Binding is a type of magic that allows a magic user to take over and control another creature or persons, or to trap a creature within a vessel of some type.
Background[]
Many binding spells are usually considered among the minor spells. A magic user of even modest power can overcome a dragon's weak will and easily bind it to their bidding.
The small and the simple bindings are passed around from mouth to ear, seldom inscribed on parchment. Their simplicity is such that even when mistakes are made in the casting, the worst that might befall the practitioner is an occasional blood blister, wart, partial baldness, or a week or two of bladder incontinence. Minor annoyances for minor spells, simple maladies for simple magics.
Brass is a popular for containing trapped beings (such as demons or Djinn) because it tarnishes. Often the binding spell gives the imprisoned an out--if the container is rubbed, they might be freed, or partially freed, in some manner. People naturally try to shine brass by rubbing the tarnish, so eternal containment is seldom the fate of the unfortunate inhabitants of brass containers. It is one of the cosmic balances found throughout the universe.
There appears to be some overlap with some forms of ensorcellements, charms or even enchantments.
List of spells[]
Behind the scenes[]
While not same as a binding spell, the new King's Quest has Hypnosis Potions which allow magic user or others to control the person who drinks them.
Presumably some binding spells are 'greater' than others. In context when Companion discusses binding spells its only specifically referring to simple forms, and not more powerful ones that can only be found in the books. Binding a stupid creature might not require much magical knowledge, but binding a human might or other sentient species might fall under 'great spells'... For example the spells Telgrin used to bind souls of kings into armor and to his will. The latter would be considered extreme dark magicks as well.