There are good witches and bad witches in fiction. For example, Glinda in 'The Wizard of Oz' is a good witch, always helping Dorothy. And the Wicked Witch of the West is a bad one, causing a lot of trouble.
One of the most famous is Hermione Granger from the 'Harry Potter' series. She is highly intelligent, skilled in magic, and plays a crucial role in the adventures of Harry and Ron. Another is the Wicked Witch of the West in 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz'. She is known for her green skin and attempts to stop Dorothy on her journey.
There are also the time - traveling witches in some fictions. These witches have the ability to move through time. They can go back to the past to learn ancient magic or forward to the future to see how magic evolves. Their magic is often intertwined with the concept of time, and they may have spells that can stop, slow down or speed up time.
Well, secrecy is a big theme. Witches usually have to keep their identity and powers a secret to avoid being hunted or killed. This can be seen in many books. Also, the theme of magic vs. non - magic society is common. The witches are often on the fringes of a society that doesn't understand or accept their magic. Like in 'The Witch of Blackbird Pond', the main character is seen as different because of her connection to something that seems like witchcraft. And there's often a theme of self - discovery for the witches. As they face challenges, they learn more about their powers and themselves.
Well, take Circe from Greek mythology - based fictions. She is known for her ability to transform men into animals. She's cunning and uses her magic to control those around her. Then there's Morgan le Fay from Arthurian legends in some books. She's often depicted as a powerful and sometimes evil witch, with skills in sorcery and the ability to manipulate situations for her own gain.
Well, often they have strong female characters. Witches in these books are usually powerful and independent. For example, in 'A Discovery of Witches', the main character Diana is a powerful witch who has to navigate a world full of danger and intrigue. Another characteristic is the use of magic. Magic is a central element, like in 'The Witches' where the witches have all kinds of strange and evil magic. And there's usually a sense of mystery. The world of witches is often hidden from the normal world, and the books explore how these two worlds interact.
Another excellent choice is 'Practical Magic' by Alice Hoffman. This book follows the lives of the Owens sisters, who are witches. It's full of magic, love, and family drama, and it has a really enchanting atmosphere that draws you in.
Well, 'A Discovery of Witches' qualifies as paranormal fiction because it involves elements such as spells, magical creatures, and a hidden supernatural society. These aspects add that paranormal twist to the story.
In many fictional stories, witches are often said to have originated from ancient magic or dark powers. Sometimes they are depicted as having learned their skills from secret magical tomes or from other supernatural beings.