A genius loci[Footnote 1] is an elemental spirit of a powerful area of land, typically crossed with ley lines.[Footnote 2]
Description[]
In classical Roman religion, a genius loci is the protective spirit of a place, and is often depicted in religious iconography as holding attributes such as a cornucopia,[Footnote 3] patera,[Footnote 4] or snake. In The Dresden Files, a sanctum invocation may be performed on a given genius loci, typically by a shaman or wizard, in order to form a spiritual connection with both the genius loci[1] and the land itself,[2] allowing the user to draw upon the land's latent energy for power.[3]
The vast majority of genius loci do not, or perhaps cannot, manifest in a physical form.[1]
Demonreach[]
Demonreach's own genius loci is a figure eleven or twelve feet tall, with a billowing black cloak, a limp (caused by the glacier that carved out the lake),[4] and two vividly green eyes. Within the island's boundaries, it has Intellectus,[2] and is able to resist the power of Faerie Queens.[5]
In the series[]
Turn Coat[]
- Main article: Turn Coat
In Turn Coat, Harry Dresden performs a sanctum invocation on the genius loci of an island in Lake Michigan, Demonreach.[1]
Cold Days[]
- Main article: Cold Days
In Cold Days, Demonreach guides Harry Dresden and Bob below the surface of the island, showing them where Dresden's body passed the previous year in one of its underground chambers. When Dresden and Bob to realize that the island is a huge prison for powerful magical creatures, such as a number of Naagloshii, dark gods and other nameless creatures, it informs them that Dresden is its warden.[6]