Witches and fairies are two popular mythical creatures that have been depicted in various forms of literature and folklore throughout history. Despite having different origins and characteristics, they have often been associated with magic and the supernatural. Witches, in most folklore and fiction, are portrayed as women who possess supernatural powers and are able to cast spells and perform magical rituals. They are often depicted as old and haggard, wearing black robes and pointed hats. Witches are usually associated with dark magic and are believed to make pacts with demons or other evil entities. However, it is important to note that the characterization of witches has evolved over time, and modern portrayals often depict them in a more positive or neutral light.
When you think of the word “fairy,” it’s no surprise images of tiny, dainty creatures with colorful gossamer wings come immediately to mind. We’re all familiar with the creatures of legend and lore, with some that are kind or benevolent, helping humankind, and other stories that tell of devious fairies who lure people into the fairy realm only to be lost to the world forever. But these are fictitious stories, the tales that captivated us as children, and the types of faeries associated with Celtic Witchcraft and Faery Wicca are far more than mere imaginings.
Pecti-Wicca, with a focus on the practices of the Ancient Picts, is a solitary Wiccan path, while Caledoni has a greater focus on Scottish traditions. Equinoxes, solstices, the New Moon phase, and even Samhain where the old Pagan year transitions into the new, are also ideal times to access the world of Fae and the Spirits.
However, it is important to note that the characterization of witches has evolved over time, and modern portrayals often depict them in a more positive or neutral light. On the other hand, fairies are often depicted as beautiful and ethereal creatures who have the ability to fly and perform enchantments. They are usually associated with nature and are believed to inhabit forests, meadows, or other magical realms.
American Book Review
Jack Zipes, the foremost American scholar of the world of fairy tales, opens his book with a brief reference to recent interest in fairy tales in scholarship and the genre’s proliferation in the media which demonstrate the unique impact fairy tales have on our lives.
Zipes states that it is impossible to provide any date or, for that matter, any approximation of a date for the “birth” of the fairy tale, a genre which depends on “the symbiotic relationship of oral and literary currents.” This leads to an exploration of the origins of human communication in which it is argued that all narratives are driven by the urge to be in power, to be relevant and are hence elitist. It is emphasised that the precursors of fairy tales related to belief systems, represented shared experience preserved in the oral tradition.
Tracing themes of conflict, notably as they cast a light on the dark side of human life, Zipes cautiously points to Sumerian precursors and then pays full attention to the Greek fables attributed, rightly or wrongly, to Aesop (c. 600 b. C.). He sees fables as stories of animals involved in human conflicts and he tries to identify fairy tale elements. He goes in depth concerning the literary versions of Puss-in-boots from the 16th and 17th centuries the origins of which reach back to India.
Employing Richard Dawkins’s theory of memes (a meme being a unit in cultural transmission), Zipes suggests that fairy tales are created out of pools of memes and are instruments used to preserve instinctual morality in changing environments.
The French term conte de fées, “fairy tale,” was coined by Baroness d’Aulnoy for stories she wrote and narrated in the salons of Paris in 1690-1710. She recycled much material that existed both in the oral tradition as well as in literature and Roman-Greco myths and tales. So did her contemporaries, mostly women who appropriated narratives involving fairies and other fantastic beings in alternate worlds outside the confines of the state and the church which, in their tales, were portrayed as weak.
It is argued that the spectacles of Italian opera exerted some influence on the fantastic narratives, and Zipes refers to d’Aulnoy’s own life (and those of many other women) for the importance of midwives, nannies as real-life fairies who were of paramount importance as protectors of girls and women in many cultures.
Homing in on the French author Charles Perrault’s Bluebeard, Zipes notes that this story, possibly the first written narrative about a serial killer, has a life of its own and is more well-known than the author. Elements from the story had been circulating long before 1695. It has been remade thousands of times both in literature and in other media. Zipes sees this as “part of a discursive process of remakings within the larger genre of the fairy tale.” In the same fashion that tales should be understood in their contemporary context, remakes should be so too. This is illustrated in a discussion of the French director Catherine Breillat’s Bluebeard (2009). It is concluded that whereas the first tale bears the imprint Perrault’s personality, experience and age, Breillat subtly changes Perrault’s male dominance and female curiosity in her film. Retellings of the theme will continue to be made as long as there are serial killers but they will also reflect changed mores.
