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The Italians call them Strega. The Yoruba of West Africa call them Aje, meaning mother. Where my mother was from, they called them Häxa. And here, we call them witch. Over the centuries, vampires have fought them and fought beside them, bedded them and burned them. Whether adversary or ally, they have been a force to be reckoned with.
Elijah about witches in Après Moi, Le Déluge

Witches are supernatural beings who are born with the power to affect change by magical means, known as witchcraft. While many witches are the self-proclaimed "Keepers of the Balance," other witches have been known to work against the Balance and use their power for personal gain.

History[]

The origin of witches, and by extension witchcraft, remains unknown, however, witches have existed for many centuries passing down their knowledge and skills through generations of family lines. Contrary to popular belief, witches do not receive their powers from demons, nor do they worship the Devil. Instead, witches consider themselves "the Servants of Nature," as they make it their duty to maintain balance within the world.

Witchcraft[]

Main article: Witchcraft

Witchcraft is the practice of magic. However, before a witch has come into their power, they're considered "untapped",[1] and their magic is considered pure. Prior to tapping into their magic they are, for all intents and purposes, "human", and before the destruction of the Other Side, would have passed on to their destined afterlife.[2][3] After awakening their power, witchcraft can encompass many different types of activities including astrology, divination, spell casting, and spirit communication. It includes the practices of many cultures, nations, and religions as well as many books and writings dating back to ancient times. Depending upon the individual, some witches practice their power by certain belief systems, such as Shamanism, Voodoo, Wicca, or any number of other magical practices from countries and cultures all around the world. Although the majority of traditional witches are commonly portrayed as being kind and selfless humans who use their powers to maintain balance within the world, some witches are not and go directly against the Balance of Nature by practicing their powers for dark and sinister or selfish deeds. A few darker witches go so far as to subvert the very laws that govern Nature.

The Balance of Nature[]

The Balance of Nature is a spiritual belief system based around the observance of the Earth and reverence of Mother Nature. The goal of many witches is to honor the design of Nature and to maintain balance within the natural world. The Balance of Nature is intimately tied to one's spiritual relationship with the Earth, and the idea that all living things are considered sacred, as they are all different aspects of nature. Contemporary witches often use ceremonies, rituals, or shamanic practices to attune themselves with the natural rhythms of Nature in their efforts to obtain guidance and knowledge from wiser known witches called "the Spirits" or from their ancestors. However, according to Gloria, who referred to herself as an "old-school voodoo" practitioner, not all witches follow this belief system and have free will to choose how they practice their power.

Classification[]

While witches, in general, are numerous throughout the world and thrive in various cultures, they're often referred to by other names. Though these cultures are not elaborated upon, they include "Strega" of Italy; "Aje" of the Yoruba people of Nigeria, West Africa; "Häxa" of Sweden,[4] as well as Latvian (of Latvia),[5] Santería (of Morocco),[6] and Obi (or Obeah of Nigeria)[7] witches.

Witches with special abilities or gifts can further distinguish them; those being siphoners, Travelers, Seers, pyromancers, and muses. Siphoners, or siphon witches, are few in number and born without the ability to generate their own magic but they possess a rare power that allows them to siphon magic from external sources through touch. Traveler witches were cursed a millennia ago and forced to become nomadic or face destruction while developing their own brand of magic. Seers and Oracles are witches specializing in the practice of divination, typically without the aid of spells. Oracles, when they change the outcome of their visions, they change and become a Fury, which grants them a connection to the minds of gods. Pyromancers, of unknown origins but found mostly in East Asia, are another unique and rare type of fire-breathing witch; however, only a couple dozen are said to remain.[8] Muses are another unique witch with the special power of inspiration and born under extremely rare circumstances; i.e. the seventh daughter of a seventh daughter.

Powers and Abilities[]

Witches can achieve a variety of powers or abilities through their use of witchcraft and spell casting; however, age, experience, knowledge, or power can limit the capabilities of one witch to that of another.

