Cantrip

A cantrip is a magic spell of any kind,[http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/cantrip Cantrip], Dictionary of the Scots Language (online edition). or one which reads the same forward and backward.{{Citation needed|reason= Broken link removed|date=December 2022}} It can also be a witch's trick, or a sham.{{cite web|url= http://www.thefreedictionary.com/cantrip |title= definition of cantrip by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia |publisher= Thefreedictionary.com |date= |accessdate= 2014-05-01}} The word "cantrip", of Scots origin, possibly comes from the Gaelic term canntaireachd, a piper's mnemonic chant.[http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/snds1635 Cantrip], Dictionary of the Scots Language (online edition). A cantrip is a term with several meanings, although primarily related to magic, tricks, and minor supernatural effects. The word and concept originated in Scotland and has been popularized in various forms of folklore, games, and modern witchcraft practices.

[https://books.google.com/books?id=HQ0nV00oJIAC A Wiccan Dictionary] defines a cantrip as a "magickal spell".

In Scottish folklore a cantrip could refer to a trick, a minor spell, or some sort of supernatural effect. That still holds true in today's pop culture. Today, the word cantrip is most often used when referring to Dungeons & Dragons, a tabletop role-playing game that has gained massive popularity since its release in 1978.{{Cite web |title="Cantrips: minor magic" by Gygax in 1982 |url=https://psionicblastfromthepast.blogspot.com/2019/08/cantrips-minor-magic-by-gygax-in-1982.html |access-date=2024-12-11 |website="Cantrips}} In the context of the TTRPG, cantrips are small, usually harmless spells that can be cast without expending any spell slots, though there exists some cantrips that deal damage such as Fire Bolt.{{Citation |title=Magic systems in games |date=2024-04-01 |work=Wikipedia |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_systems_in_games |access-date=2024-12-11 |language=en}} Notable cantrips include Prestidigitation,{{Cite web |title=Prestidigitation |url=https://www.dndbeyond.com/spells/2213-prestidigitation?srsltid=AfmBOop4lSiILA7yCJVLl03-v5K2LOGFrCRzItKjZuaz_otX8fBr2tXv |access-date=2024-12-11 |website=D&D Beyond |language=en-us}} Mending,{{Cite web |title=Mending |url=https://www.dndbeyond.com/spells/2619033-mending |access-date=2024-12-11 |website=D&D Beyond |language=en-us}} and Guidance.{{Cite web |title=Guidance |url=https://www.dndbeyond.com/spells/2618971-guidance |access-date=2024-12-11 |website=D&D Beyond |language=en-us}}

This usage has since spread, influencing other fantasy games, books, and media. In the trading card game Magic: The Gathering, a cantrip is player-jargon referring to a spell that, in addition to any other effect, makes a player draw a card.[https://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/latest-developments/magic%E2%80%99s-zero-level-spells-2006-08-04 Magic’s Zero-Level Spells], Forsythe, Aaron. Latest Developments Another popular example would be Harry Dresden from The Dresden Files. While the protagonist is a proficient mage, he often relies on simple acts of magic that could also be categorized as cantrips such as a small ball of light or creating a few sparks. In the deck-building game Dominion, a cantrip is any Action card that is self-replacing: it both draws one card and gives an Action used to play it.

{{Cite web |date= 19 December 2020 |title= Dominion Wiki |url= http://wiki.dominionstrategy.com/index.php/Cantrip |access-date= 14 March 2023 |website= DominionStrategy Wiki}}

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External links

Category:Incantation