I love witches. Witches are awesome. They come in all shapes and sizes and shades. They are everywoman. And here are my favourites in fiction:
12. Tara Maclay (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
One of Buffy's most underrated characters. She's wonderful not just for queer representation, but for relatability and possessing a kind and gentle heart. So naturally her demise at the end of season 6 was inevitable. An abuse victim throughout her whole life whose inner strength is understated yet powerful in its own right. Not much else to say that I haven't already, so here is a recap of Tara's character from my old list:
I don't think that many people appreciate just how good a character Tara is. Outside of being a lesbian - which is important for representation - her sexuality and relationship with Willow are not the only things to say about her. I'd even go so far as to say that she is probably the best friend Buffy ever had. The characters in Buffy's group of friends and family tend to not be exactly supportive of the poor Slayer, to the point of taking her for granted and being emotionally abusive towards her should she not do anything they want her to do, not realising she's still a human being who has saved the world hundreds of times (looking at you, 'Dead Man's Party' - worst episode of 'Buffy', ever). But Tara is different. She is a genuinely nice person; having come from an abusive family herself, she understands the importance of empathy (her ESP power is only mentioned once in the entire series, however, in the number of times it could have come in handy). She's caring and supportive towards Buffy - and I'm not only talking about what happens in 'The Body'. In season 6, Buffy confesses to Tara - and nobody else - that she's sleeping with Spike; something she's so ashamed of and confused about, she cries. Tara doesn't judge her, she doesn't jump to conclusions, and she doesn't rub anything in Buffy's face in a passive-aggressive manner after she knows about Spike. She listens, she lets Buffy - who had very recently come back from the dead - know she has her back, and tries to help out. Tara even defends her friend when Spike makes a pass at her. Tara is the truest friend the Slayer could hope for. She doesn't take any of Willow's crap either, when Willow becomes an abusive partner. It's devastating what happens to Tara at the end of the season. She is a treasure, who's been through so much abuse in her life, and might just possess the most common sense out of all the other characters in 'Buffy'. As a witch she is sadly sidelined, and doesn't demonstrate a lot of magical spellcasting, since the show focuses primarily on her girlfriend Willow's rise to power. But as a person, I adore her. She was too good for the cruel world of 'Buffy'.
11. Anthy Himemiya (Revolutionary Girl Utena)
A bit of a spoiler reveal by putting Anthy on this list. Consider this entry a spoiler warning.
But wow is the Rose Bride not at all what she seems at the beginning of the Revolutionary Girl Utena anime. At first glance, she's a shy and gentle wallflower who gets abused by nearly everybody and doesn't stand up for herself. Self-preservation means nothing to her, since she acts as much like an object as she is perceived to be by those who wish to possess her for their own selfish desires. She's a victim needing saving by Utena. At second glance, she knows more than she lets on, but is she a part of the Ohtori Academy's spider web of intricacies - a cog in the machine - or is she one of the masters of it? At third glance, yes, she is definitely manipulative and cunning. Like, knowing her is poisonous. But at the final glance, she could be just a lonely and guilt-ridden little girl - continuously punishing herself when she has already suffered so much. How often do women characters get to be this complex? And she's only fourteen. Anthy is an abuse victim, convinced that she deserves every kind of cruelty and monstrous act inflicted on her. She's not above letting abuse happen to others as well. She appears to nonchalantly give and receive toxicity everywhere she goes. But at the very end, she might be willing to escape it all, for there is someone out in the big wide world, outside of the prison of the Academy, who truly cares for her. Anthy is a witch in both a literal sense (though that's very subtle) and in a metaphorical sense: in showing how women who are not labeled to be "good" - like princesses - are branded witches and so they're deserving of scorn, abuse and even death. Due to the incest taboo, Anthy is the only girl in the world who cannot be called a princess, which is unacceptable in the world of fairy tales and the patriarchy. Tragically, she did only want to help and care for those she loved. Anthy might appear dead inside due to childhood trauma, but her capacity to love might return - for another girl. Like Tara, she is excellent for queer rep, especially in anime. Also for POC rep. And she's as flawed and complex as they come. Revolutionary Girl Utena first aired in 1997. You don't really see characters like Anthy Himemiya anymore, which is a shame. She is a witch who can save herself from the patriarchy, with help from another woman.
