Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha Wiki
Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha Wiki
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[[File:Circle.gif|frame|An active Midchildan Circle]]
 
[[File:Circle.gif|frame|An active Midchildan Circle]]
A {{nihongo|'''[[magic]] circle'''|魔法陣|mahōjin}} is the visual representation of the [[mana|magical energy]] being harnessed by a [[mage]] to cast a powerful spell. It also accompanies [[Device]] activation and similar power-ups. The circle is composed of visible light and usually appears just under the caster's feet (even in [[flight]]), centered under his or her center of gravity. Depending on the amount of energy released, the circle may spin faster or slower. The circle is generally white with a glow depending on the caster's [[magic color]], with the exception of certain villain characters whose circles are black with a purplish glow.
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A {{nihongo|'''magic circle'''|魔法陣|mahōjin}} is a visual representation of the [[mana]] being shaped by a [[mage]]. It also accompanies [[Device]] booting and similar power-ups, and is composed of visible light often appearing just under the caster's feet and center of gravity. The circle's spin depends on the mana release frequency of the caster, and is white and glows the same color as their [[magic color|magic color.]] This is with the exception of some villains, whose circles are black and have a purple glow.
   
 
==Function==
 
==Function==
According to ''[[A's]]'' manga, the shape of the magic circle is determined by the particular spell being cast. Because magic in the ''Nanoha'' universe is similar to the application of programs, each spell includes complex mathematical calculations, and the magic circles are the visual representation of said calculations.<ref>''Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha A's'' manga, chapter 4, [http://www.onemanga.com/Magical_Girl_Lyrical_Nanoha_As/4/06/ page 6].</ref>
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According to ''[[A's]]'' manga, the shape of the magic circle is determined by the particular spell being cast. Because magic in the ''Nanoha'' universe is similar to the application of programs, each spell includes complex mathematical calculations, and the magic circles are the visual representation of the mage doing them.<ref>''Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha A's'' manga, chapter 4, [http://www.onemanga.com/Magical_Girl_Lyrical_Nanoha_As/4/06/ page 6].</ref>
   
 
==Forms==
 
==Forms==
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|-
 
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|Midchilda<br/>(version 2.5)
 
|Midchilda<br/>(version 2.5)
|Midchildan Loop/Tape<br/>[[File:Mid-Childan Loop M2.png|thumb|left|120px]]
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|Midchildan Loop/Tape<br/>[[File:Mid-Childan Loop M2.png|thumb|left|120px]][[File:Movie 2nd Mid-Childan Loop scan.png|alt=Mid-Childan Movie 2nd magic loop|left|thumb]]
 
|Midchildan<br/>Double Circle<br/>[[File:Midchildan Double Circle.png|thumb|left|120px]]
 
|Midchildan<br/>Double Circle<br/>[[File:Midchildan Double Circle.png|thumb|left|120px]]
 
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|-
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|-
 
|-
 
|Belka<br/>(version 2.5)
 
|Belka<br/>(version 2.5)
|Belkan Triangle<br/>[[File:Belkant Triangle Movie.png|thumb|left|120px]]
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|Belkan Triangle<br/>[[File:Belkant Triangle Movie.png|thumb|left|120px]][[File:BELKA V2 MASTER fandom.png|alt=Belka Movie 2nd magic triangle, unknown revision|left|thumb|120x120px|Unknown revision]]
|Belkan Loop/Tape<br/>(same as Midchildan)
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|Belka Loop/Tape[[File:Belka magic loop M2nd.png|center|thumb]]
 
|Ancient Belkan<br/>Ceremonial Square<br/>[[File:Belkan Square.png|thumb|left|120px]]
 
|Ancient Belkan<br/>Ceremonial Square<br/>[[File:Belkan Square.png|thumb|left|120px]]
 
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|Belkan Triangle<br/>[[File:Belkan Triangle Ref.png|thumb|left|120px]]
 
|Belkan Triangle<br/>[[File:Belkan Triangle Ref.png|thumb|left|120px]]
 
|
 
|
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|Same as version 2.5
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|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-

Revision as of 06:04, 8 May 2021

Circle

An active Midchildan Circle

A magic circle (魔法陣 mahōjin) is a visual representation of the mana being shaped by a mage. It also accompanies Device booting and similar power-ups, and is composed of visible light often appearing just under the caster's feet and center of gravity. The circle's spin depends on the mana release frequency of the caster, and is white and glows the same color as their magic color. This is with the exception of some villains, whose circles are black and have a purple glow.

