of the living object.
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''[[Episkey]]'' - heals minor injuries
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''[[Episkey]]'' - heals minor injuries
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|}
  
|}
   
  ⚫
A simplified analogy for the differentiation between a transfiguration and a charm is the difference between form and function or matter and energy; one is concerned with what the object ''is'' (its form - transfigurations) whilst the other is concerned with what the object is ''doing'' (its function - charms).
   
  ⚫
==Behind the scenes==
  ⚫
*[[J. K. Rowling]] defined a spell as "''The generic term for a piece of [[magic]].''"<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20110721042920/http://www.jkrowling.com/textonly/en/extrastuff_view.cfm?id=24 J.K.Rowling Official Site - Extra Stuff (available via Web Archive)]</ref>
   
  ⚫
==See also==
⚫
A simplified analogy for the differentiation between a transfiguration and a charm is the difference between form and function or matter and energy; one is concerned with what the object ''is'' (its form - transfigurations) whilst the other is concerned with what the object is ''doing'' (its function - charms).
  
−  
−  
⚫
== Behind the scenes==
  
−  
−  
−
*
  
⚫
[[J. K. Rowling]] defined a spell as "''The generic term for a piece of [[magic]].''"<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20110721042920/http://www.jkrowling.com/textonly/en/extrastuff_view.cfm?id=24 J.K.Rowling Official Site - Extra Stuff (available via Web Archive)]</ref>
  
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⚫
== See also==
  
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*
  
⚫
[[List of spells]]
  
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⚫
== Appearances==
  
   
  ⚫
*[[List of spells]]
   
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{{Imagecat|Images of spells}}
  
   
  ⚫
==Appearances==
  ⚫
{{Imagecat|Images of spells}}
   
  ⚫
*''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone]]'' {{1st}}
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*
  
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''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone]]'' {{1st}}
  
   
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*''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film)]]''
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*
  
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''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film)]]''
  
   
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*''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (video game)]]''
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*
  
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''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (video game)]]''
  
   
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*''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]]''
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*
  
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''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]]''
  
   
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*''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (film)]]''
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*
  
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''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (film)]]''
  
   
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*''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (video game)]]''
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*
  
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''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (video game)]]''
  
   
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*''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]''
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*
  
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''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]''
  
   
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*''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (film)]]''
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*
  
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''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (film)]]''
  
   
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*''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (video game)]]''
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*
  
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''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (video game)]]''
  
   
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*''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]''
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*
  
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''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]''
  
   
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*''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (film)]]''
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*
  
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''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (film)]]''
  
   
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*''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (video game)]]''
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*
  
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''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (video game)]]''
  
   
  ⚫
*''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]''
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*
  
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''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]''
  
   
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*''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (film)]]''
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*
  
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''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (film)]]''
  
   
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*''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (video game)]]''
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*
  
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''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (video game)]]''
  
   
  ⚫
*''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]''
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*
  
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''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]''
  
   
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*''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (film)]]''
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*
  
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''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (film)]]''
  
   
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*''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (video game)]]''
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*
  
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''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (video game)]]''
  
   
  ⚫
*''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]''
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*
  
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''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]''
  
   
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*''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1]]''
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*
  
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''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1]]''
  
   
  ⚫
*''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (video game)]]''
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*
  
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''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (video game)]]''
  
   
  ⚫
*''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2]]''
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*
  
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''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2]]''
  
   
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*''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (video game)]]''
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*
  
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''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (video game)]]''
  
   
  ⚫
*''[[The Tales of Beedle the Bard (real)]]''
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*
  
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''[[The Tales of Beedle the Bard (real)]]''
  
   
  ⚫
*''[[LEGO Harry Potter: Characters of the Magical World]]''
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*
  
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''[[LEGO Harry Potter: Characters of the Magical World]]''
  
   
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*''[[LEGO Harry Potter: Building the Magical World]]''
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*
  
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''[[LEGO Harry Potter: Building the Magical World]]''
  
   
  ⚫
*''[[The Queen's Handbag]]''
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*
  
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''[[The Queen's Handbag]]''
  
   
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*''[[LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4]]''
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*
  
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''[[LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4]]''
  
   
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*''[[LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7]]''
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*
  
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''[[LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7]]''
  
   
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*''[[LEGO Creator: Harry Potter]]''
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*
  
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''[[LEGO Creator: Harry Potter]]''
  
   
  ⚫
*''[[Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey]]''
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*
  
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''[[Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey]]''
  
   
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*''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Motorbike Escape]]''
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*
  
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''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Motorbike Escape]]''
  
   
  ⚫
*''[[LEGO Harry Potter|Harry Potter LEGO Sets]]''
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*
  
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''[[LEGO Harry Potter|Harry Potter LEGO Sets]]''
  
   
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*''[[Harry Potter for Kinect]]''
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*
  
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''[[Harry Potter for Kinect]]''
  
   
  ⚫
*''[[Wonderbook: Book of Spells]]''
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*
  
⚫
''[[Wonderbook: Book of Spells]]''
  
   
   
−
== Notes and References==
 +
==Notes and References==
   
   
−
{{Reflist}}
 +
{{Reflist}}
   
   
   
−
[[fi:Loitsu]]
 +
[[fi:Loitsu]]
 
[[fr:Sortilège (définition)]]
  
[[fr:Sortilège (définition)]]
 
[[pl:Zaklęcie]]
  
[[pl:Zaklęcie]]

Revision as of 18:28, 29 June 2014

Severus Snape casting the Killing Curse on Albus Dumbledore

Avada Kedavra, a curse of the highest level.

