Women in early modern Wales typically dressed in long skirts, large woollen shawls, and tall, black hats. Could they have inspired stereotypes of the witch?
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Only five witches were executed in Wales, while thousands were sentenced to death in Scotland and England.
Witchcraft is an enduring source of fascination but also prone to popular misconceptions.
Critics of superstition have often painted openness to magical interpretations as weakness or moral failing.
These new witches are rarely comparable to traditional dirty hags. The new witch is often beautiful, at once dark, gothic, ethereal and wild.
Whether someone is scrolling mindlessly or actively conducting research, WitchTok connects witches to their practices and community.
Beyond the fairy tales, mythical stories and stereotypes, there are many ways to be a witch.
Some horror films explore women’s struggles for empowerment, sexual freedom and self-fulfilment. Six movies show the ghost, bride, mother, vampiress, witch and monster as guises of vengeful women.
Top contributors
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PhD Candidate, Languages and Literature, Aberystwyth University
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Assistant Professor of Museology, University of Iceland
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Principal Lecturer in History, University of South Wales
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PhD candidate, Creative Writing, Durham University
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Senior Lecturer in Religion and Education
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Lecturer in Modern European History, University of Bristol
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Postdoctoral fellow, Nonreligion in a Complex Future project, L’Université d’Ottawa/University of Ottawa
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Adjunct professor, Human Ecology, University of Alberta