Can Necromancy deal with the souls of demons?

I don't see why you have to use an already defined class of magic-user for this, is the antagonist a 'learned wizard' as in did he perform some spell to bind the demon to his soul that took time and knowledge to master, or is it simply a disease or spiritual affliction brought on by his lifestyle? I guess what I'm getting at is why bother with the conventional term necromancer when you could invent your own magic-practice that deals specifically in this kind of demonic possession.

 

I see no reason why necromancy wouldn't work just fine to describe what you are doing with this character. As long as you're dealing with the souls of the dead it seems pretty straight forward as necromancy to me. What your character does with such souls is a secondary concern I think. The original definition may be more specific but the cultural understanding of the term is solid enough for what you are doing to be called necromancy. The only reason I would suggest using a different word is just to make it more unique and add some flavor to you story.

 

You could use a word that means the same thing as necromancer, but that wouldn't exactly match what you've described, would it? Summoning a demon, for whatever reason, is evocation, while calling a spirit into oneself is theurgy or invocation. You could use almost any word associated with using magic or make something up.

 

Well like above, I agree that you have a great opportunity to think up your own term with this art. Necromancer is, like you suspected, a suitable term for that kind of magic. That said, why not consider a few alternatives? If his arts are well known, why not create a few common names for his abilities? Some could call him a Vessel perhaps, someone who has the ability to take on a soul and wield it to his will. The word Vessel typically brings to mind great ships and grand designs.
If you have people in your story who do not favor such practices, they could call him by another name, such as carrier. That word brings to mind plagues and the infectious, a good word to turn people against him.

 

You could go with necromancer, but I think it clashes with the flavor of demons in most reader's minds. I suggest maybe going the WoW route and calling him a Warlock. Hmmm..... ultimately though, I suppose deciding on the best term depends on what OTHER abilities he possesses.

 

I generally don't do this, but I feel I need to ask: If you can remove your own soul with no ill effects, what is the significance of the demonic soul "taking over"?

If the mind and will of a person is tied to his soul, then removing your own soul and replacing it with a demon soul would be kinda pointless. On the other hand, if the body can retain its mind and will without the original soul, why is this wizard in danger of being corrupted by the demon?

 

Isn't someone like that called a demonologist?

 

Demonology is generally defined as "the study of demons or beliefs about demons." In other words, it's a theoretical field that doesn't necessarily have anything to do with conjuring infernal forces.

Though, I guess if you're the type of person who'd attempt to summon a demon, you'll probably have studied a bit of demonology.

 

I'm not really in demons, so I wasn't quite sure. Thanks.

 

As said, you can make something up; I definitely wouldn't use "necromancy" for this because it has nothing to do with the dead.

"Demonomancy" sounds weird. You could use another demon-related word as a base, like "mephistomancy" or something.

 

in refrence to what Anders said, it would help if you tell us just how you define a soul in your setting.

 

With Anders Amting I am also wondering how one could remove their own soul. To me the soul is the 'anima' - that which animates the body. I can understand how a person could have their soul taken but not how they could remove their own soul. Please could you explain your conception of the soul and the process it's removed by.

 

So why not simply call him possessed, because it seems like that's exactly what your describing. Also, take a look at this if yo have not seen it already in your research, Demonology - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia,
Demonolaters, never heard of it but sounds pretty awesome

 

How many angels can dance on the head of a pin? It's your story - your *fantasy story, mind you - you set the definitions.

That said, if you're concerned about the use of the term - change it.

 

In general I always thought warlocks were seen as the type of mage to deal with demons. Perhaps I'm wrong but warlocks sound dark enough.

 

The best part about magic and the Fantasy genre in general is that you have incredible freedom to create your own magic and ideas, or to mold what is known into something new and just as exciting. I say take it away and have fun with it!