This image took firm root in the Christian era, when witches were women who consorted with the devil; but old and ugly witches predated Jesus. The image of the good witch is ascendant in popular culture at a time when women have made strides towards equalityThis brings us to our last type: the good witch. We may likewise see Gage’s spirit in Gregory Maguire’s novel Wicked, which reimagines the Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba, as a heroic, misunderstood character. Of course no discussion of good witches can be complete without the superlative Hermione Granger. Or perhaps we can at last celebrate female strength, recognising that witches – and women – are not going away •• Circe by Madeline Miller is published by Bloomsbury (£16.99).

Source: The Guardian April 07, 2018 06:56 UTC