Main article: Spells and Rituals
  • Spell Casting: One of the defining characteristics of a witch is their ability to cast spells; a "spell" being a word, a verse or incantation, ritual action, or any combination of these to carry out a magical action. On rare occasions such actions can be performed without the use of a verbal spell.
  • Channeling: The power to invoke extra forms of energy by focusing on external forces.
  • Potion Brewing: The power to brew and concoct potions, remedies, and elixirs that have supernatural properties with varying effects.
TVD 5x21 Liv Uses Telekinesis on SUV
  • Telekinesis: The power to move objects and persons through mental influence.
  • Pain Infliction: The power to create excruciating migraines or aneurysms through supernatural means.
  • Elemental Control: The power to control and manipulate the elements of air, earth, fire, and water.
  • Divination: The power to divine future, past, and present events based on extrasensory perception.
    • Clairvoyance: The power to divine future, past or present events through instinctive knowledge.
    • Intuition: The power to divine future, past or present events through the use of instinctive knowledge.
    • Premonitions: The power to divine future, past or present events through the observation and study of dreams.
    • Psychometry: The power to divine future, past or present events through contact with or proximity to a certain object or person.
  • Projection: The power to separate from one's body and project the mind to another location or to instantaneously travel from one point to another.
  • Transmogrification: The unique power to alter the physical structure of objects living or dead, changing their form through spells.
  • Telepathy: The power that allows witches to access the minds of others through spells.
  • Possession: The power to jump one's spirit into the body of another, taking control of said host body through spells.
  • Illusions: The power to alter the senses of others to perceive a false reality through spells.
  • Dream Manipulation: The power to control people's dreams through spells.
  • Resurrection: The power to bring someone or one's self back from the dead through spells.

Weaknesses[]

  • Disbelief: The act of denying or disbelieving in one's potential could cause a witch to inadvertently suppress their magical power.
  • Distraction: Denying a witch from concentrating or giving full attention to their spells, may render them ineffective. Since most spells are spoken verbally and take time to take effect, witches are vulnerable to attack before their completion. Additionally, certain spells require items, tools, and or special events during casting, therefore they can't be invoked on a mere whim.
  • Emotions: A witch's magic is subject to the influence of their emotional state and may fluctuate according to them, especially when untrained. According to Sheila Bennett, strong emotions such as worry and anger can fuel a witch's power while emotions such as fear may prevent a witch from properly accessing them.
  • Herbs: Ingestion of certain herbs can cause a witch to lose consciousness and prevent them from using magic for an undetermined amount of time. The Lobelia flower prevents concentration and, therefore, the practice of magic and can be used to temporarily weaken a witch.
  • Huntress' Blood: The supernatural huntress' blood can suppress all magic of a witch when consumed, as well as prevent magic from working on said witch, as seen when the Armory could not perform a locator spell on Bonnie Bennett. Prolonged ingestion is toxic and ultimately leads to the death of the witch. Once black scabs start appearing on their body, the infected witch has less than a week of life. There is no known cure to combat this disease.
  • Witchcraft: Witches are still susceptible to the powers of witchcraft. This is inclusive of mystical and dark objects. A siphoner can siphon the magic from a witch and prolonged exposure is said to lead to death.
  • Mortality: Despite their mystical attributes, witches are still human and share many of the same weaknesses as non-supernatural beings (e.g. age, decapitation, disease, heart-failure, suffocation, snapped neck, etc.). However, witches can temporarily get around this weakness through the use of protection spells.
  • Overexertion: The excessive use of magic can lead to disorientation, nose bleeds, unconsciousness, and if taken to the extreme, death.
  • Nature: It is said that Nature will always find a balance when witchcraft is performed, thus spells will always have loopholes. This means, among other things, that no being can be truly immortal.
  • Mystic Falls Founders Bell: An indestructible bell that amplifies the effects of the Staff of Arcadius when combined with the Maxwell Striker. When struck, it produces a high frequency that has some minor effects on witches and siphoners, giving them painful headaches. Apart from this, it does not affect their ability to perform magic and cast spells.

Tools[]

Main article: Witches' tools
  • Amulets: An object that is used to protect its wearer from harm.
  • Athames: A ceremonial dagger with a double-edged blade that is commonly used to direct energy.
  • Candles: A block of solid wax with an embedded wick that is commonly lit to amplify a witch's spell.
  • Cauldrons: A large metal pot that is commonly used to hold the ingredients for elixirs and potions.
  • Grimoires: A family journal is documented with magical recipes, rituals, and spells. Grimoires can also be used as a Talisman to represent a witch.
  • Herbs: Various flora used as ingredients to be incorporated into spells as binding agents.
  • Stones: Various minerals and ores used to boost or bind a witch's spell.
  • Symbols: Seals drawn or written used as physical representations of spells.
  • Talismans: Objects that can be used to magnify a witch's power and/or represent them supernaturally.

Relationships[]

Nature[]

"Witches have a connection to the Earth. We can literally feel nature."
Bonnie in Break On Through

The relationship between Nature and witches is a very deep and spiritual connection. While the majority of witches seem to respect Nature with just as much commitment and reverence as religious factions do about their churches or mosques, it has been proven that not all witches share this belief and have made malevolent acts that go against the Balance of Nature.

Witches[]

"Well, the way he sees it all witches are family. We're all bonded together by a code of loyalty to help each other."
Luka in By the Light of the Moon

The relationship among witches is generally a positive relationship where witches not only help and protect each other but often treat one another as members of an extended family. However, while the majority of witches feel they have to help their fellow man, it has been proven that some witches may disregard this belief and turn against their people if it comes to it, such as with their safety, that of their loved ones or that of their own beliefs.

