The Two Sorcerers by George Grey
Kiki, a powerful sorcerer residing by the Waikato River, possesses the ability to wither plants with his shadow, making him a feared figure among the tribes. His reputation for malevolent magic spreads widely, attracting the attention of Tāmure, a chief from Kāwhia, who seeks to challenge Kiki's sorcery. Tāmure, accompanied by his daughter and two companions, embarks on a journey to confront Kiki, employing protective incantations to shield himself from magical attacks. Upon reaching Kiki's village, Tāmure and his party are welcomed, and Kiki offers them enchanted food intended to kill them. Tāmure cleverly deflects the invitation, allowing his daughter to eat while he continues to cast protective spells. Kiki, unaware of Tāmure's true intentions, remains confident in his magic. After the meal, Tāmure enchants the threshold of Kiki's house, ensuring that Kiki cannot escape unscathed. As Tāmure and his party depart, Kiki soon falls ill from the effects of Tāmure's magic. Kiki's followers pursue Tāmure, but he cleverly instructs villagers to mislead them about his whereabouts. Ultimately, Kiki succumbs to the magical confrontation, marking Tāmure's victory. The tale concludes with a reflection on the legacy of both sorcerers, noting that their descendants continue to practice magic, inheriting their ancestors' skills and knowledge.
By George Grey · Genre: Fantasy, Mythology, Adventure · 1,414 words
First lines
Kiki was a celebrated sorcerer, and skilled in magical arts; he lived upon the river Waikato. The inhabitants of that river still have this proverb, "The offspring of Kiki wither shrubs. " This proverb had its origin in the circumstance of Kiki being such a magician, that he could not go abroad in the sunshine; for if his shadow fell upon any place not protected from his magic, it at once became tapu, and all the plants there withered.
What this Textopian page supports
The Two Sorcerers is listed on Textopian as a short story by George Grey, dated Date unknown.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: George Grey
- Date: Date unknown
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Mythology, Adventure, Folklore, Drama
- Length: 1,414 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Two Sorcerers by George Grey
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Two Sorcerers?
- How does this short story by George Grey fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Ormon The Gulfer by John Arthur Barry
- The Bane Setter by David Rorie
- The Crystal Sceptre by Philip Verrill Mighels
- Problem On Balak by Roger Dee Aycock
- Rough Beast by Roger Dee Aycock
- Polaris And The Goddess Glorian by Charles B. Stilson
Genres
- Fantasy — The story revolves around sorcery, magical arts, and supernatural elements, characteristic of the fantasy genre.
- Mythology — The narrative incorporates cultural myths and legends, particularly from Māori culture, involving sorcerers and their powers.
- Adventure — The plot includes a journey and a contest between two sorcerers, embodying elements of adventure.
- Folklore — The story reflects traditional tales and proverbs, typical of folklore, conveying moral lessons and cultural heritage.
Tags
fantasy · magic · sorcery · adventure · conflict · friendship · betrayal · mythical creatures · world-building · hero's journey · good vs evil · mystery