The Eight Dueling Forms

The Eight Dueling Forms

Though various dueling forms have been produced throughout Wizarding History, the Eight Dueling are considered the standard base forms for any witch or wizard interested in combat. They are known as Pure Forms.

Most witches and wizards do not utilize a single dueling form - in fact, it is most uncommon. Instead, they tend to mix elements from several dueling forms to produce their own unique branch of combat. Think of it like colors: the Eight Dueling forms are red, blue, and yellow. Most magicals utilize combinations of these forms, such as orange, purple, and green.

Listed below are notes on each of the Eight Dueling Forms:

Form I. The Morrigan

The Morrigan, also referred to as the Morrigan’s Form, is a highly offensive fighting style characterized by constant attack. Its core aim is to overpower the opponent through sheer force.

The form is often considered to be a perfect match (match, not counter) for the Myrddin. Fittingly, the Morrigan and the Myrddin were popularised by none other than Morgana Le Fay and Merlin themselves. Other notable users of Morrigan’s Form include Bellatrix Lestrange.

Form II. The Myrddin

The Myrddin, also referred to as the Myrddic Form, is a highly defensive fighting style characterized by constant shielding and evasion. Its core aim is to outlast the opponent or capitalize on an eventual blunder.

The form is often considered to be a perfect match (match, not counter) for the Morrigan. Fittingly, the Morrigan and the Myrddin were popularised by none other than Morgana Le Fay and Merlin themselves.

Form III. Ithora

Ithora, also referred to as the Ithoras Form, is a fighting style characterized by conjuration and transfiguration. It often utilizes the dueling stadium and/or environment surrounding the duelists.

One notable staple of the Ithoras Form is the conjuring of birds to shield from Unforgivables, as used by Ithoras during the Battle of Thermopylae. Other famous or notable users of the form include Transfiguration Professor Minerva McGonagall of Hogwarts School.

Form IV. Emeric

Emeric, also referred to as the Emericien Form (and much more commonly the Trickster’s Form) is a combat form most commonly utilized by criminals and petty thieves. The form, unsurprisingly, is characterized by trickery and deception. This includes a generous use of Apparation, and, in some cases, Disillusionment.

More skilled (or in some cases more daring) criminals have taken the form a step further. The more advanced skills associated with the Trickster’s Form include:

• Saying one spell whilst nonverbally casting another
• Using the Imperius Curse when faced with multiple opponents
• The usage of Animagus abilities

In 1942, an adaptation of the form was published by the British Ministry of Magic, known as the Emericien Honor Form. This adaptation relies solely on Apparition and Disillusionment, while further building on mobility and evasion. Considered more honorable and socially acceptable, this form has been taught to all upcoming British Aurors ever since.

Form V. The Unknown Form

During the height of Ptolemaic power, the Library of Alexandria was used to educate and train magical warriors. This included the use of a supposedly pure dueling form utilized in the conquest of the Ancient world. This form is a fiercely guarded secret, known only to the guardians of the Egyptian Empire.

Ultimately, the Egyptian warlocks paid the price for their secrecy. The mysterious form was lost in the burning of the Library of Alexandria in 48 BC during an intentional attack from Julius Caesar, a muggle wary of the powers of magic.

Form VI. Godelot

Godelot, or Godelot’s Form, is a style characterized by high-powered and costly spells. It aims to intimidate and quickly subdue opponents. The style, however, is largely considered a double-edged sword. In most cases, should one fail to swiftly defeat their opponent, they are likely to be beaten themselves (largely due to tire).

The form is often utilized by extremely powerful witches and wizards who can handle its usage for longer periods. These beings (Grindelwald, Dumbledore, Voldemort, etc.) often combine it with other forms.

Form VII. Pythia

Pythia, or the Delphic Form, is characterised by prediction and Legilimency. Users combine simple analysis with the mind arts to determine their opponent’s moves before they occur.

More advanced practitioners utilize divination prior to the fight to gain a similar advantage. In some cases, these practitioners use divination to end the fight before it even begins. Users of this combat style are extremely rare.

Notable users of the form include Gellert Grindelwald and Severus Snape. The former combined the style with Godelot’s Form.

Form VIII. Circe

Circe, also referred to as the Achlysi Form, is a combat style characterized by the usage of outside objects such as potions and artifacts. Witches and wizards often used these to strengthen themselves, weaken their opponents, or in rare cases alter their surroundings.

The Achlysi Form was commonly used by Aurors prior to the guideline change of 1942. More recent adaptations to the form include the usage of muggle weapons and Martial Arts techniques, which often prove ineffective due to the distance between combatants.