Function

According to A's manga, the shape of the magic circle is determined by the particular spell being cast. Because magic in the Nanoha universe is similar to the application of programs, each spell includes complex mathematical calculations, and the magic circles are the visual representation of the mage doing them.[1]

Forms

Basic forms

The form of a mage's magic circle is determined by the magic system he or she practices:

  • The Midchildan system (ミッドチルダ式 Middochiruda shiki) uses a proper circle, with more concentric rings and squares inscribed in it. At the corners of each ring are the small Greek letters π (pi), δ (delta), ω (omega) and ν (nu).
  • The Belkan systems (ベルカ式 Beruka shiki), both Ancient and Modern, use a triangle, with four circles at its angles and the center. The outer circles contain abstract symbols, while the inner circle is inscribed with a cross.
  • The Inherent Skills of Combat Cyborgs use a circular IS Template (ISテンプレート Ai Esu Tenpurēto).[2] Strictly speaking, it is an "energy control formation" (エネルギー制御陣形 enerugī seigyo jinkei)[2] but not a kind of "magic circle" as Inherent Skills are cast with non-magical energy. It is also more technological-looking than the other magic circles, composed of solid blocks of colour and no symbols. In addition, the unique magic system used by Jail Scaglietti in StrikerS also shares the same patterns as its magic circles.
  • Practitioners of Formula Eltria use a magic circle known as Formula Plate (フォーミュラプレート Fōmyura Purēto)[3] for their spells. In Reflection, the magic circle is known as Formula Circle (フォーミュラサークル Fōmyura Sākuru).[4]
  • Eclipse virus carriers display a circle containing one 8-pointed star and five 10-pointed stars when casting spells/skills with Eclipse power/energy.

Variations

Within a same system, there could also be variations of magic circles:

  • Summon magic uses a magic square whose design is based on the system's regular magic circle.
  • Magic loop (環状魔法陣 kanjō mahōjin, lit. ring-shaped magic circle) appears around the caster's arm, fingers or Device in numerous spells or skills (mainly shooting or bombardment type), for strengthening and accelerating the mana charge. The loop generally has straight sides of same length, like the lateral surface of a cylinder. However in rare cases, the loop is like a circular frame with its sides like two concentric circles and its flat surface perpendicular to the caster's arm, fingers or Device (e.g. Starlight Breaker Multi-Raid, driving of Bible of Silver Cross).
  • Magic tape (帯状魔法陣 taijō mahōjin) is the flat and non-lateral version of magic loop, with same design but thick width. It has appeared in transformation scenes and as the "floors" for Wing Road and Air Liner.
  • For a specifically powerful Midchildan spell, an extra circular loop is added to the outside of a regular Midchildan Circle, making it a large-sized "double circle".
  • The Ancient Belkan Ceremonial Circle/Square also appears in the series a few times alongside the Wolkenritter.
  • A sighting ring replaces the magic loop for magic charge in Teana's Phantom Blazer.

Multi-system practitioners

Although this is uncommon, an individual who has mastered more than one magic system can manifest magic circles of different form, depending on the currently used system. For example, the summoners apparently only manifest their Squares when summoning extremely powerful creatures, and use regular Circles or Triangles otherwise. When Hayate Yagami casts Hraesvelgr with aiming assistance from Long Arch, it manifests with a Midchildan Circle rather than her usual Belkan Triangle. In the refined DVD version of A's, Hayate also has a Midchildan Circle under her feet and a Belkan Triangle for the muzzle in her Ragnarok spell.

Gallery

Since the release of The MOVIE 1st in year 2010, certain magic circles have been re-designed, notwithstanding that the old ones may still be used, especially in manga for simplicity. The following summarizes magic circles seen in the Nanoha universe:

System Regular Summoning Loop/Tape Others
Midchilda
(version 1)
Midchildan Circle
Mid-Childan Circle
Midchildan
Summoner Square
Caro's Square
Midchildan Loop/Tape
Mid-Childan Loop
Midchildan
Sighting Ring
PhantomBlazer
Midchilda
(version 2)
Midchildan Circle
Mid-Childan Circle M
Midchildan Loop/Tape
Mid-Childan Loop M
N/A
Midchilda
(version 2.5)
Midchildan Loop/Tape
Mid-Childan Loop M2
Mid-Childan Movie 2nd magic loop
Midchildan
Double Circle
Midchildan Double Circle
Midchilda
(version 3)
Midchildan Circle
Midchildan Circle Ref
Belka
(version 1)
Belkan Triangle
Belkan Triangle
Belkan
Summoner Square
Lutecia's Square
Belkan Loop/Tape
(same as Midchildan)
Ancient Belkan
Ceremonial Circle
Belkan Circle
Belka
(version 2.5)
Belkan Triangle
Belkant Triangle Movie
Belka Movie 2nd magic triangle, unknown revision

Unknown revision

Belka Loop/Tape
Belka magic loop M2nd
Ancient Belkan
Ceremonial Square
Belkan Square
Belka
(version 3)
Belkan Triangle
Belkan Triangle Ref
Same as version 2.5
Formula Eltria
(version 1)
Formula Plate
Formula Eltria
N/A N/A
Formula Eltria
(version 3)
Formula Circle
Formula Circle
N/A N/A
Inherent Skills IS Template
IS Template
N/A IS Loop/Tape
ShindoKen
IS Frame Loop
IS Template Loop
Eclipse Eclipse Circle
EC Circle
N/A Eclipse Loop/Tape
EC Loop
Eclipse Frame Loop
EC Circle Loop

References

  1. ^ Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha A's manga, chapter 4, page 6.
  2. ^ a b Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS, DVD Vol.5 Booklet (ep.14).
  3. ^ Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha A's Portable: The Gears of Destiny Sound Stage A.
  4. ^ Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha Reflection, Comic Market 91 promotion website: Formula Circle is (the magic circle of) the magic system of Amita and Kyrie in Reflection.

External links