Zipes turns attention to the nature of fairies and witches. He considers them as the mimetic seeds spread by pagan goddesses that have been transformed into benevolent and malevolent powers by misogynistic cultural processes. With an excursus on the Russian narrologist Vladimir Propp in which Zipes emphasises that Propp’s research was never subject to Soviet censorship, he homes in on the Slavonic, specifically Russian character of Baba Yaga. Baba Yaga appears in thousands of tales as an unpredictable power which seems to have antecedents in “Mother Earth” and who metes out gifts, rewards.
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Once, every village had a wise woman or cunning man who dealt with the wildfolk. Such people were common in Britain and Ireland right up until the end of the First World War. Their job was to maintain the balance between the human and fairy world, to mediate with the spirits, to solicit their blessings for good harvests, to repair any damage done to their relationships with humans, to placate the forces of blight, to heal and to remove curses. They inherited the mantle of the old Druids and the ancient priests and priestesses of the Pagan world, who became the witches and fairy doctors of later ages. Both the ancient Celts and Saxons had gifted individuals who were able to journey at will into the world of the spirits. In later times, these people were called witches, a name that comes from the Anglo-Saxon wicce, or wise one.
Fairies are often portrayed as mischievous, playing pranks on humans or bestowing blessings upon them. They are often depicted as small in size, with delicate wings and a shimmering appearance. Beliefs and legends surrounding witches and fairies have existed for centuries and vary greatly across different cultures. In some European folklore, for example, witches were believed to gather in covens and engage in malevolence, while fairies were seen as protectors of nature and guardians of certain areas or landmarks. Conversely, in certain African and Native American folklore, witches were seen as healers and spiritual leaders, while fairies were believed to be tricksters or bringers of luck. Witches and fairies have also been heavily featured in literature, from classic works to modern novels and fairy tales. Shakespeare's famous play "Macbeth" features witches who predict the future and manipulate the main character's actions. In J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings," fairies, or Elves, play a significant role in the narrative and possess great power and wisdom. Overall, witches and fairies continue to captivate the human imagination with their mysterious and magical qualities. Whether they are portrayed as dark and menacing, or as enchanting and benevolent, these mythical creatures continue to fascinate and inspire us with their otherworldly presence..
Reviews for "The Influence of Witches and Fairies in Modern Witchcraft"
1. Emily - ★★☆☆☆
I was really disappointed with "Witches vs. Fairies". The storyline seemed promising, but it fell short in execution. The characters were shallow and lacked depth, making it difficult for me to truly connect with any of them. Additionally, the dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making the interactions between characters feel awkward and cringe-worthy. Overall, the film just didn't capture my attention or leave a lasting impression.
2. Daniel - ★☆☆☆☆
I couldn't make it through "Witches vs. Fairies". The acting was subpar, and the special effects were laughable. The plot felt disjointed and lacked coherence, leaving me confused and uninterested in what was happening. The overall production quality seemed low, which made it difficult for me to take the film seriously. I would not recommend this movie to anyone looking for a well-crafted fantasy film.
3. Sarah - ★★☆☆☆
"Witches vs. Fairies" was a letdown for me. The film had potential, but it was overshadowed by poor pacing and mediocre storytelling. The action scenes were unimpressive and lacked excitement, leaving me bored and unengaged. The plot twists were predictable, and the character development felt rushed and underdeveloped. Overall, I was hoping for a thrilling fantasy film, but instead, I got a lackluster and forgettable experience.
4. John - ★★☆☆☆
I was disappointed with "Witches vs. Fairies". The plot had potential, but it was poorly executed. The pacing felt off, with some scenes dragging on for too long while others were rushed. The film lacked the necessary suspense and tension for a fantasy thriller. The acting was mediocre, and the dialogue felt forced and unnatural. Overall, I found the film to be underwhelming and forgettable.
5. Megan - ★☆☆☆☆
I regret watching "Witches vs. Fairies". The storyline was confusing and convoluted, making it difficult to follow along. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked any real depth, making it hard to care about their fates. The special effects were poorly done and took away from the overall viewing experience. I wouldn't recommend wasting your time on this film.