Humans[]

"They also know it's absurd. Can't be true. I'm just the kooky old lady who teaches occult at the university. No one truly believes. They just poke fun. And let 'em, don't let them know the truth."
Sheila in Haunted

The relationship between humans and witches is generally positive, although this was not always the case. Throughout the past, more than half of the human population lived in fear of the supernatural community. This fear caused many human parents to teach their children to hate and persecute all creatures who were different from them, especially witches. This eventually led to some of the world's most infamous witch trials that massacred hundreds (possibly thousands) of witches. While it has been implied that more than half of those who were accused were entirely innocent, according to Elijah Mikaelson, many of those who were killed in Mystic Falls were true witches. Throughout the centuries, it appears that the belief in the occult has dramatically declined to the point where Sheila Bennett suggested that many humans like to poke fun at witchcraft, a behavior many witches encourage to ensure their anonymity to the human world and allow them to quietly practice their craft in private.

Shamans[]

"Hear me, great spirit, hear me. We call upon you in this moment of need. We bring you an offering. A woman who desires justice for herself, for our tribe."
Shaman Leader in This Woman's Work

The relationship between shamans and witches is largely unknown, but given their similar practices, one could speculate it would be neutral or positive. Like witches, they share a very deep and spiritual connection towards Nature, abiding by its laws while even calling upon it to create the powerful Shamanistic Huntress to oppose vampires.

Siphoners[]

"Before the 1900s, your mother fell in with a group of witches that were cast out of the Gemini Coven. They were known as Heretics, Siphoners like Kai."
Josette in I Never Could Love Like That

The relationship between siphoners and witches is largely a negative one. Witches, rather the Gemini Coven, see siphoners as abominations of Nature. All known siphoners have originated from the Gemini Coven. Six siphoners were cast out of the Gemini Coven sometime between 1858 and 1903, and during their exile, they crossed paths with the ripper vampire, Lillian Salvatore. She indirectly turned the first and eventually the rest into true witch-vampire hybrids, a coven called the Heretics, who could retain their ability to siphon magic even after their transformation into vampires. In 1972, another siphoner, Malachai Parker, was born into the Gemini Coven. Since he had a twin sister, Josette, either twin could become the leader of the coven depending on who survived the Merge ceremony. However, since Kai was still viewed as an abomination by the coven, including his parents, he began to distance himself from his family. Kai's parents saw that Kai was not fit to be the leader of the Gemini Coven, but also knew that if he were to Merge with Jo, his siphoner nature would allow him to beat her, killing her and winning the leadership of the coven. With the establishment of the Salvatore Boarding School for the Young & Gifted, the relationship between siphoners and witches has shifted to a positive one where neither Lizzie or Josie suffered persecution due to their ability to siphon magic.

The Spirits[]

"Witches talk, even on the Other Side. Who do you think makes all the rules?"
—Sheila in Ghost World

The relationship between the Spirits and witches was more of a political relationship than a spiritual one. The Spirits were highly involved in the activities of witches and often communed with them during their rituals and spells. The Spirits were known to have created the laws of witchcraft and distributed punishments to any witch who disobeyed their rules. Since the collapse of the Other Side, all relationships between the Spirits and the witches have become extinct. However, a faction of witches in New Orleans is known to commune with a subsection of spiritual witches known as "the Ancestors."

The Ancestors[]

"New Orleans is full of ghosts. Our dead are always here, hovering. When supernatural creatures die they're doomed to spend eternity alone watching the world go on without them. Of course, that's not the cause for the ancestral witches, we linger in a different way. Consecrated in the Earth, replenishing its power."
Genevieve in A Closer Walk With Thee

The relationship between the Ancestors and the New Orleans witches was more of a political relationship than a spiritual one, as they were the power source of all New Orleans covens. They seemed to be a near-divine pantheon to the living witches of New Orleans; the orders of the Ancestors were treated as divine edicts that were to be obeyed. However, the relationship between the Ancestors and the New Orleans witches varied from witch to witch. While some witches, such as the Elders, had a deep and powerful reverence for the Ancestors, other witches, such as Davina Claire had a negative relationship, to which both viewed the other's ethics and political agendas as corrupt and sinister. Nevertheless, the Regent of the Nine Covens of New Orleans, had full access to the power of the Ancestors and could call upon them for assistance. When a New Orleans witch died, their body was consecrated and the magic in their bones and their spirit was released into the Ancestral Well. While this restricted the witches, both living and dead, to New Orleans, it gave the coven the power and knowledge of centuries worth of witches. However, every three hundred years, the connection between the living and dead witch would wane. To rebuild this connection, the Harvest Ritual was performed, in which the living would sacrifice four girls for the Ancestors to resurrect and subsequently guide them to become pillars of the community. In 2014, the relationship between the living and dead witches resulted in the severing of the Ancestral Plane from Lafayette Cemetery. However, five years later, the link was reestablished through a second Harvest Ritual, and peace was retained for seven years. Despite this peace between the living and dead witches, Vincent, in particular, realized that the witches' reliance on their Ancestor's power had become very toxic; as the living witches grew in power, their dead languished in the Ancestral Well. In 2026, Vincent and many other New Orleans witches freed their Ancestors from the Ancestral Plane allowing their Ancestors to finally find peace, effectively ending their relationship as well as their source of power.

