The image of the witch has existed for centuries, appearing in myths, legends, and folklore all over the world. But where did the idea of the witch come from, and what is the history behind this fascinating figure?
In Norse mythology, we have the Valkyrie, the maidens of Odin who flew through the sky and assisted in the outcome of battles, taking slain warriors to Valhalla. Many theorists believe that witchcraft is a survival of the cult of Diana, goddess of hunting. English archaeologist Margaret Murray put forward a similar theory in 1921, arguing that the craft traces its roots back to pagan fertility cults. The Christian image of the Devil is actually an amalgam of god-forms from paganism, such as the Greek Pan and the pagan horned god, sometimes known as Herne the Hunter. The idea no doubt traces itself back to the shaman, usually male, who would dress in the skin of the animal about to be slain; hence the horned god image.
In the Bible, Saul, afraid of the might of the Philistine army, took himself off to be counseled by the Witch of Endor. In Classical literature we have Homer’s Circe who bewitched men and turned them into swine. Ovid tells us of the Strigae; erotic beings who flew through the air to carry out their murderous deeds. These examples show that the witch has existed in the imagination of humans for a very long time.
During the Middle Ages, witchcraft became associated with the devil and demonic practices. In the 15th century, the Catholic Church began to launch campaigns against supposed witches, leading to the infamous witch-hunts of the 16th and 17th centuries. These hunts, which took place throughout Europe and America, resulted in the execution of thousands of people.
The witch continued to be a popular subject in literature and art throughout the centuries, with some notable examples including William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Goethe’s Faust, and the paintings of Francisco Goya. The figure of the witch was often used as a symbol of female power and rebellion, particularly during the feminist movement of the 1960s and 70s.
Today, the image of the witch is still prevalent in popular culture, with countless movies, books, and TV shows featuring witches as central characters. While the depiction of witches has evolved over time, the fascination with these mysterious and powerful figures continues to endure.
In conclusion, the history of witches and witchcraft is a fascinating subject that has intrigued people for centuries. From ancient mythology to the witch-hunts of the Middle Ages and beyond, the image of the witch has taken on many different forms throughout history. While the portrayal of witches may have changed over time, the enduring appeal of this powerful figure remains as strong as ever.