A spell is a magical action often accompanied by an incantation (usually—but not always—Latin based; exceptions include Obliviate or Point Me) that makes use of the magical force of the wizarding world in order to accomplish extraordinary feats ordinary people (Muggles) cannot perform, for example levitating objects, conjuring fire, or stunning a person. Spells often have some kind of physical representation in the form of light and as such can usually miss, be dodged, or blocked with an object (including another spell). The action of performing a spell is referred to as casting.


Usage

"Now, don't forget that nice wrist movement we've been practicing! The swish and flick! And saying the magic words properly is very important, too — never forget Wizard Baruffio, who said 's' instead of 'f' and found himself on the floor with a buffalo on his chest."
— Professor Flitwick in Charms Class[src]

Normally, spells require three main factors to be properly accounted for in order to succeed: wand movement, incantation and intent. If one does not move their wand in the correct way, does not speak the incantation properly and/or cannot retain their desired outcome in their imagination during casting then the spell will fail or backfire.

It should be noted that spells can be performed with or without speech and wands, though non-verbal and wandless spells are much more difficult and hence are usually not taught to practitioners until they reach a more advanced level, such as the sixth year of study at Hogwarts. Notable practitioners of non-verbal spells include Albus Dumbledore, Lord Voldemort, and Severus Snape, who have also been known to perform wandless spells.

Most incantations derive from the Latin language (such as Accio) but there are also some English incantations (such as Obliviate or Stupefy).

A simplified analogy for the differentiation between Transfiguration and Charms is the difference between form and function or matter and energy; one is concerned with what the object is (its form - Transfigurations) whilst the other is concerned with what the object is doing (its function - Charms).

Appearance

When performed, spells usually evoke light from the wand they are cast with, such as the tell-tale red of Stupefy or green of Avada Kedavra. However, some spells, such as Accio and Silencio, produce no visible intermediate effect. Some spells also make loud noises when cast, although Harry Potter noted that "bangs and smoke were more often the marks of ineptitude than experience."[1]

Durations

Typically, spells brought about through magic have a certain time limit placed upon them. This means that effects and after-effects magically induced by them are not meant to last, since spells like Expelliarmus only operate brief and swift, while spells like Stupefy and Petrificus Totalus wear off eventually. Counter-curses can also end a designated spell's effect. Likewise, a spell whose effect has yet to diminish would disappear at the moment of the caster's death. However, Rowling mentioned that ancient Egyptian wizards could place curses on their tombs for anyone who might open them, and the curses are still active today even though the casters are presumed dead. 

Origin

New spells can be crafted by wizards and witches, though it is implied to be a difficult and dangerous practice, as exemplified by Luna Lovegood's mother, who was killed in a backfired attempt at spellcrafting. Severus Snape is often attributed with the creation of spells such as Levicorpus and Sectumsempra during his time as a student at Hogwarts, though whether he actually crafted them intentionally, discovered them by accident, or learned of them from an outside source is unclear.

Classification

Below is a list of all known categories that spells can be assigned to. It should be noted that the extent to which the following categories are mutually exclusive to each other is not known; i.e. whilst a spell can't be both a charm and a transfiguration it isn't known if a jinx could also be classed as a charm. It also seems likely that certain spell types belong to separate classification schemes to others. For example: Petrification is dark magic of the most advanced kind but it is also Transfiguration, Melofors is both a Jinx and a Conjuration, Fiendfyre could be considered a Charm as well as a curse and many healing spells could also be considered either charms or transfigurations. Hence, it appears that charm vs. transfiguration is one method of classification and counter-spell vs. jinx/hex/curse vs. healing spell a different one.


Spell Type

Defining Feature

Notes

Example

Transfiguration

Alteration of the object's form or appearance

Spells of this group may be separated into true transfiguration spells (where an existing object is altered) and conjurations, where the desired object is seemingly transfigured out of thin air.


Vera Verto - a true transfiguration spell that changes animals into water goblets.



Avis - a conjuration that produces a flock of birds

Charm

Alteration of the objects inherent qualities i.e. its behaviour and capabilities.

When cast by an experienced practitioner, charms appear to usually have fairly long-lasting effects.

Expelliarmus - the Disarming Charm, so-called because it changes its object's (the opponent's) quality from armed to disarmed by separating them from their wand.

Jinx

Minor dark magic; spells whose effects are irritating but amusing, almost playful and of minor inconvenience to the target.

Jinxes can only be maintained as long as the caster keeps eye contact.[2]

Impedimenta - the Impediment Jinx, which (appropriately) impedes the forward motion of an object.

Hex

Consistently affects the object in a negative manner; has a connotation of dark magic, but more so than a jinx. Major inconvenience to the target.

Anteoculatia - a hex that causes antlers to sprout from the object's head.

Curse

The worst kind of dark magic, intended to affect the target in a strongly negative manner.

Avada Kedavra - a.k.a. the Killing Curse, which kills the victim.

Counter-spell

Inhibition of the effect of another spell.

Counter-spells are a mysterious spell type that is not elaborated on very much throughout the franchise. There are six known types: Counter-jinxes, counter-curses, counter-charms, untransfigurations, anti-jinxes and undifferentiated counter-spells (it is unknown whether or not counter-hexes exist, though they presumably do). Whilst nomenclature is complex they all share the common trait of inhibiting another spell.

Finite Incantatem - a widely-employed counter-spell that terminates spell effects in general.

Healing spell

Improves the condition of the living object.

Episkey - heals minor injuries

A simplified analogy for the differentiation between a transfiguration and a charm is the difference between form and function or matter and energy; one is concerned with what the object is (its form - transfigurations) whilst the other is concerned with what the object is doing (its function - charms).

Behind the scenes

See also


Appearances

Wiki
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Notes and References

  1. ↑ Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, ch. 26
  2. ↑ Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, ch. 11
  3. ↑ J.K.Rowling Official Site - Extra Stuff (available via Web Archive)
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