The most famous wizard in all of recorded history comes to us straight from King Arthur\\\'s Court in Camelot. Arthurian legends most talked about wizard, Merlin, was a wise counselor and faithful friend to three of legends most coveted kings. A magical father figure and political advisor to all who believed in him, Merlin used his wizardly powers of wisdom, knowledge, and foresight to help govern the majesties throughout decades of their reigns. Legend has it that a wizards profound knowledge of people and the world around them gave wizards the ability to impress upon people an underlying sense of civic duty. After a brief encounter with a wizard, any un-magical mortal man was said to have a clear and inspiring vision of who they were, who they were to become, and what they must do to meet their goals and ultimately accept their destiny.

Wizards have also been popular characters in recent fiction novels and films. The idea of magic wielding creatures has provoked the interest of both young and old. The Harry Potter series stands as one of the most recent explorations on the topic. These books and subsequent films follow a young wizard named Harry Potter through his upbringing and education at a wizarding school. The success of these novels and respective movie productions indicates the wide audience of enthusiastic readers and viewers.

Origins of wizards however begin even earlier and some believe have roots in the ancient Druids. Due to the nature of secrecy of this elite society in ancient times, stories have arisen. The concept of a heavily educated and practiced magic user remains a common theme for those deemed as wizards.

Besides wizards of the west, with European origins, there have been origins of magic wielding men and women across other continents.

Shamans, also known as "witch doctors", have similar characteristics as western wizards, and roots across the world. Stories of Shamans include their ability for healing in their tribes, as well as spellcasting and physcial transformation.

In India, the origins of Fakirs lies. Stories of these wise men focus on the power of meditation as the path to attaining magical wisdom.

Arabian Sages and Eastern Masters have their roots in the other societies across the world, proving no ground remains where stories of magical powers in men was not explored.