The Travelers[]

"They're more like the ugly stepsister."
Olivia in Rescue Me

The relationship between Travelers and witches is an entirely negative relationship that dates back roughly two thousand years. During the Archaic period of Greece, the witches of the Greek community originally lived in blissful harmony with one another, until a powerful witch named Qetsiyah created the Immortality Spell. This controversial act caused the witches to divide into two subcultures: conventional and unconventional. The conventional witches saw the immortality spell as a violation of the natural law that all living creatures must die. These witches sought to border the limitations of magic by creating religious commandments that every witch would adhere to. However, a subgroup of witches who held unconventional beliefs about magic saw the immortality spell as a revelation of divine potential and flouted the testaments of their peers. These differences of opinion created a rift between in the witch community that has lasted for more than two millennia and caused the witches to curse the Travelers with a spell that cut them off from all traditional magic, barring them from their connection to Nature.

Vampires[]

"Witches being pulled down by vampire problems. As much as we try to do to stay out of it."
Sheila in Fool Me Once

The relationship between the vampires and the witches is a complicated one that is more often negative than positive. This is mainly due to the notion that since vampires were created from dark magic, and flout the natural design that all living creatures must die. Nevertheless, some witches, such as Genevieve or Davina, have not only aided vampires but also befriended. Conversely, Aja dissolved her friendship with Abby after she became a vampire, citing they no longer had a lot in common. Other witches, however, have been known as "witches for hire" in regards to vampires, such as working to accomplish a common goal, combat threats from other vampires, or for simple business arrangements. Witches are not particularly fond of this label when they are forced to work alongside vampires. With the establishment of the Salvatore Boarding School for the Young & Gifted, the relationship between vampire and witch students remain generally positive while Alaric and others continue to foster peace between the supernatural factions.

Werewolves[]

"Long ago, the witches and the wolves were at peace. Then came the vampires."
Esther in Alive and Kicking

The relationship between werewolves and witches is neutral to a negative relationship. Werewolves and witches are at odds more than allies. The two species did once have a strong relationship with one another, however, this was ruined by the inception of the vampires. However, witches and werewolves have been known to ally themselves with each other against their common enemy (the vampires), though these alliances are typically short-lived due to werewolves not wanting to be controlled. It was further revealed that the Werewolf Curse was cast upon a Native American tribe of Witches begetting the seven werewolf bloodlines.

Psychics[]

"My Grams used to say that all witchcraft was rooted in psychic energy. Before I knew I had magic, I believed I was psychic."
Bonnie in The Next Time I Hurt Somebody, It Could Be You

The relationship between psychics and witches remains largely unknown. Given Shelia's statement to Bonnie, that witchcraft was rooted in psychic energy, Bonnie implies that there's some connection between the two species, though no such indication is accurately known. The two most powerful of their respective species, Arcadius and Qetsiyah, have achieved very similar feats, such as creating new afterlife dimensions and bestowing varying degrees of immortality, albeit using different means.

Dragons[]

"On their own, no faction was any match for dragons. So an unholy alliance was formed. A witch, a werewolf and a vampire [...]"
Ryan in I'll Tell You a Story

The relationship between dragons and witches, as well as other supernatural factions, was largely adversarial around a millennia ago. In certain parts of the world, there was no monster more terrifying than dragons. Witches alone were no match for dragons, so an unholy alliance was formed with a werewolf, and a vampire. As a result, this unholy union, combining blood and black magic, gave birth to the golem known as Malivore — capable of consuming the dragons. With the dragons consumed and forgotten in the world, they've since only been regarded in myths and legends.

