Evil witches have been a prevalent theme in history, often portrayed as malevolent individuals who use their magical powers for nefarious purposes. Throughout various cultures and time periods, these wicked witches have been feared and demonized, perpetuating the concept of an evil sorceress. In ancient Greece, one example of an evil witch can be found in the story of Circe. In Homer's Odyssey, Circe is depicted as a sorceress who lures men to her island and transforms them into animals. Her enchantments and dark magic make her a formidable and dangerous adversary for Odysseus and his crew. In European folklore, the concept of evil witches reached its peak during the witch trials of the 16th and 17th centuries.
Top 5 Evil Witches
It’s October! And all month long, Horror Bound is doing top 5 lists to keep you in the holiday spirit. This week’s list is celebrating those evviiiillll witches who we actually secretly love. We stan a villain!
TOP 5 EVIL WITCHES
In European folklore, the concept of evil witches reached its peak during the witch trials of the 16th and 17th centuries. These trials, particularly in Salem, Massachusetts, resulted in the persecution and execution of numerous individuals accused of practicing witchcraft. The belief in witches and their association with evil acts, such as causing illness or crop failure, fueled these mass hysteria-driven trials.
NUMBER FIVE - ELLY KEDWARD
Elly Kedward, who we know from the Blair Witch movies, was an Irish woman banished from the town of Blair. Several people accused her of witchcraft and luring children into her home to draw blood from them. After she was banished into the woods there was a brutal winter and she was presumed dead.
By midwinter all of the accusers, and half the town’s children, disappeared. The people of Blair were terrified and blamed it on a curse from Elly and fled.
For the Blair Witch lore we don’t know too much about her, or if she’s even real within the movie, but she’s someone that is constantly hovering behind your back scaring you. Elly is the Blair Witch and made even more terrifying by the fact that we never see her. (except of course when the 2016 reboot decided to show her and ruin everything)
The evil witch archetype is also prominent in fairy tales and children's stories. The Wicked Witch of the West from L. Frank Baum's "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" is a classic example. She is portrayed as a malevolent sorceress bent on obtaining the ruby slippers and destroying Dorothy and her companions on their journey. In modern times, the portrayal of evil witches has evolved to challenge traditional stereotypes. The character Maleficent from Disney's "Sleeping Beauty" is an intriguing example. While initially presented as a purely evil witch, the movie reveals her backstory, humanizing her and showcasing her motivations. This shift in portrayal reflects a greater cultural understanding of the complexity of characters and the recognition that even the most wicked witches may have reasons behind their actions. In conclusion, evil witches in history have been perceived as dark forces using their magical abilities for evil purposes. From ancient tales such as Circe to the witch trials of the past, these witches have captivated our imaginations and instilled fear in our hearts. However, as society evolves, our understanding of these characters becomes more nuanced, acknowledging that there might be more to the story than just an evil witch..
Reviews for "Wicked Women: Female Villains in Witchcraft and Sorcery"
- Sarah - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Evil witches in history". The book promised to delve into the history of witches and the various stories surrounding them, but instead it felt like a collection of shallow summaries. The writing lacked depth and the author seemed more interested in sensationalizing the stories rather than presenting a comprehensive analysis. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for a serious exploration of witches in history.
- Mark - 1 star - This book was a complete waste of time. The title is incredibly misleading as it suggests a historical analysis, but what you get is a poorly researched and poorly written account of witchcraft in history. The author seems more interested in perpetuating stereotypes and misconceptions rather than providing a nuanced and accurate portrayal of witches throughout the ages. Save your money and find a better book if you're actually interested in learning about the subject.
- Emily - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Evil witches in history" but it fell flat for me. The author focused too much on the sensational and gruesome aspects of witchcraft, without really delving into the historical and cultural context. It felt more like a collection of horror stories rather than a serious exploration of the subject. I would have appreciated a more academic approach and a deeper analysis of the social and political factors that contributed to the persecution of witches. Overall, I was disappointed with this book.