No. Sometimes they can be a way to explore the darker aspects of magic in a fictional or mythological context without being truly 'evil'. For example, in some stories, a dark duel might be a test of a character's strength and growth.
One interesting 'dark magic story' could be about a cursed amulet. In this story, the amulet was said to bring misfortune to anyone who possessed it. A young adventurer found it in an ancient tomb and from that moment, strange things started to happen. Shadows seemed to follow him, and he began having nightmares. Another story might involve a dark wizard who used his magic to control the minds of villagers, making them do his bidding against their will.
The story of the Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau is quite scary. She was known for her powerful magic in New Orleans. There were rumors that she could control the dead and put curses on people who crossed her. Her grave is still a place of mystery and superstition today.
In a dark duel story, two rival sorcerers engage in a battle. They stand in a desolate field at midnight. One uses dark fire spells while the other counters with shadowy tendrils. The duel is intense as they draw on their darkest magic powers. The land around them becomes charred and twisted as their spells collide, and in the end, one sorcerer is vanquished, disappearing into a cloud of black smoke.
Dark magic can disrupt the existing power balance. Characters who acquire dark magic suddenly gain an edge. For instance, a previously weak ninja could become a formidable foe. They might be able to overpower stronger opponents with the new, unorthodox powers of dark magic.
Sure. There's a story where a witch uses dark magic to create illusions that drive people insane. She targets a small town, and the people start seeing their worst fears everywhere. Another one is about a man who makes a deal with a dark magic entity for wealth. In return, he has to sacrifice something precious every year. Eventually, it leads to his downfall.
One interesting MLP Dark Magic Fanfic could be one where a character discovers an ancient dark magic spell that has the power to change the very fabric of Equestria. It might involve a journey of self - discovery as they struggle with the moral implications of using such powerful and dark magic.
One real dark magic story is the Salem Witch Trials. In the late 17th century in Salem, Massachusetts, people were accused of practicing dark magic. Many innocent women were wrongly condemned and executed. It was a time of mass hysteria, fueled by superstition and fear.
One of the best dark magic novels is 'Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell' by Susanna Clarke. It weaves a complex tale of magic in a historical setting. Another great one is 'The Name of the Wind' by Patrick Rothfuss, which has elements of dark magic in its richly detailed world. Also, 'American Gods' by Neil Gaiman has some aspects of dark magic within its exploration of gods and mythology.
A 'dark magic novel' often has a gloomy atmosphere. The settings are usually places filled with shadows, like ancient castles or dark forests. The magic itself might have a price or a corrupting influence. For example, in some novels, using dark magic drains the user's life force.