Magic
From Smallville Wiki
In the Smallville universe, magic is a powerful and dangerous force. Magic is one of Clark's, and by extension other Kryptonians' vulnerabilities. There have also been instances of other supernatural phenomena on the show, such as the existence of ghosts, and possible evidence of an afterlife such as the Limbo drug.
It is not clear to what extent magic is related to the paranormal abilities of certain metahumans or extraterrestrials. Magic can produce many of the same effects as these powers, such as telekinesis or illusions; also, certain magic-like effects such as possession of the living by disembodied beings have been created by the application of Kryptonian technology, rather than the supernatural. It is not clear if some or all of the ability to use magic is hereditary, as Countess Isobel demonstrated strong magical powers while in the body of Lana, a blood relative of hers, but her followers' powers appeared weaker when they were in unrelated bodies (however it is not known if their powers were weaker than Isobel's when they were in their original bodies).
The first unequivocal appearance of magic is the forth season episode Spell, in which Lana Lang was possessed by the spirit of her ancestor, Countess Margaret Isobel Thoreaux, a witch from 17th century France. She cast spells for a variety of effects, used the Mark of Transference to possess her descendant Lana, and created a potion that placed the spirits of her cohorts into the bodies of Chloe Sullivan and Lois Lane.
Magic is used using Latin commands and phrases, and sometimes gives off a violet glow from the user's hand. Is it implied that Isobel and her cohorts Madelyn and Brianna were not the only witches, as they mistake Clark for a sorcerer.
Episodes in which magic made an appearance:
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[edit] Speculations
Magic appears to be a skill, not a biological ability, as all three witches were able to use magic in other bodies. The violet glow in Lana's eyes in Sacred, the violet glow from her hands, and both the purple color of the Kryptonian device and its violet glow in Arctic have led to fan speculation that purple kryponite may exist and be the source of Kryptonian-influenced magic.
[edit] Known Witches
- Margaret Isobel Thoreaux - First appearance Spell
- Brianna Withridge - First appearance Spell
- Madelyn Hibbins - First appearance Spell
- Zatanna Zatara - First appearance Hex
- John Zatara - Mentioned in Hex
[edit] Notes
- Arguably, the first use of magic may be the werewolf transformation of Kyla Willowbrook in the episode Skinwalker; however, since Kryptonite, and perhaps the alleged part-Kryptonian ancestry of the Kawatche tribe, appear to be partly responsible for the change, it is unclear what --if any-- magic is involved.
- In the episode Lexmas, it is left unanswered as to whether the old man saved by Clark is, in fact, Santa Claus.
