Blog Issue #7
Creature Witches
Creature witches are frequently portrayed as having animalistic or unsightly traits. Their stories are intertwined within the broad history of witchcraft and folklore, spanning from ancient times to the present day. These images typically blend pagan beliefs, Christian fears of the supernatural, and societal tensions aimed at marginalized individuals.
Left image: Catharina Steel, generated in AI and edited in Photoshop, November 2023
Right image: Catharina Steel, generated in AI and edited in Photoshop, September 2024
I’ve previously shared that I generate visual representations of my characters and scenes to better envision them, enhancing my ability to describe them in detail. These are visuals I generated of Whitney, a benevolent creature witch from my middle-grade mystery/fantasy series, The Wythic Wood Mysteries. She resides on Opa’s property, known as Clayton Forest. Her skin has a yellow hue, and her light blue eyes are encircled with gold. In my story, creature witches are naturally the size of a hand. All witches, both creatures and humans, have the ability to telepathically communicate with animals.
In the same series, a notable feature of creature witches who have succumbed to evil is their irises turning completely black, as depicted in the images of Cleo, the Witch of Wythic Wood, shown below.
Left image: Catharina Steel painting edited with BeCasso, January 2020
Right image: Catharina Steel, generated in AI and edited in Photoshop, April 2024
Ancient Times
The idea of witches and their link to animals predates Christianity. In ancient myths and folklore, there are often beings with enchanting powers and abilities to transform shapes, who could be considered early versions of the witch archetype.
In ancient Greece, beings such as harpies and “strixes” (owl-like creatures known for preying on infants) were portrayed as terrifying, monstrous entities.
Ancient Persian beliefs about magical practitioners and their connections to the supernatural may have influenced later European views of witches.
Pagan religions often involved rituals and beliefs about nature spirits and natural forces, which were sometimes misunderstood or condemned by later Christian authorities.
In my middle grade story, Jess (below images) is a human witch. She learns how to make potions, write spells, and communicate with animals.
Left image: Catharina Steel, generated in AI and edited in Photoshop, August 2024
Right image: Catharina Steel, generated in AI and edited in Photoshop, August 2024
Medieval and Early Modern Europe
During the Middle Ages and the early modern era, the depiction of witches became more distinct. Witches were often portrayed as women who had formed a pact with the devil and wielded sorcery to inflict harm on others, no doubt a result of the demonization by Christian leaders.
Many societies believed that witches possessed the ability to shape-shift into animals and had familiars, which were animal companions that assisted them in their magical endeavors.
In my middle grade series I mentioned earlier, I drew inspiration from this idea for the Witch of Wythic Wood’s companion raven (shown in the images below). This concept also helped me develop the idea that all witches in this series can communicate telepathically with animals.
Left image, Catharina Steel drawing (January 2020)
Right image, Catharina Steel generated in AI and edited in Photoshop (December 2023)
Common notions about witches included the belief that they could soar through the sky on broomsticks or other items.
Another character in my middle-grade novel is Piet Ancilock (below images), affectionately known as Opa. He is an immensely powerful wizard with exceptional abilities in speed-walking, allowing him to traverse distances faster than a car, and teleportation, enabling him to move instantly from one spot to another. Additionally, he excels in crafting potions and casting spells specifically related to healing and wellness—a notoriously challenging branch of magic.
Left image, Catharina Steel painting, edited with BeCasso (January 2020)
Right image, Catharina Steel, generated in AI and edited in Photoshop (August 2024)
Allegations of witchcraft often arose from societal strains of the era, individual disputes, and fears about the unfamiliar—with women being disproportionately accused, as seen during the witch hunts and trials that spread across Europe.
Modern Times
Across the globe, diverse beliefs and practices related to witchcraft persist. Modern pagan paths, such as Wicca, frequently weave in aspects of ancient pagan traditions, such as the use of magic and a deep relationship with nature.
The portrayal of witches in popular culture is continually changing, often depicting them as strong, autonomous characters, occasionally with beast-like or unattractive traits. Today’s interpretations sometimes emphasize their bond with the environment, their abilities to heal, or their roles as spiritual mentors.
Images: Catharina Steel, generated in AI and edited in Photoshop, August 2024
Zach, another character from my middle-grade novel, is a warlock (another term for wizard) with the power of camouflage, who can blend seamlessly into his surroundings, rendering himself and anyone in contact with him invisible. He also possesses remarkable strength and stamina, which prove invaluable during skirmishes, confrontations, and hikes, among other activities.
Coming Up Next
Next month, I will be researching elves.
To read my previous post about goblins, click here.
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