COL009

2010

Other

The Magician, also known as Mr. Septimus Pyke, is a prominent character in Kelly Link's novella "The Summer People," later included in her collection "Other Places, Other People." He is an enigmatic figure residing in the Appalachian woods of North Carolina, seemingly possessing magical abilities and controlling the local "summer people" – fae creatures who inhabit the region.

He employs a local teenager, Ophelia, to perform various tasks, often involving strange objects and rituals. His motivations are unclear, and his relationship with the summer people appears complex, exhibiting both dominance and a form of dependency. He pays Ophelia handsomely, fueling speculation about his wealth and the true nature of his activities.

Mr. Pyke is depicted as articulate and observant, but also detached and slightly unsettling. He offers cryptic pronouncements and hints at a much larger world beyond Ophelia's understanding. He is not easily categorized as benevolent or malevolent, adding to the novella's atmosphere of mystery and ambiguity. His true purpose and origin remain largely undefined, contributing to the enduring allure of his character.