Mythological witches are characters found in various mythologies around the world. These witches are often depicted as powerful and mysterious beings with supernatural abilities. They are typically associated with magic, spells, and the ability to shape-shift. One famous example of a mythological witch is the Greek goddess Hecate. She is often portrayed as a powerful sorceress who has control over the night, the moon, and the underworld. Hecate was believed to be able to grant or deny blessings, curses, and prophecies.
8 Famous Witches From Mythology and Folklore
Patti Wigington is a pagan author, educator, and licensed clergy. She is the author of Daily Spellbook for the Good Witch, Wicca Practical Magic and The Daily Spell Journal.
Updated on January 20, 2019Ancient mythology and folklore is filled with witches, including the Bible's Witch of Endor and Russian folklore's Baba Yaga. These enchantresses are known for their magic and trickery, which is sometimes used for good and sometimes for mischief.
of 08Hecate was believed to be able to grant or deny blessings, curses, and prophecies. She was also associated with witchcraft and was often invoked by witches for guidance and protection. In Norse mythology, there are also examples of mythical witches.
The Witch of Endor
Saul and the Witch of Endor, 1526. Found in the collection of Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Artist : Cornelisz van Oostsanen, Jacob (ca. 1470-1533). Heritage Images/Getty Images / Getty Images
The Christian Bible has an injunction against practicing witchcraft and divination, and that can probably be blamed on the Witch of Endor. In the first Book of Samuel, King Saul of Israel got in some trouble when he sought assistance from the witch and asked her to predict the future. Saul and his sons were about to march into battle against their enemies, the Philistines, and Saul decided it was time to get a bit of supernatural insight as to what was going to happen the next day. Saul started off by asking God for help, but God stayed mum…and so Saul took it upon himself to seek answers elsewhere.
According to the Bible, Saul summoned the witch of Endor, who was a well-known medium in the area. Disguising himself so she wouldn’t know she was in the presence of the king, Saul asked the witch to revive the dead prophet Samuel so that he might tell Saul what was going to happen.
Who was the witch of Endor? Well, like many other biblical figures, no one really knows. Though her identity is lost to myth and legend, she has managed to appear in more contemporary literature. Geoffrey Chaucer makes reference to her in The Canterbury Tales, in the tale spun by the friar to entertain his fellow pilgrims. The Friar tells his listeners:
"Yet tell me," said the summoner, "if true:of 08
Do you make your new bodies always so
Out of the elements?" The fiend said, "No,
Sometimes it's only some form of disguise;
Dead bodies we may enter that arise
To speak with all the reason and as well
As to the Endor witch spoke Samuel.”
One notable witch is the jötunn (giant) known as Gróa. Gróa is mentioned in the Old Norse poem "Grógaldr" as a witch who possesses great magical powers. She is able to heal wounds and provide strength through her spells and incantations. Additionally, Celtic mythology includes stories of witches known as "cailleach" or "bean sidhe." These witches are often seen as hags or old crones who possess incredible knowledge of magic and the supernatural. They are associated with the natural world and are said to have control over the weather, nature, and the cycles of life and death. Witches in mythologies often play a complex role. They can be both feared and revered for their powers and knowledge. They are often depicted as wise and cunning, capable of both good or evil deeds. They are known for their ability to manipulate the forces of the supernatural world and are often sought after for their guidance or magical assistance. Overall, mythological witches are fascinating figures in folklore and have captured the imaginations of people for centuries. They continue to be portrayed in modern literature, films, and other forms of media, further cementing their enduring popularity..
Reviews for "Cunning and Deception: Trickster Witches in Mythological Tales"
1. Sarah - 2/5
I was really disappointed with "Mythological witches". The book promised to delve into the intriguing world of witches from different mythologies, but it fell short in every aspect. The writing was shallow and lacked depth, making it difficult to connect with the characters or care about their stories. Additionally, the author failed to provide sufficient historical context or background information, leaving me feeling confused and unengaged. Overall, I found this book to be a missed opportunity and would not recommend it to others.
2. John - 1/5
I cannot express my disappointment enough with "Mythological witches." The concept sounded so promising, but the execution was a complete letdown. The book was filled with clichéd and predictable plotlines that added nothing new or interesting to the genre. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked any depth or development. Furthermore, the writing itself was lackluster and failed to capture my attention. I struggled to finish this book and cannot recommend it to anyone who is looking for a compelling and original tale of witches.
3. Emily - 2/5
I had high hopes for "Mythological witches", but unfortunately, it didn't meet my expectations. The stories of the witches from different mythologies were interesting in theory, but the execution left much to be desired. The pacing was slow, and the narrative lacked a sense of urgency or excitement. As a result, I found myself losing interest and struggling to stay engaged. Additionally, the characters felt underdeveloped, and their motivations were unclear. Overall, this book had potential, but it ultimately failed to deliver an engaging and captivating reading experience.