Do You Prefer Witches as Heroes or Villains?

---

Do You Prefer Witches as Heroes or Villains in Stories?

Depending on where and when you lived, your society would have viewed witches as heroes (aka ‘wise women’, ‘cunning folk’, ‘white witches’ or ‘healers’) or as malevolent villains (aka, you know…witches) out to use magic to cast evil spells and curse the innocent.

This poses an interesting question for fans of paranormal and historical fiction: Do you prefer your witches as heroes or villains?

The Allure of the Villainous Witch

Traditionally, witches have been depicted as villains—mysterious figures wielding dark magic against the unsuspecting. From the wicked witches of the Brothers Grimm’s fairy tales to the sinister concoctions of Shakespeare’s Weird Sisters in Macbeth, these characters are often pivotal in creating conflict and suspense within a story.

Growing up I was terrified of the Wicked Witch of the West. Whenever I heard, “I’m going to get you my pretty,” I would run to my mom and bury my face in her neck until it was over. Witches can have that effect on people.

Wicked witches are not only terrifying but let’s face it: They’re cool. Powerful. And they don’t give a damn.

The Rise of the Heroic Witch

Modern witches (dare I say, ‘woke witches’?) are heroes. The witches and wizards in Harry Potter use their powers to battle evil and save the world, which is pretty awesome. Witches in fiction like Practical Magic reflect broader themes of feminism and empowerment.

What Does Your Preference Say About You?

Does your preference come from a love (or hate) of a specific character? Or does it hint at your world view? Are you interested in morally gray characters or do you prefer the thrill of watching a battle between good vs. evil?

Let’s Discuss

Now, I turn it over to you, dear readers: Do you prefer witches as heroes or villains in your favorite stories? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Lisa 😉

Here’s my own witchy tale:

Copyright (c) Lisa Traugott 2024. All rights reserved.