Incantation

About

Incantation refers to a magical formula intended to trigger a magical effect on a person or objects. The formula can be spoken, sung, or chanted, often performed during ceremonial rituals or prayers. Words of incantation are typically spoken with inflection and emphasis, with tone and rhyme varying depending on the desired magical outcome. The English language borrowed this term from Old French in the late 14th century, replacing the earlier Old English terms gealdor or galdor, meaning song or spell. Historical records of magic spells were largely obliterated by major monotheistic religions.