The Evolution of Broomsticks: From Practical Tools to Magical Vehicles

A witch on a broomstick often conjures up images of Halloween, magic, and mischief. This iconic image has been ingrained in popular culture and serves as a symbol of witchcraft and sorcery. The sight of a witch zooming through the night sky on her trusty broomstick is frequently associated with spells, potions, and the supernatural. This image has been perpetuated in various forms of media, from movies to books to cartoons. Whether it's the Wicked Witch of the West in "The Wizard of Oz" or the classic illustration of a witch flying against the moonlit sky, the broomstick has become synonymous with witches. But why a broomstick? The origins of this association can be traced back to ancient folklore and mythology.

But why a broomstick? The origins of this association can be traced back to ancient folklore and mythology. In many traditions, witches were believed to use broomsticks to travel to their secret gatherings or Sabbaths. The broomstick was seen as a tool that witches used to harness their magical powers and traverse between the mortal world and the realm of spirits.

The Witch's Broom

A very common trope in witchcraft-themed fictional narratives is the iconic Magic Broom, a magical object made from wood and straw to fly and serve as a vehicle for witches. Witches generally fly with the broom between their legs, although sometimes women fly sitting sideways with both legs together (some men do too, but so far I've seen more women riding the broom like this, like riding a horse in sidesaddle form). That said, I ask: What would it be like to ride a broom? Because the broom stays in the air (except when it goes up), but your body, according to the laws of physics, tends to go down. It's like sitting on the handrail of a ladder with your legs spread and the handrail between them. It shouldn't be very comfortable, especially for a man. Note: with no answers involving magic used on the witch or person who will ride the broom, the only magic allowed is the one that makes the broom fly and does not break under the weight of a human being on it. Also no saddles or anything that makes the broom more motorcycle-like, the point is a broom that is true to its broom design. My question is whether it would be comfortable, whether it would hurt, etc. Not about how riding a broom.

$\begingroup$ the practical witch might tend to use layered and padded underwear. which would also be useful to protect against the cold, rushing air at high speeds. as for how it would feel: try it for yourself by sitting on a fence. $\endgroup$

$\begingroup$ No an answer, but it probably is appropriate to point out that (patchy) historical evidence suggests that the besom's handle (or a similar rod) was used to apply hallucinogenic ointment to the mucosa of the vagina and/or anus for transdermal absorption. In other words, they did not actually fly, only believed that they did. (Thankfully that part has not made it into Harry Potter. ) $\endgroup$

$\begingroup$ I actually had to try riding a broomstick when I read this question. It is indeed very uncomfortable, especially in the gender-nonspecific parts (an educated guess tells me that female parts would suffer quite a bit, whereas my male parts weren't in contact with the broomstick). I also concluded that the flying magic should be supplemented with magic which prevents the broomstick from spinning sideways, lest you fall off. $\endgroup$

$\begingroup$ @gustafc thinking of bike saddles and tree branches, an unusually thick handle would be enough. Perhaps a magical enhancement of thickness both for strength and comfort, while it still looks thin and the weight isn't increased $\endgroup$

$\begingroup$ especially for a man? It could be more uncomfortable for women, because parts can't be pushed to one side - they are where they are, and I expect are no less sensitive (no empirical data). $\endgroup$

This connection may also derive from the concept of sympathetic magic. The broom was a common household object, and by using it for transportation, witches could tap into the familiar and everyday to manifest their supernatural abilities. It was believed that by straddling the pole of the broomstick, the witch could symbolically connect herself with the spiritual forces she sought to control. The image of the witch on a broomstick also carries a sense of rebelliousness and nonconformity. Witches have long been associated with being independent and defying societal norms. Riding a broomstick, a symbol of domesticity and female labor, can be seen as a subversive act, challenging traditional gender roles and expectations. In modern times, the witch on a broomstick has become a popular Halloween costume and a clichéd symbol of the holiday. It has also been adopted by various feminist movements as a symbol of female empowerment and resilience. The broomstick has transcended its origins to become an iconic image that evokes both fear and fascination. In conclusion, the witch on a broomstick is a powerful and evocative image that has captured the imagination of people for centuries. It represents magic, rebellion, and the supernatural. Whether it's used as a Halloween decoration or a symbol of empowerment, the broomstick-wielding witch continues to captivate us with her mysterious allure..

Reviews for "Broomstick-riding in Popular Culture: From Harry Potter to Sabrina the Teenage Witch"

1. Emma - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with "Witch on a broomstixm". The storyline felt predictable and lackluster, with no real depth or originality. The characters were one-dimensional and I found it hard to connect with any of them. The writing style was also subpar, with clunky dialogue and awkward descriptions. Overall, I just couldn't get into this book and would not recommend it to others.

2. Mark - 3/5 stars - I had mixed feelings about "Witch on a broomstixm". While the concept and world-building were intriguing, the execution fell short for me. The pacing was inconsistent, with long stretches of boredom followed by rushed action scenes. The main character, despite being a witch, lacked agency and spent most of the time being saved by others. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural at times. While not terrible, this book wasn't as enjoyable as I had hoped.

3. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I was really excited to read "Witch on a broomstixm", but unfortunately, it did not live up to my expectations. The plot was convoluted and difficult to follow, with too many unnecessary subplots that didn't contribute much to the overall story. The writing was also quite inconsistent, jumping between overly flowery language and abrupt, simplistic sentences. I struggled to stay engaged and ultimately found the book quite forgettable. It's a shame because the initial premise had so much potential.

Flying through the Centuries: Broomsticks in Historical Literature