Notable Witches[]

Witch Description Status
Qetsiyah-S5
Qetsiyah
Qetsiyah was one of the most powerful witches of all time who is most notably known for the creation of the Immortality Spell, as well as the Cure to immortality, the Anchor and the Other Side. Deceased
Silas-S5
Silas
Silas was a very powerful witch who was notable for becoming the very first Immortal. Deceased
TO-S4-The Hollow
The Hollow
The Hollow is a powerful, Native American witch that was bestowed power from her tribal elders, which made her crave more power in life. Upon her death at the hands of her tribesmen, she created the Werewolf Curse. In death, she grew even more powerful and, according to Vincent, is one of the most powerful witches in history. She utilized Elijah's death to resurrect herself. After her second death, her spirit has been neutralized and contained within Klaus. Along with Elijah, they sacrificed themselves to end the Hollow. Deceased
Markos-S5
Markos
Markos was an ancient witch and also the leader of the Traveler subculture. Deceased
TO-S2-Dahlia
Dahlia
Dahlia is the elder sister of Esther Mikaelson and was also one of the most powerful witches in history. Deceased
Ayana-S8
Ayana
Ayana was a powerful Bennett witch and the mentor of Esther Mikaelson. Deceased
TO-S2-Esther
Esther Mikaelson
Esther Mikaelson was one of the most powerful witches in history who is notable for the creation the Original family of vampires. Deceased
Legacies-S4-Freya
Freya Mikaelson
Freya Mikaelson is the firstborn child of the Mikaelson family and was an extremely powerful witch due to the connective magic that bound her to Dahlia. Though the link has been broken and has been weakened, she continues to remain a powerful witch. Alive
Witch of the Five-S8
The Witch of The Five
The Witch of the Five was a Bennett witch who was notably known for the creation of the Brotherhood of the Five. Deceased
Legacies-S4-Cleo
Cleo Sowande
Cleo Sowande is a witch with a special power of inspiration. She was born a muse, the seventh daughter of a seventh daughter, like her grandmother. She was taken by Malivore in 1464 but eventually escaped. She sealed herself away for centuries in an artifact until it could be opened by the one capable of killing Malivore. She attented the Salvatore Boarding School until she was consumed by Malivore. Alive
Katherine-S8
Katerina Petrova
Katerina Petrova was a witch before transitioning into a vampire. After she ingested the cure centuries later, she was once again a witch and, to temporarily avoid death, performed the passenger spell on Elena. Her father was a former member of the Traveler subculture. Deceased
TO-S1-Celeste
Celeste Dubois
Celeste Dubois was a very powerful dark witch of the French Quarter who was notable for the possession of multiple bodies over the course of a hundred years. Deceased
Beatrice
Beatrice Bennett
Beatrice Bennett was a very powerful ancestor of the Bennett family who lived during the 18th century. She, along with her mother and coven, are notable for imbuing the Maxwell Bell with magic to drive out the sirens as well as protecting the town from Hellfire. Deceased
Emily-S5
Emily Bennett
Emily Bennett was a very powerful ancestor of the Bennett family who lived during the 19th century. She is known for trapping the Tomb vampires underneath Fell's Church, as well as creating enchanted objects, such as the Gilbert Ring. Deceased
TO-S2-Mary-Alice
Mary-Alice Claire
Mary-Alice Claire was a French Quarter witch and the ancestor of Davina Claire. She is known for the creation of many Dark Objects, alongside Astrid, under Kol Mikaelson's tutelage using Arabian witchcraft, known as Kemiya. Deceased
TO-S2-Astrid
Astrid Malchance
Astrid Malchance was a French Quarter witch. She is known for the creation of many Dark Objects, alongside Mary-Alice, under Kol Mikaelson's tutelage using Arabian witchcraft, known as Kemiya. Deceased
TO-S1-Papa Tunde
Papa Tunde
Papa Tunde was a very powerful dark witch who specialized in Sacrificial Magic. Using this form of magic, he successfully desiccated and channeled the Original vampire, Rebekah. He's also known for the creation of the "Tunde Blade". Deceased
TO-S1-Genevieve
Genevieve
Genevieve was an very powerful dark witch of the French Quarter. She was skilled in herbalism as well as having an adept mind for spellcraft, such as when she combined various spells from Esther's Grimoire to create the enhanced Moonlight Rings. Deceased
