98 MAGIC WORDS that word again?' 'Shirak. It means 'stand down.'' 'Shirak,' she said, and the staff folded and vanished." -- Chris Gonnerman, "The Adventures of Solo Jones" (2002) Origins: The word shirak is of Armenian origin. Facts: Shirak is the name of a rugged, "musically fertile" 7 region of northwest Armenia. As a magic spell, shirak tends to be associated with creating illumination, as at the tip of a wand or staff. Variations and Incantations: • Talkarpas ang shirak "He made a quick gesture, then pointed across the black room. 'Talkarpas ang shirak,' he declared. Magic flashed through him, too little and too quick to bring about the euphoria he usually felt." -- Chris Pierson, Divine Hammer (2002) In Literature: • "Words of the arcane must be penned with precision, exactness, neatness, and care on the scroll, else they would not work. Write the spell word shirak, for example, with a wobble in the a and a scrunch in the k, and the mage who wants light will be left in the dark." -- Tracy Hickman, The Soul- forge (1998) • "Raising his hoopak high, Sindri whispered one of the first spells Maddoc had taught him. 'Shirak.' As though it had been set aflame, the woven sling at the top of his staff flared with light." -- Jeff Sampson, Dragon Spell (2005) • "Palin licked dry lips, spoke the first and only magical word that came into his mind. 'Shirak!'" -- Margaret Weis, Dragons of Summer Flame (1995) • "'Shirak!' The magical light of the staff gleamed." -- Kevin Stein, Brothers Majere (1989) • "'Shirak!' He spoke the magic word to the staff and, instantly the faceted crystal globe on top burst into light." -- Margaret Weis, Kender, Gully Dwarves and Gnomes (1987) Shubismack Common Magician's Applications: Mentalism. For example: "When you read the magic word the second time, you will wake from your trance 7 V. Danielson, The Middle East (Garland Encyclopedia of World Music, Volume 6) (2001)