10. Baba Yaga
Loads of info about this fairy tale witch from Russian folklore can be found anywhere on the internet. Basically, she's an old and unpleasant crone who lives in the deep dark woods in a little house with chicken legs, and lots of magical torches and skulls. She makes bargains and deals with whatever lowly mortal visits her, and not many come back from her encounters alive. But despite her grotesque appearance and the way she treats people, she is not a villain, nor necessarily an evil witch. She's a no-nonsense sage who has lived for so long that she knows whats what and wheres where. She rewards the just and determined, and punishes the wicked, the greedy, the lazy, and the stupid. Everybody is a fool until they prove to her otherwise. I don't have a favourite interpretation of her; there are hundreds, and she's interesting and enchanting wherever she is represented. What a female legend! To be admired more than feared.
For more info, see my book reviews of 'Ask Baba Yaga: Otherworldly Advice for Everyday Troubles', and 'The House with Chicken Legs'.
9. Claire, Jolene, and Andy (Spell on Wheels)
A fun trio of witches in recent comic books. Claire is an optimistic, curvy Canadian, Jolene is an assertive, impulsive Asian lesbian, and Andy is a shy African-American with hidden powers beyond imagination. Together they make a great mystery-solving team with their own snazzy Wiccan car - a Scooby gang of witches. They have individual gifts and affinities of their own, but they are also mediums and exorcists. The three are not a bunch of meddling kids, either; they're adults with jobs in civilian society. Claire, Jolene and Andy are the power of three in modern female friendships, in positive Wiccan lifestyles, and in outspoken feminism. No man is going to bring them down!
See my review of the Spell on Wheels comic here.
8. Raven (Teen Titans)
Another edition from my previous list. I've read more about Raven since then, and she is another complex witch. As well as a demon offspring. Her identity crisis is what her character is all about - constantly fighting her dark half, and she was brought into existence solely to destroy the world. Despite this, she has remained a heroine (in recent incarnations, at least). Raven is DC's gothic superheroine, with the heart and mind of a lonely, frightened little girl, whose emotions are destructive and so she must keep them under control herself. She's fascinating, and not in the degrading "emo" aspect of her character. I own a figurine of her Teen Titans Go! incarnation, even though I hate that show. (It was the closest I could find to a Teen Titans animated series Raven figurine). Further more, here is a recap of Raven courtesy of the past:
Raven is a dark, powerful witch - the daughter of the show's version of the Devil, Trigon - who can also be adorable in her social skills, or lack thereof. The many sides to her character add wonders to her development over the"silly" cartoon's five seasons. Blunt, mean, shy, and very smart as well, Raven excels as a complex hero, whatever her age.
And click here to see my review of her solo comic adventure.
7. Elaine (The Love Witch)
Another dark, dangerous, and lonely and complex witch from one of my new favourite movies. Elaine is explicitly anti-feminist, and a sexual predator of men. But that's what she's been brought up to believe in - from the disastrous relationships of her past - and she is terrified of her ideal man leaving her, and not loving her. But patriarchal expectations of both men and women are BS, as the film proves. Elaine tries to act as a heterosexual man's fantasy come true, domestically and sexually, on par with the patriarchy's standards for women in general. Of course this is a self-destructive path; for her psyche, not to mention the body count. Elaine is a witch who is like a tragic horror movie monster. She's very much human and sympathetic, similar to Carrie. Like many of the witches on this list, she's been a lifelong abuse victim, and sadly can't quite handle independence and loneliness. She may be broken beyond repair. But Elaine is an alluring and fascinating creation on screen, with her own Victorian mansion, reminiscent of old movie femme fatales, and Morticia Addams. Her confidence is a mask, like her make-up. She is sick to death of disappointing romances in real life, away from childish fairy tales and classic stories. Vulnerable, narcissistic, and tragic, Elaine might just need more supportive female friends, from toxic-free backgrounds. And new ways to express herself sexually in a healthy manner. You will fall under her spell; be unable to take your eyes off her.
