In my book, there is a witch figure who plays a significant role in the story. The witch is portrayed as a mysterious and powerful character, possessing supernatural abilities and knowledge of dark magic. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the witch is both feared and respected by other characters in the book. The main idea is that the witch symbolizes the idea of power and control, as well as the fine line between good and evil. Throughout the book, the witch is seen using her powers for both benevolent and malevolent purposes. At times, she helps the protagonist by providing guidance and assistance, but at other times, her actions bring about chaos and destruction.
Witchcraft and women
The common kind of magic required no formal training, was widely known, could be practised by both men and women and was usually associated with love, sex and healing. Part of the answer comes from medieval attitudes towards magic, and the particular behaviours attributed to men and women within the crime of witchcraft.
At times, she helps the protagonist by providing guidance and assistance, but at other times, her actions bring about chaos and destruction. The portrayal of the witch in the book also reflects society's deep-rooted beliefs and fears surrounding witchcraft. The witch is an outcast and an enigma, often misunderstood by others.
How the medieval witch image has evolved over centuries
F lying through the skies on a broomstick, the popular image of a witch is as a predominantly female figure – so much so that the costume has become the go-to Halloween outfit for women and girls alike. But where did this gendered stereotype come from? Part of the answer comes from medieval attitudes towards magic, and the particular behaviours attributed to men and women within the “crime” of witchcraft.
Taking one aspect of the witch’s characterisation in popular culture – her association with flight – we can see a transformation in attitudes between the early and later middle ages. In the 11th century, Bishop Burchard of Worms said of certain sinful beliefs:
“Some wicked women, turning back to Satan and seduced by the illusions and phantasms of demons, believe that in the night hours they ride on certain animals with the pagan goddess Diana and a countless multitude of women, and they cross a great span of the world in the stillness of the dead of night.”
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According to Burchard, these women were actually asleep, but were held captive by the devil who deceived their minds in dreams. He also believed that none but the very “stupid and dim witted” could think that these flights had actually taken place.
But by the end of the 15th century views of magic had changed considerably. While many beliefs about women flying through the skies persisted, the perception of them had transformed from one of scepticism to one of fear. The magic night flight became associated with secret gatherings known as “the witches’ sabbath”, involving nefarious acts such as killing babies, taking part in orgies and worshipping the devil.
This suggests that what was originally considered to be a belief held only by women and foolish men was now being taken much more seriously. So what happened to cause such a transformation?
Champion des Dames, broom sticks from the 15th century (Wikimedia Commons)One explanation offered by historian Michael D Bailey is that at some point during the 14th and 15th centuries, religious officials perhaps unwittingly conflated two distinct traditions: “learned” magic and “common” magic. The common kind of magic required no formal training, was widely known, could be practised by both men and women and was usually associated with love, sex and healing.
By contrast, learned magic came to Europe from the east and featured in the “magic manuals” that circulated among educated men whom American medievalist Richard Kieckhefer described as members of a “clerical underworld”.
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Interestingly, descriptions of humans in flight do appear in these manuals – but in relation to men rather than women. One example is found in a 15th century notebook in which the male author describes riding through the skies on a magically conjured “demon horse”.
Two key differences between this account and the ones associated with women are that the person flying is an educated male and demons are now explicitly involved in the act. By conflating popular beliefs about the night flights of women with the demon-conjuring magic of the clerical underworld, medieval inquisitors began to fear that women would fall prey to the corruption of demons they could not control.
The witch hunter’s handbook (Wikimedia Commons)Witchcraft and women
While men also feature in the infamous 15th century witch-hunting manual Malleus Maleficarum (The Hammer of the Witches), the work has long been recognised as deeply misogynistic. It suggests that women’s perceived lack of intelligence made them submissive to demons. One section reads:
“Just as through the first defect in their [women’s] intelligence they are more prone to abjure the faith; so through their second defect of inordinate passions … they inflict various vengeances through witchcraft. Wherefore it is no wonder that so great a number of witches exist in this sex.”
By the end of the middle ages, a view of women as especially susceptible to witchcraft had emerged. The notion that a witch might travel by broomstick (especially when contrasted with the male who conjures a demon horse on which to ride) underscores the domestic sphere to which women belonged.
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The perceived threat to established norms inherent in the idea that women were moving beyond their expected societal roles is also mirrored in a number of the accusations levelled against male witches.
One example, a 13th-century letter by Pope Gregory IX, described a gathering of heretics which was very similar to the later descriptions of the witches’ sabbath. It stated that at orgies, if there were not enough women, men would engage in “depravity” with other men. In doing so, they were seen to become effeminate, subverting the natural laws believed to govern sexuality.
Magic was then, in many ways, viewed by the church as an expression of rebellion against established norms and institutions, including gendered identities.
Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent eventsThe idea that women might have been dabbling with the demonic magic previously associated with educated males, however inaccurate it may have been, was frightening. Neither men nor women were allowed to engage with demons, but while men stood a chance at resisting demonic control because of their education, women did not.
Their perceived lack of intelligence, together with contemporary notions regarding their “passions”, meant that they were understood as more likely to make pacts of “fidelity to devils” whom they could not control – so in the eyes of the medieval church, women were more easily disposed to witchcraft than men.
Jennifer Farrell is a lecturer in medieval history at the University of Exeter. This article first appeared on The Conversation (theconversation.com)
Her presence elicits a sense of fear and unease among the other characters, who view her as an unpredictable and dangerous force. Overall, the inclusion of the witch figure in the book adds depth and complexity to the story. It raises questions about power, morality, and the nature of good and evil. The witch serves as a catalyst for the protagonist's journey, forcing them to confront their own fears and inner demons..
Reviews for "The Witch Figure in Fairy Tales: A Study of the Classical Heroine"
1. Emily - 1 star
I found "Your book contains a witch figure" to be extremely disappointing. While I understand that the book was meant to explore different elements and themes, I personally do not connect with stories involving witches. I found the portrayal of the witch figure to be cliché and uninspiring. Overall, I felt the storyline lacked depth and originality, and it failed to engage my interest. I would not recommend this book to those who prefer more realistic and relatable stories.
2. Michael - 2 stars
"Your book contains a witch figure" was not my cup of tea. I found the inclusion of a witch character to be unnecessary and distracting from the main plot. The author could have explored more interesting and thought-provoking themes instead of resorting to an overused trope. Additionally, the witch figure felt underdeveloped and one-dimensional, lacking the complexity that I look for in characters. Overall, I was left feeling unsatisfied with this book and would not recommend it to others who share my preferences in literature.
3. Sarah - 3 stars
I have mixed feelings about "Your book contains a witch figure". While the book started off promising, the introduction of the witch character threw me off. I felt like it detracted from the main storyline and didn't add much value to the overall narrative. Although the writing style was engaging, I couldn't fully connect with the book due to my personal aversion to witch-related themes. However, I can see how other readers may find it intriguing and enjoy the blend of genres. This book might appeal to those who are more open-minded and willing to embrace unconventional elements in their reading material.