Visions of the Witch

The gendered stereotype of witches as women dates from at least the 15th century. Before then, the occult arts were viewed as the province of men, requiring advanced scientific understanding and careful manipulation of magic. Famous male examples of story and legend, such as Merlin and Faust, reinforce the idea of the “masterful” or “scholarly” sorcerer. Beginning in the 1400s, demonologists codified a new order of witches who succumbed to the devil. Acknowledging that both sexes could be witches, authorities viewed women as much more susceptible to the devil’s influence because they were “more impressionable” or “more carnal than men.” Ultimately anyone—men, children, as well as women—became vulnerable during the Great Witch Hunts of the 16th to 18th centuries. Women, however, comprised 80% of the accused. The most common female stereotype was that of the querulous, ugly old woman, although midwives, healers, and “temptresses” also were threatened.

Popular culture has an enduring fascination with witchcraft. One end of the spectrum is personified by the Wicked Witch of the West in “The Wizard of Oz.” She can easily be traced to such archetypal witches as Baba Yaga, the witch in Hansel and Gretel; the three wicked sisters in Macbeth; or the Evil Queen in Snow White, who transforms into an ugly old woman to offer the poisoned apple. At the other end is the “black magic woman,” perhaps harking back to such sorceresses as Circe and Medea. She casts spells, boils potions, and manipulates or entraps men.

Somewhere in between are TV show witches such as “Bewitched” or “Sabrina,” who learn to control magic while causing comical misunderstandings. There are also young women, such as the three sisters in “Charmed,” who use their craft to battle evil but never for personal gain, ironically legitimizing witchcraft for social good.


Häxan: Witchcraft Through the Ages (1922, Sweden-Denmark, directed by Benjamin Christensen).

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