6. Nico Minoru (Sister Grim) (Runaways)
Marvel's own gothic teen witch whom I have read more about since I made the last witch list. Nico is Asian, leaning towards bisexuality, and is often careful with her magic because it is very powerful and dangerous. The magic she uses with her Staff of One is as sensitive as she is as a person. Still very young, and having been through traumatic experiences and lost many of her friends in the process, things aren't easy for this witch superhero. While Nico is still learning, she is growing into her own as a hero, and as a worthy opponent in the Marvel Universe. Due to her parents and a few of her former friends turning traitor on her, naturally she has trust issues. But she wants to love and bring the people she loves back together again, and not necessarily by magical means. I own a figurine of Nico Minoru, too. She's cool ;)
5. Diana Cavendish (Little Witch Academia)
Who starts out as a head mean girl and "rival" becomes perhaps the most complex character in the Little Witch Academia anime series. A child prodigy from a long, rich line of witches, Diana has a lot to live up to, and a lot of expectations put on her young shoulders. What will happen when she wants to make her own choices for her future? She rarely smiles, hates idiocy and incompetence, and doesn't seem to be interested in making friends with those she deems below her. But as is typical in anime archetypes, she's a defrosting ice queen who just needs the naive and spunky lead to show her the way: meaning, the power of friendship. Her classism is a result of her upbringing. Regardless, she does care for people; for her family especially, as she has experienced tragic loss. She doesn't want magic to die out and become a lost art form. Diana is revealed to be very unselfish, in fact; willing to sacrifice her own happiness for others'. That's what I love about her. Powerful, smart, reserved, elegant and regal, what a witch! She's a secret Shiny Chariot fan, as well. Sure didn't see that coming.
4. Kiki (Kiki's Delivery Service)
Again, not much else to say that I haven't before. Kiki is a charming and relatable young girl, the star of one of my favourite Studio Ghibli films. Her simple, slice-of-life story as a teen witch moving to a new town is a wonderful metaphor for growing up, accepting change, and finding yourself again, after issues with self-confidence and self-esteem get you down. She is just like every young teen girl in reality. Because magic or not, cartoon or not, Kiki is a real girl. Her talents lie within herself; she only has to believe in her own capabilities. Witches - they are all women and girls in general. Beautiful. Important representation.
An extract from the old little list:
One of my favourite Studio Ghibli films - a simple, sweet little story about a thirteen-year-old witch named Kiki, who leaves her home to settle into a new one. She starts her new life in a seaside town, and finds out her skills and place in life from there. Kiki is a brilliant character all around - Miyazaki-san writes the best women and young girls. While the only thing in the film to mark her as a witch is her flying her broom, it is a great skill she gains and loses over the course of the film, depending on her mood. Not at all like a typical shoujo main lead, Kiki is just so realistic as a growing girl, witch heritage notwithstanding. She tries hard at everything, and no task is too big for her, though she has limits. I can relate to her love for purple, too. Kiki - a standout heroine.
3. Elsa (Frozen)
Yep, nuff said. I must have written about her character thousands of times before. Here are a few samplings:
From the previous list: She's more of an ice and snow sorceress, and she doesn't cast any intentional spells in the traditional sense, but I still count Elsa as a witch. One who learns not to be ashamed of her gifts, and love herself, as there are people who love her for who she is. Everyone around her learns not to fear her, and it makes seeing her embrace her powers fully at the end of the movie more rewarding. I mean, look at the palace she built by herself in a matter of seconds! Elsa - a moving character; as clear, cool and deep as an ice pond.
