A maleficent witch is a type of witch that is characterized by her wickedness and cruelty. Maleficent witches are often portrayed as powerful and dangerous, using their magic for evil purposes. These witches are typically depicted as having dark or twisted appearances, with features that reflect their sinister nature. In folklore and mythology, maleficent witches are often depicted as capable of causing harm and havoc through their spells and curses. They are often associated with dark magic and are known for their ability to manipulate and control others for their own malicious purposes. One of the most well-known maleficent witches in popular culture is Maleficent from Disney's Sleeping Beauty.
From Ursula to Maleficent: Which Witch Is the Best Disney Witch?
First things first: What are witches, really, and where did they come from?
Historically, “witches” were women who practiced witchcraft, or various types of natural “healing,” and mention of them goes as far back as the bible. Witch hysteria overtook Europe in the 1400s, with many single women and widowers especially being burned at the stake, with the Salem Witch Trials in Massachusetts following that in 1692.
Perhaps because of history of perhaps because of an innate male distrust of them, in nearly every popular book or fairytale prior to the 21st century, witches and various other “evil” females have been women who do not have children. They are often old or ugly — or, if they are beautiful, then they’re evil — and frequently they use their powers to cause harm to innocent children.
This archaic witch trope continued into the 20th century with the invention of animated films. Evil women who are not mothers repeatedly populate the world of animated cartoons as witches, not to mention all the evil queens or evil stepmothers. Here are three of the best Disney witches, and what makes them tick.
One of the most well-known maleficent witches in popular culture is Maleficent from Disney's Sleeping Beauty. She is portrayed as a powerful sorceress who curses Princess Aurora to die on her sixteenth birthday. Maleficent is shown to be cruel and vengeful, taking pleasure in causing harm and chaos.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
The Evil Queen in Snow White is both an evil queen and an evil stepmother. She is, furthermore, the original witch to show up, not only onscreen as an animated character but also as the first character in the very first scene of the very first Disney animated film. She is basically the original villain. When the magic mirror “tells” the queen she is no longer the fairest in the land (because a mirror cannot lie, whether it speaks or not), the Evil Queen becomes so consumed with bitterness and hatred she has nowhere else to go but down. The problem is that she has no purpose if she is not the most beautiful. Being queen in a peaceful land that requires nothing of her is hardly a reason to get up in the morning, and since she is not a mother, she has no kids to tend to or anything else to do. So it is not only a fight against nature that pits the Evil Queen against her poor stepdaughter, now the fairest one in the land, but also a lack of meaning too. That’ll turn anyone into a witch!
Walt Disney Pictures/courtesy Everett Collection
Ironically, in order to trick Snow White into eating a poisonous apple, the Evil Queen casts a spell to disguise herself as an old lady, the thing she fears most, because she views them as invisible and weak (women getting plastic surgery can be seen as the modern solution to this innate fear of aging). Though the Evil Queen is successful in getting Snow White to fall into a coma from which only true love can awaken her, she gets rewarded for this by being chased off a cliff by seven dwarfs, then falling to her death.
Charlize Theron starred in a live-action film based on this Grimm’s fairytale in 2012, and another modern film adaptation is forthcoming in 2024 with Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen.
The reason it remains so popular and continues to be the premise of remake after remake is not only due to its classic good vs. evil plotline but also because under the surface, this story is a cautionary tale and a timeless, universal truth: You can’t fight nature!
In literature, maleficent witches are often portrayed as the main antagonists. They are cunning, manipulative, and driven by their desire for power or revenge. They may use their magic to manipulate and deceive others, or to inflict pain and suffering. Overall, maleficent witches are a fascinating and iconic figure in folklore, mythology, and popular culture. They embody the dark side of magic and serve as cautionary characters who remind us of the dangers of unchecked power and wicked intentions..
Reviews for "Influential Maleficent Witches Who Redefined the Genre"
1. John - ★☆☆☆☆
I was really disappointed with "Maleficent Witches." The plot was weak and predictable, and it felt like a cheap attempt to cash in on the success of the previous Maleficent films. The characters lacked depth and development, and the acting was subpar. Overall, I found it to be a disappointing and forgettable movie.
2. Emily - ★★☆☆☆
I had high expectations for "Maleficent Witches," but it fell short for me. The special effects were impressive, but the story was confusing and hard to follow. Additionally, the pacing was off, and I often found myself bored and uninterested. The performances were lackluster, and the dialogue was uninspired. Overall, I was underwhelmed by this movie.
3. Sarah - ★★☆☆☆
I found "Maleficent Witches" to be a convoluted mess. The editing and storytelling were disjointed, making it difficult to fully engage with the movie. The visuals were impressive at times, but they couldn't make up for the lack of a compelling narrative. The characters were one-dimensional, and the ending was unsatisfying. Overall, I wouldn't recommend wasting your time on this film.