Chrestomanci
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Chrestomanci (pronounced: KREST-OH-MAN-SEE) is the title of a job held by at least two major characters in a series of fantasy novels by Diana Wynne Jones. It is also the name given to the books series.
A Chrestomanci, in the series by the same name by Diana Wynne Jones, is a powerful enchanter with the responsibility of regulating magic usage in a set of parallel universes including our own world. The Chrestomancis are unique in that they have nine lives; this is due to the fact that they only exist in one of the nine parallel worlds, while most people exist in all nine. It is a government job, and each Chrestomanci is responsible for seeing to the location and training of his or her successor.
Abilities
All qualifiers must have, or have had, nine lives. Merely saying the name 'Chrestomanci' will cause him to appear, whether he wants to or not. As a result, most people refer to him as 'August Personage' or similar. Also, it is implied that saying his name three times forces him to at least try and solve whatever magical dilemma the summoner wants.
Chrestomancis are all enchanters, making them among the strongest magic-users in the world. They all live in Chrestomanci Castle, a fortress of magic staffed by civil servants and occupied by the current enchanter and his family. This castle can be used as both a government office and a private dwelling, as well as a school for Chrestomanci's children and world. Most people find the castle disconcerting to be in, but Chrestomanci does not seem to notice.
The Chrestomancis encountered throughout the series include Gabriel de Witt and his successor Christopher Chant. De Witt was preceded by Benjamin Allworthy. As of the events of Charmed Life, Christopher Chant has started training Eric Chant as the next Chrestomanci.
| Books by Diana Wynne Jones | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Chrestomanci series: The Lives of Christopher Chant | Conrad's Fate | Charmed Life | The Magicians of Caprona Mixed Magics | Witch Week | The Pinhoe Egg'' (Fall 2006) | ||
| Castle series: Howl's Moving Castle | Castle in the Air Derkholm series: Dark Lord of Derkholm | Year of the Griffin | ||
| Dalemark Quartet Cart and Cwidder | Drowned Ammet | The Spellcoats | Crown of Dalemark | ||
|
Other: Archer's Goon | Eight Days of Luke | Fire and Hemlock | Hexwood | The Homeward Bounders Power of Three | A Tale of Time City | The Time of the Ghost | ||
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