"Swish and flick, remember, swish and flick. And saying the magic words properly is very important too -"
-- Professor Flitwick (PS10)

"Small wonder that spell means both a story told, and a formula of power over living men."
    - J.R.R. Tolkien, "Origins", from "On Fairy Stories"

Each spell is listed along with a description of the effects, the etymology of the incantation used, and notes from the books telling when and how the spell was used. NOTE: In case anyone might possibly wonder, JKR has stated very clearly that the magic in the books is completely invented by her for the stories. So no, these aren't real spells by any means.

And by popular request, we also catalog spells from the films and games, but as a separate section of the Encyclopedia of Spells.