I’m reminded of one of Poul Anderson’s earlier stories, in which, after a nuclear war set back civilization, people have become believers in magic. They send rockets to Mars, but the rocket has a witch on board, as well as an eccentric young man who doesn’t believe in witchcraft. I don’t recall the title.
That is ringing a bell, though I can't recall the title either. IIRC the disbeliever watches the witch save the ship from some disaster then attributes her results to psychic powers rather than "magic."
Ah, Ed Wright remembered on FB. "Superstition" in the Fantasy collection.
Witch's final comment: "All right," she said, "if it makes you happier, if you think it's more scientific, to call magic by such names, then go ahead. It's still magic!"
I have to wonder if that was a dig at some of Poul's colleagues who were insisting on such distinctions.
I love the detail you’ve put into this story and the ending. Thank you Karl.
I’m reminded of one of Poul Anderson’s earlier stories, in which, after a nuclear war set back civilization, people have become believers in magic. They send rockets to Mars, but the rocket has a witch on board, as well as an eccentric young man who doesn’t believe in witchcraft. I don’t recall the title.
That is ringing a bell, though I can't recall the title either. IIRC the disbeliever watches the witch save the ship from some disaster then attributes her results to psychic powers rather than "magic."
That’s how I remember it, too.
Ah, Ed Wright remembered on FB. "Superstition" in the Fantasy collection.
Witch's final comment: "All right," she said, "if it makes you happier, if you think it's more scientific, to call magic by such names, then go ahead. It's still magic!"
I have to wonder if that was a dig at some of Poul's colleagues who were insisting on such distinctions.
Very good!