TVD-S3-Gloria
Gloria
Gloria was a powerful witch who was able to slow down the aging process, living for over a hundred years. Deceased
TO-S2-Josephine
Josephine LaRue
Josephine LaRue was a very powerful witch, patron of the Dowager Fauline Cottage, and former Regent of the New Orleans covens. Her Safe-house Spell upon St. James Infirmary was powerful enough to even warrant Dahlia's wary. Deceased
TO-S1-Bastianna
Bastianna Natale
Bastianna was an Elder and a powerful dark witch of the French Quarter. She advocated the Harvest and Reaping until her untimely death. Deceased
TO-S1-Agnes
Agnes
Agnes was a powerful Elder witch of the French Quarter. She is known for the hex she cast upon Sean O'Connell that lead to the massacre of his fellow seminary students. Deceased
Grams-S8
Sheila Bennett
Sheila Bennett was the grandmother of Bonnie Bennett and a very powerful witch. She is known for mentoring her granddaughter in magic and guiding her whenever the veil to the Other Side was down. In Bonnie's greatest need, she along with the other Bennett witches returned from peace to aid her in saving Mystic Falls. Deceased
TO306-Moroccan Witch
Moroccan Witch
The Unnamed Santeria witch of Morocco is a powerful practitioner who is known for taking down the Original Vampire, Rebekah. She is the creator of a powerful and dark resurrection spell, that Kol was weary of, as well as, presumably, the Cursed Stakes. Alive
Joshua-S6
Joshua Parker
Joshua Parker was a powerful witch and former Leader of the Gemini Coven. He was notable for the incarceration of his son Malachai Parker via the Prison World Banishment Spell. Deceased
TVD-S2-Jonas
Jonas Martin
Dr. Jonas Martin was a powerful witch and also the father of Greta and Luka. Throughout his life, he collected a vast array of grimoires. Despite his knowledge and skill, he could not resurrect he deceased son. Deceased
Legacies-S1-Josette
Josette Parker
Josette "Jo" Laughlin is the firstborn daughter of Joshua Parker and twin sister of Malachai "Kai" Parker. She decided to relinquish her magic in her youth when Kai slaughtered her siblings. She would later regain her magic only to give it to Kai after the improper Merge Ritual. Deceased
TO-S3-Kara
Kara Nguyen
Kara Nguyen was an Elder and very powerful witch of the Ninth Ward Coven. She was also a Versailles witch and the mother of Van Nguyen. Deceased
Lucy-S8
Lucy Bennett
Lucy Bennett is a witch of the Bennett family and cousin to Bonnie. She was known for sealing the Armory's vault prior to her death. Deceased
Jane-Anne profile
Jane-Anne Deveraux
Jane-Anne Deveraux was the mother of Monique Deveraux, sister of Sophie Deveraux and also a powerful witch of the French Quarter. Deceased
TO-S5-Vincent
Vincent Griffith
Vincent Griffith is a very powerful witch of the Tremé Coven who was under the possession of Finn Mikaelson. He was the Regent of the New Orleans Witch Community, until his impeaching by The Ancestors. With the Ancestors gone, he continued to lead the Witch Community and built peace among the vampires. Vincent was partially responsible for the re-connection of the Ancestral Plane with the completion of the new Harvest and Reaping Rituals. Alive
TO-S2-Eva
Eva Sinclair
Eva Sinclair was a very dark and powerful witch who had been possessed by Rebekah Mikaelson. She excelled at sacrificial magic as she attempted to complete the Rite of Nines in an attempt to gain more power than that of the New Orleans Regent. Deceased
TO-S5-Ivy
Ivy
Ivy was a witch and the "Oracle of Jackson Square." According to Vincent, she was known to be the greatest seer in the city of New Orleans. Despite this power, she claimed that she didn't believe in looking further than one ought to into the future and that endings are not predetermined. Deceased
Sabine Fruit
Sabine Laurent
Sabine Laurent was the last witch who Celeste Dubois took possession of throughout the past. Deceased
TO-S1-Sophie
Sophie Deveraux
Sophie Deveraux was the maternal aunt of Monique Deveraux, sister of Jean-Anne Deveraux and was briefly an Elder witch of the French Quarter Coven. Deceased
TO-S3-Alexis
Alexis
Alexis was a witch and cypher who prophesied the destruction of the Mikaelsons and the coming of "The Beast". Deceased
