Witches in pop culture?

The Portrayl of Witches have often varied through the ages, there are several non traditonal portrayls of them let's take a look

Wicked Witch



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This type tends to have the following traits

1. Very old, verging on the ancient.

2. Widowed, often by choice.

3. Wrinkled skin.

4. Large hooked nose.

5. Warts.

6. Facial hair.

7. Unhealthily colored skin, sometimes going past a sickly greenish tinge to a biologically impossible straight-out green.

8. If she doesn't have green skin and gray hair it will be pale skin and black hair.

9. Long stringy hair or a severe bun.

10. Missing teeth.

11. If teeth are present they will be irregular or decayed.

12. Dresses in black.

13. Wears a pointed black hat.

14. Speaks to animals, often her cat, which is black

15. Keeps other "unwholesome" pets like snakes or a tarantula.

16. Flies around on a broom (bit of a give away on its own really).

17. Lives in a strange or simply just isolated cottage.

18. Makes potions, often in a large cauldron.

19. Cackles.

20. Eats children

21. Curses people, often by turning them into frogs.

Perhaps because most bards were male back then, wizards get better press, seeming to get more "good" and sage-like with age. But then again, there was a time when "witch" literally meant "person who received magical power from the devil".................Odd. If a non-evil female magic user appeared in folklore, she'd be referred to with a term like "sorceress" or "fairy godmother" instead.

Witch Species



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In the modern day, though, either the positive or negative connotations of magic-as-divinely-attained would result in controversy (perhaps due to the ease with which either one may be confused with the other). So, in much fiction, witchcraft has become more of a matter of Genetics. Either "witch" is merely a particular race of humanity, or a different species altogether. This is a bit closer to a belief among the Azande of Congo in Africa, which is that that an inherited organ (often located near the liver) allows potential unconscious use of magic.

A Witch Species is also mentioned in very early Christian writings describing a belief that witches were tiny creatures that cause sickness in plants, animals and people. In other words, germs. But these writings also dismissed this idea as a superstitious delusion.

The witch's powers are merely a physical trait which you either have or you don't, although those lucky enough to be born into a Witch Species may still have to work hard for their abilities to reach their full potential.

Note that these characters were originally almost Always Female, unless male relatives are introduced, and male magic-users generally use learned skills for their magic. There are rarely Witch Species boys, although they're referred to as warlocks or in some cases Wizards.

Cute Witch



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The original Magical Girl archetype. Sometimes she's from some far off land unless the whole show is in a magical setting. Magic study is often equated with school, and many characters are out getting their licenses. The origin of magic is implied to be genetic with training required to hone it. She may be a princess, who may or may not be visiting Earth as part of training to become queen—if so she may have to compete with rivals to the throne.

She may or may not be actively fighting monsters. Usually it's a hard enough life just trying to get through the day, and she'll use her magic (often a non-flashy variety) to make things easier. Theoretically.

Cute Witches are sometimes thought to have influenced the rather benevolent image of witches in Japan.

She will almost always wear a robe and wizard hat, and may or may not use a Magic Wand. If she has a pet, it will likely be a cat.


Lovely Witch



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This is what the Cute Witch often grows up to be, if she grows up, and if she doesn't lose her powers at a certain age. Whether a member of a Witch Species or an ordinary human, she is a mysterious woman with strange, magical, or seemingly magical powers, at least in the eyes of other characters or the audience. She also happens to be beautiful or at least elegant. While the Wicked Witch is traditionally ugly on the outside and evil on the inside, she's the exact opposite, beautiful and charming. She's usually at least somewhat benevolent. If she's less than completely noble in her intentions, she'll be Affably Evil at worst. She might keep a black cat and a broom, but rarely wears the full witch outfit. Usually, she dresses in stylish ordinary or modern clothing.

Who knew their were to many attributes to a witch both past and present.
The music was cool. I always like the good witch. They seem like they have powers for Good and not evil.