Modern depictions are transforming witches into increasingly charismatic figures. Yet, in the past, these women inspired fear and confusion in all cultures. Here are five of them who, according to a National Geographic articlehave particularly left their mark.
The first is called Yama Uba. Originally from the northeast of Japan and living in the most remote mountains, Yama Uba is an old woman. But when the urge arises to attack lost travelers, her hair turns into a snake and a second mouth appears on her skull to better devour her prey.
The myth of this witch is said to be inspired by a dark era for the Japanese region. de Tokyo. Novelist and historian Nyri Bakkalian explains that in the 19th centurye century, when famine struck the region, many stories of vengeful spirits circulated when it was learned that an elderly person had been abandoned in the woods to die.
The second witch is on another continent, among the Gullah. In this African-American community established in the region of the coastal islands and plains of South Carolina and Georgia, in the United States, it is Boo Hag who animates the legends. This witch is said to be known for changing her skin in order to take on a human appearance during the day, often disguising herself as a neighbor or a family member. At night, Boo Hag would remove her skin in order to suck the spirits of those around her.
This witch is inspired by fear and betrayal between human beings. A myth that could be linked to the expression “Clothes don’t make the man”.
Chedipe the Indian vampire, La Lechuza the witch owl
In India, in the Godavari region, it is Chedipe who frightens the crowds. When this witch-vampire enters a house, she begins by making all the occupants lose consciousness. Then, she sucks the blood of each one through the toes. Chedipe also has sexual intercourse with the men of the house, to give rise to suspicions of infidelity and break the trust in families. She feeds on sadness and pain.
This legend of Chedipe is said, according to Gothic literature expert Devendra Varma, to have travelled to Europe via the Silk Road and inspired depictions of vampires as sexual predators, such as Dracula.
In Mexico, La Lechuza is a witch who transforms into a huge owl with a human face. She is said to have made a pact with demons to be able to transform into a giant bird. But above all, La Lechuza is known for attacking drunken men: she either kills them instantly with her cursed feathers, or she takes them to her nest to devour them.
In recent years, women and queer people have begun to transform La Lechuza into a symbol of strength. Author Jeana Jorgensen explains that “Some people, when they don’t fit into society’s norms, like to attach themselves to the identity of a witch.”especially when faced with daily injustice.
This global tour ends in Slavic folklore, with Baba Yaga, a powerful witch. She watches over the boundary between the living and the dead, but is not solely a figure of fear. Depending on how she is addressed, Baba Yaga can also offer help (magical, of course) and wisdom. This witch, often depicted with iron teeth and partial blindness, still lives in a coffin-like hut, resting on chicken feet. But author GennaRose Nethercott says that this hut design represents a strong connection to the wilderness.
Source: www.slate.fr