TO-S4-Dominic
Dominic
Dominic was a powerful witch as well as the High Priest of the Hollow. Due to his loyalties to the Hollow, he circumvented death twice before being slain for a third and final time. Deceased
Maddox-S2
Maddox
Maddox was a witch and a member of Klaus' inner trusted circle. Deceased
TO-S3-Van
Van Nguyen
Van Nguyen was a Versailles witch and a member of the Ninth Ward Coven. He was also the son of Kara Nguyen. After Vincent was shunned by the Ancestors, he was given Regency over the Nine Covens, and considered a very powerful witch until his untimely demise. Deceased
Legacies-S2-Emma
Emma Tig
Emma Tig is a witch, teacher, and guidance counselor at the Salvatore Boarding School for the Young & Gifted. She mainly watches over the lower grade level students and acts as the Younger Student Representative on the Honor Council. She protected the younger students and Lizzie Saltzman from the gargoyle, Petrotho, with an illusion spell. Alive
8x16-Bonnie
Bonnie Bennett
Bonnie Bennett is a very powerful witch and the last living witch of the Bennett bloodline. She is most notably known for repeatedly saving the town of Mystic Falls and the people living there with the use of her magic. Alive
Liv 6x21
Olivia Parker
Olivia "Liv" Parker was a powerful witch and also a member of the Gemini coven. Deceased
Luke-S6
Lucas Parker
Lucas "Luke" Parker was a powerful witch and also a member of the Gemini coven. Deceased
TO-S2-Kaleb
Kaleb Westphall
Kaleb Westphall was a French Quarter witch who was possessed by Kol Mikaelson and was killed while still being possessed by him. Deceased
TVD-S2-Luka
Luka Martin
Luka Martin was a witch and also former friend of Bonnie Bennett. Deceased
TVD-S2-Greta
Greta Martin
Greta Martin was a witch and a member of Klaus' inner circle. She is the daughter of Jonas Martin and sister to Luka Martin. She is known for breaking the Hybrid Curse. Deceased
TO-S3-Madison
Madison
Madison was a powerful dark witch and a former member of The Sisters. Deceased
TO-S3-Ariane
Ariane
Ariane was a powerful dark witch and untrained Seer to her coven, The Sisters. Deceased
TO-S5-Davina
Davina Claire
Davina Claire is a very powerful, former Harvest witch, former Regent of the New Orleans covens prior to being shunned, as well as a former member of the Sisters Coven. She has since left New Orleans and her ancestral coven behind. Alive
TO-S1-Monique
Monique Deveraux
Monique Deveraux was the daughter of Jane-Anne Deveraux, maternal niece of Sophie Deveraux and also a powerful Harvest witch. Deceased
TO-S1-Abigail
Abigail
Abigail was a powerful Harvest witch. Deceased
TO-S2-Cassie
Cassie
Cassie was a powerful Harvest witch who was under the possession of Esther Mikaelson. Once freed, she became apart of the Kindred before being killed by Freya. Deceased
TO-S4-Amy
Amy
Amy is one of the 2019 Harvest witches who was chosen in order to perform the Harvest Ritual and reestablish the Ancestral Plane. With Jessica and the other two Harvest girls, they've successfully sent Klaus and Hayley to the Ancestral Plane to speak with Davina. Alive
TO-S4-Jessica
Jessica
Jessica is one of the 2019 Harvest witches who was chosen in order to perform the Harvest Ritual and reestablish the Ancestral Plane. With Amy and the other two Harvest girls, they've successfully sent Klaus and Hayley to the Ancestral Plane to speak with Davina. Alive
Legacies-S4-Josie
Josie Saltzman
Josie Saltzman is the twin daughter of Alaric Saltzman and Josette Laughlin. She is also a Siphoner, a sub-classification of unique witches. Alive
Legacies-S1-Penelope Park
Penelope Park
Penelope Park is a witch and former student at the Salvatore Boarding School for the Young & Gifted. She left with her mother, who got a job in Belgium, and plans to attend a witch-only school. Alive
Legacies-S3-Alyssa
Alyssa Chang
Alyssa Chang is a witch and student at the Salvatore Boarding School. After she accidentally blew up her childhood home that left her orphaned, she essentially grew up at the Salvatore school. There, she has had a complicated history, particularly with Lizzie and Josie. Years later, this ultimately leads her to send them and Alaric to the 2018 prison world when an opportunity arises for her to take advantage of. Despite these troubles, she remains at the school. Alive