From my Top 20 Favourite Female Characters list: From one queen to another, it's Elsa! I cannot gush enough, or discuss more adequately, why I love her so much. So many others have analyzed her whole character already, but I'll give my two cents. Elsa is someone who was made into an introvert in order to hide the ice powers she was born with - a very powerful gift or a curse depending on how she uses it. Through most of her life she was encouraged to close herself off from everyone around her, including her loving and well-meaning family. To put on a show, and never reveal her true feelings in case her gifts are known. She believes her powers are a curse, something to be feared and concealed at all costs. This is a situation I'm sure anyone who has something different about them, or are in a minority, can relate to. They have to hide who they really are in order to fit in - to conceal, don't feel, don't let what makes them special show. To fit in a "normal" society is a survival tactic more than anything else: Bad things can happen to "freaks", and they may be hated and feared if they are different from the mundane and ordinary. Elsa, in the whole hour-and-a-half-long running time of 'Frozen', embodies this beautifully, She shows how important it is to believe in oneself, to never hate oneself, to seek the right help when needed, and to not let fear and anxiety take over one's life. Don't worry, someone is bound to understand you for who you are, and love you no matter what. Elsa, behind the closed doors, is a sad, grieving woman, but upon entrance - deeper inspection - you'll find she does have a nice, warm personality. For Disney to not make her a villain is one of the best decisions made in 'Frozen', because it shows that not everyone who is different is bad, after all. This ice queen is just misunderstood, therefore relatable. She's a case study on the whole psychological spectrum. I'm happy that Elsa is beloved by so many people she's practically become an icon - Disney's new Mickey Mouse - and not sorely because of her outward beauty. She's an independent; no one cares she has no love interest. On that note, the general public wish for her to get a girlfriend in the sequel - a perfect fit considering that her arc reflects what those in the LBGTQ community go through. It is likely too much to hope for from Disney, however, even in these progressive times, but we can dream. Elsa is a queen (imagine Disney, a queer queen!) treated with reverence and respect. Not an ice queen in her heart, it's easy to why her large fanbase resonates with her. Regal, intelligent, with more secluded depths than a snowy mountain - plus a veiled, warm sense of humour - Queen Elsa is just fantastic.
And from the Heroines of Legend.
Now I only hope that Disney doesn't cop out in making Elsa explicitly LBGTQ in the Frozen sequel.
2. Hermione Granger (Harry Potter)
Again, no introduction needed. Luna Lovegood is an honorable mention.
From my Top 20 Favourite Female Characters list: Hermione is an assertive, grounded, bossy, and highly intelligent bookworm; no question, without her Harry would not have survived his first year at Hogwarts. He would have been dead many times over without his loyal and dear friend Hermione. She is not afraid of anything, much less what people think of her. True, her disbelief in a lot of things in the magical world is confusing and annoying. On the other other hand, she does require proof and seeing for herself if something is true so she can come to her own conclusions; thus determine how things work and how she can use the information. Hermione is a witch with a scientist's brain, and she is a star.
From the Heroines of Legend.
Plus my reviews of all the Harry Potter books, which can be found here.
And you know who my number one witch of all time is, don't you?
1. Elphaba (Wicked)
My favourite witch ever in fiction is my favourite character in fiction ever. I can't gush enough about this extraordinary female creation. So soulful and magical; a relatable and complicated beauty. A powerful triumph on all sorts of levels.
From my Top 20 Favourite Female Characters list: Yep, my hero in musicals is also my biggest hero in all fiction. Elphaba is an outcast, a witch, a bookworm, a nerd, a diplomat, a freedom fighter, a friend to everyone - or tries to be - a sexually-liberated individual, and a misunderstood and hugely complex figure: She's practically all the other women on this list and more. In personality she's everything I am and who I want to be. Who knew that such an original creation could have come from a rather one-note villain in 'The Wizard of Oz' and from such a brilliantly-conceived but poorly-executed 1995 book? Elphaba isn't deep or likable in the slightest in the original source material - she barely does anything on her own, is a constant victim, and all her actions can be summed up in one sentence: "Because the plot says so." But in the musical, boy is she improved! Elphaba is a leader and a protector, at first to her younger sister and then to her friends, then to all of Oz, who have been brainwashed by the Wizard into believing she is wicked. She isn't evil or cruel, far from it. She fights for justice, loves animals and Animals, loves her family, and doesn't allow herself to be a pawn in the Wizard's schemes. Elphaba tries not to be the bad witch almost all of Oz wants her to be. Yet as the story goes, for all her efforts she will be viewed as a villain, no matter how hard her attempts are in exposing government corruption. Elphaba is everything: Brave, maternal, caring, super smart, witty, gifted in magic and strategics, romantic, both an introvert and extrovert, hopeful, tragic, a child of two worlds, and colourful. She has green skin - honestly, who wouldn't want green skin? Elphaba - Elphie - is the quintessential feminist character. A bonafide well-rounded female. And she can sing! I love Idina Menzel, and her role as Elsa - so similar to Elphie - is also an iconic performance. Elphaba is potentially bisexual, too. What is not to love about her? She will keep on defying gravity! Testing herself and moving forward, like all powerful women, in fiction and in history, do to survive. The rest of the world simply needs to listen to them, and believe in them.
Finally, from the Heroines of Legend.
Hope you have enjoyed this list. Have a fantastic day.
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