Geas: Difference between revisions

 

Compare: [[Magically-Binding Contract]] (which can have similar effects but is more of a deal rather than a spell or curse), [[Restraining Bolt]] (where an object produces similar effects)

 

* In ''[[Code Geass]]'' (the title of which this trope inspired), Lelouch has the ability to place a person he makes eye contact with under a geas, as they have to do whatever he tells them to do once Lelouch's "Geass" power kicks in (though it only works once per person). The "Geass" powers in this series often work more like a psychic power or ability (such as making people fall in love or mind reading), which makes the majority of those powers unrelated to this trope. Only Lelouch appears to have the ability to lay a proper geas on people.

** The [[Expanded Universe]] introduces more characters with the same type of power as Lelouch. Rai, protagonist of the [[Visual Novel]] ''Lost Colors'', has a version based off of hearing rather than eye contact, while the [[Nintendo DS]] RPG's [[Big Bad]]s [[Terminator Twosome|Castor and Pollux]] have "The Bless", which works on the same person more than once.

* In the ''[[Lord Darcy]]'' story "A Case of Identity", Lord Seiger is by nature a conscienceless psychopath; a very extensive geas has been laid upon him never to hurt anyone save at the direct order of his superior in the King's Service. He shows no signs of resenting this, but he clearly enjoys those moments when he's let off the leash.

* Fairies in ''[[Artemis Fowl]]'' are under a geas set by their first king, Frond, to never enter a human's dwelling without permission. The idea was that fairies were mischievous and would abuse the humans. Over time, the magic has faded a little, but is still binding. {{spoiler|At least until a certain imp warlock tears it down singlehanded for them between the fifth and sixth books, anyway.}}

 

* This is over the place in [[Celtic Mythology]], from which it originates. Diarmuid, Cuchulainn, Lleu Llaw Gyffes and more.

** Several heroes, including Cuchulainn and high king Conaire Mór, found themselves in situations where they were forced to choose between either breaking their geas or violating the customs of [[Sacred Hospitality]]. They [[Honor Before Reason|chose the former]], leading to their inevitable death. Normally in the form of a particularly heroic [[Last Stand]].