The Magic of Krynn
Overview
The Magic of Krynn is a short story anthology set after the events of the Dragonlance Chronicles, offering new tales featuring beloved characters—like Raistlin, Tasslehoff, and Kender, Gully Dwarves, and Gnomes—as well as original stories introducing new characters and corners of Krynn.
This was the first Dragonlance book to shift from a single narrative into episodic storytelling, and it set the tone for the long-running Tales series. While “magic” is in the title, the stories encompass more than just spellcasting—they showcase the wonder, absurdity, danger, and heart of Krynn.
Purpose and Structure
This collection is designed to:
- Fill in the gaps between major events in the Chronicles and Legends trilogies
- Offer deeper insight into side characters and unexplored regions
- Introduce humor, mystery, romance, and tragedy through short form storytelling
- Highlight magic as a force of wonder, chaos, and transformation
There are ten stories, most of them around 20–40 pages long, each offering a self-contained narrative with subtle links to the main Dragonlance saga.
Notable Stories and Summaries
1. “The Legacy” by Margaret Weis
A deeply personal story featuring Raistlin Majere, as Caramon receives a letter summoning him to Test his brother’s magical legacy. Emotional and eerie, this tale foreshadows themes explored in the Legends trilogy and dives into Raistlin’s soul—his power, pain, and looming transformation.
2. “The Magic of Krynn” by Margaret Weis and Michael Williams
The title story features Tasslehoff Burrfoot, who accidentally ends up at a gnomish experiment gone wrong and is catapulted into a cosmic mishap involving magic, time, and chaos. A delightfully absurd tale showcasing the whimsical side of magic in Krynn.
3. “The Night of the Eye” by Scott Siegel and Barbara Siegel
Set on the Night of the Eye, when Krynn’s three moons of magic align. A young mage undergoes the Test of High Sorcery—facing illusions, fears, and identity. A haunting story about the price of magic and personal strength.
4. “A Stone’s Throw Away” by Roger E. Moore
A humorous but heartfelt story about Theros Ironfeld and Tasslehoff trying to retrieve a magic stone. Kender chaos, magical mishaps, and an unexpected reflection on fate and choices make this a standout.
5. “Riverwind and the Crystal Staff” by Michael Williams
An origin story for Riverwind, showing how he quested to find the Blue Crystal Staff for Goldmoon. Poetic and solemn, this tale is a prequel to the Chronicles, with themes of faith and courage.
6. “The Blood Sea Monster” by Barbara Siegel and Scott Siegel
A seafaring mystery-adventure involving sailors, sea legends, and a monstrous dragon-like creature. It offers a different tone—part horror, part adventure—and shows how magic is feared and misunderstood outside Ansalon’s mainland.
7. “Dreams of Darkness, Dreams of Light” by Warren B. Smith
A philosophical and magical tale exploring dreams as a form of spellwork. When a wizard becomes trapped in a dreamscape, he must confront his own regrets and memories to return to reality.
8. “Definitions of Honor” by Richard A. Knaak
This story follows a young Solamnic knight faced with a moral dilemma during a border skirmish. Though low on overt magic, it reflects the “magic” of chivalry, tradition, and honor. A great early showing from Knaak, who would go on to write The Legend of Huma.
9. “The Legacy of Huma” by Stephen D. Sullivan
A brief story linking back to Huma Dragonbane, blending legend and current events. A squire discovers that the stories of old heroes may hold power and truth in unexpected ways.
10. “Harvests” by Nancy Varian Berberick
A bittersweet tale about an aging hedge-wizard who struggles to protect his village from raiders—using folk magic and deep compassion. It explores how magic is more than fireballs—it’s tradition, memory, and community.
Themes
Magic as Wonder and Weight – These stories explore how magic can be comical, terrifying, beautiful, or corrupting. It’s shown as a spiritual and emotional force, not just a mechanical one.
Legacy and Identity – Many tales revolve around past heroes, expectations, and the fear (or hope) of living up to a magical destiny.
Humor and Humanity – Kender stories bring levity, but even the serious tales retain emotional grounding. This anthology highlights the human side of magic.
Faith and Courage – Particularly in stories like Riverwind’s or the knightly tales, there’s a through-line of belief, duty, and moral clarity.
Tone & Style
The anthology’s tone is diverse:
- Some stories are epic and mythic (The Legacy, Riverwind and the Crystal Staff)
- Others are light and humorous (The Magic of Krynn, A Stone’s Throw Away)
- Some lean dark and introspective (The Night of the Eye, Dreams of Darkness)
- A few are grounded and human (Harvests, Definitions of Honor)
This variety is a huge strength—it reflects the breadth of Dragonlance’s tone, from noble knightly tradition to wacky gnomish inventions.
Reception
The Magic of Krynn is beloved by fans for:
- Giving more time to fan-favorite characters like Raistlin and Tasslehoff
- Adding depth to the world and magical systems
- Introducing new, standalone adventures that expand Krynn’s emotional and thematic range
Critics at the time praised it for being more than just filler—it told genuinely meaningful stories, not just side quests.
Final Thoughts
The Magic of Krynn is essential reading for any Dragonlance fan. As the first Tales volume, it expanded the scope of the world in a way that felt fun, meaningful, and magical. Whether you’re here for Raistlin’s brooding, Tasslehoff’s mischief, or original tales of heart and sorcery—it delivers.
Perfect for:
- Fans of Raistlin, Tasslehoff, and classic companions
- Readers who enjoy episodic fantasy with variety in tone
- Those who want emotional, imaginative explorations of magic
