Magician: Lord of the Silver Wing
The first chapter of the epic Riftwar Saga, where magic meets war.
This entry covers the opening volume of The Riftwar Saga, widely recognized simply as Magician. Published in 1982, it serves as the foundation for Raymond E. Feist's expansive world of Midkemia and Kelewan. While sometimes referenced with various subtitles in different editions or collections, its primary identity remains the first book that introduces the magic system, the dimensional rifts, and the central conflict between the human kingdoms and the invading forces from another realm.
- Author
- Raymond E. Feist
- Publication Year
- 1982
- Series
- The Riftwar Saga
- Protagonist
- Pug
- Setting
- Midkemia and Kelewan
- Genre
- High Fantasy
Lore & Background
At the heart of this narrative lies a unique magical system derived from dimensional rifts that connect different worlds. Magic is not merely a tool but a dangerous force tied to the very fabric of reality, requiring rigorous training and discipline to wield safely. The story explores the political intricacies of the Kingdom of Midkemia, where the monarchy struggles with external threats while internal factions vie for power. The existence of these rifts allows an ancient enemy from Kelewan to launch a surprise invasion, threatening to overrun the human lands. This incursion forces unlikely alliances between mages and soldiers, challenging the traditional hierarchy of the realm. The lore emphasizes that magic comes with a heavy price, often demanding personal sacrifice or risking corruption by foreign energies.
In Their Own Story
Pug stood at the edge of the tower's balcony, the wind tugging at his robes as he gazed toward the horizon. Below, the city of Krondor bustled unaware of the shadows gathering in the rifts. He could feel it—a hum beneath the skin, a vibration that spoke of worlds colliding. His hands twitched instinctively, shaping the air into something unseen but potent. The war had begun not with a trumpet blast, but with this silent whisper of power waiting to be unleashed.
Reader's Guide
The narrative begins with a young foundling discovering his innate magical abilities within the court of Midkemia. As political tensions rise, an ancient enemy from another world prepares to invade through dimensional rifts. The story follows the formation of an alliance between human kingdoms and the revelation of magic as a weapon against this threat. Key turning points include the protagonist's training in the arcane arts and the mobilization of forces against the invading army. This volume establishes the metaphysical rules of magic and sets the stage for the broader conflict spanning multiple realms. It introduces the central struggle between order and chaos, highlighting the cost of war on both soldiers and civilians. The arc concludes with a decisive confrontation that secures the realm but leaves lingering questions about the nature of the rifts. This foundation is essential for understanding subsequent sagas involving magic and politics. Readers should expect a blend of court intrigue, battlefield strategy, and mystical discovery without immediate resolution to all mysteries.
Did You Know?
- The story originated from a Dungeons & Dragons campaign played by the author in the late 1970s.
- Pug's name is derived from the common term for a small dog, reflecting his humble origins as a foundling.
- The magic system introduced here relies on the concept of 'rifts' connecting Midkemia to other dimensions.