Former Witch Description Status
Finn
Finn Mikaelson
Finn Mikaelson was a witch while possessing Vincent Griffith. While being a spirit imprisoned within his sister's necklace, he still possesses the ability to use magic. Deceased
Legacies-S4-Kol
Kol Mikaelson
Kol Mikaelson was a witch before his transition into an Original vampire, as well as when he was possessing Kaleb Westphall. Undead
Legacies-S4-Rebekah
Rebekah Mikaelson
Rebekah Mikaelson was a witch while possessing Eva Sinclair. Though she had the witch gene, she never tapped into her power. Undead
Abby-S8
Abby Bennett Wilson
Abby Bennett was a powerful witch who is notably known for the desiccation of the Original vampire, Mikael before being turned into a vampire by Damon. Undead
TO-S2-LenoreLenore Lenore was a New Orleans witch who was skilled in sacrificial magic until she was possessed by Esther. She was later turned into a vampire by Rebekah and eventually, killed by Freya. Deceased

Trivia[]

  • According to Abby, all magic is monitored by Nature and has consequential effects. She explained this to her daughter, Bonnie, when she informed her of how she always dreamed of a normal life and how after she defeated an Original vampire named Mikael. She decided to abandon her family to live the life she so desperately desired outside of Mystic Falls. As punishment for deserting her lineage, Abby said that it was Nature and not the Spirits, that slowly took away her magic until she was completely powerless.
  • According to Bonnie, all witches have a spiritual connection to the elements of the Earth and the forces of Nature. Since most witches derive their magic from Nature, Bonnie explained how witches can feel the essence of life itself.
  • According to Emily, vampirism was an evil curse created from dark magic. She explained how some humans, such as Stefan Salvatore, are unfit to become vampires due to their gentle nature. Since vampirism is known to enhance the characteristics and magnify the emotions of a person, humans who are naturally benevolent will become even more benevolent as a vampire. However, since the basic nature of a vampire is to kill, many kindhearted vampires struggle to fight their urges to murder and more often than not, fall off the wagon by cutting off their humanity and going on a killing spree. These vampires become known as "Rippers."
  • According to Esther, the creation of the Original vampires was an accident as she never intended to turn her family into monsters, but merely to protect them from harm. After the death of her youngest son, Henrik, Esther and her husband, Mikael, feared the power of the werewolves and wanted to exceed them in superiority. With the support of her husband, Esther created a spell that would not only grant her family immortality but would also make them faster and stronger than the wolves. Despite the countless warnings given by her mentor, Ayana, Esther used Dark Magic to successfully enact the spell, not knowing that violent behavior and an insatiable thirst for blood would become permanent side-effects.
  • According to Sheila Bennett, the Spirits are responsible for creating the laws on magic. Contrary to her granddaughter, Bonnie Bennett, Sheila has presumably always practiced spirit magic whereas Bonnie originally practiced Traditional Magic. Sheila hinted that she practiced Spirit Magic when she first met Damon Salvatore, whom she immediately disliked. When Damon asked how Sheila could hate him without even knowing him, Sheila informed Damon how the Spirits "talked" to her, and told her that he was an enemy of the Bennett family and discouraged her from trusting him. One year after her death, when Bonnie performed the Manifestation Spell which allowed the supernatural spirits of Mystic Falls to materialize Sheila confirmed that the Spirits were responsible for creating the rules on witchcraft.
  • While the term "warlock" was originally used to differentiate the male witches from the female witches, it appears that "witch" is a gender-neutral term that applies to men and women. Luka Martin and Papa Tunde are the only two people that have been referred to as warlocks.
  • A subsection of witches known as siphoners are the only witches who have the potential to be turned into witch-vampire hybrids, as they keep their ability to practice magic after being turned into vampires as a result of their siphoning ability.
    • As hybrids, they can draw upon their vampirism as a limited source of power.
    • This is contradictory to what was previously shown; however, as all witches can gain power from external sources, to channel, yet none of these witches turned vampires could do so considering they are aberrations of Nature.
      • However, the fact that witches also possessed their own power in addition to their ability to channel magic from other sources is why they were unable to keep their ability to practice magic following their transformations. Siphoners, however, do not possess their own magic, and as a result, fall into a loophole of Nature's laws.
      • Following this, witches would still be able to draw magic in from outside sources. Furthermore, they should not be able to wield magic, regardless of how they obtain it.
  • Of the many witches shown throughout the series, only four have been explicitly stated to be among the most powerful in history, or a variation thereof: Esther, Qetsiyah, Dahlia, and the Hollow. However, no official hierarchy has been made among these four and are listed in order of appearance.
    • Executive producer Michael Narducci has previously stated that Dahlia is "the most powerful thing we've ever seen in this universe." [9]
    • According to Michael Narducci, Hope Mikaelson "is the most powerful witch in the world." [10]
  • Bennett Witches are well-known in the witch community. Considered one of the most powerful lineages of magic, many powerful spells have been linked to the blood of a Bennett witch, requiring a Bennett witch to successfully perform them.
  • In New Orleans, there are nine main witches covens that form the majority of the witch community there.
  • Practitioners of Ancestral Magic can be stripped of additional power supported by the Ancestors if their coven shuns them, weakening them. They can further be punished if they continue to practice magic in New Orleans, as seen with Vincent Griffith.
  • Revealed by Davina, if a witch tries to murder the Regent they shall be hanged as punishment.
  • The term "Seer" is a titular name for witches gifted with seeing into the past, present, and future, more than a subset of witches. In other words, all seers are clairvoyant witches (witches gifted with seeing into the past, present or future) but not all clairvoyant witches are seers (specialize in the field).

References[]

  1. Vincent describes an untapped witch and their magic in Exquisite Corpse.
  2. In Ordinary People, Rebekah refers to herself and her siblings as "human" after Henrik's death (apart from Kol). Kol reiterates this to Davina in Chasing the Devil's Tail, telling her that "none of [his] siblings (excluding Freya) had tapped into their power".
  3. While this is shown with Henrik's death, it is further backed up by Michael Narducci: https://twitter.com/MichaelNarducci/status/536418656922509313
  4. Après Moi, Le Déluge
  5. What Are You?
  6. Beautiful Mistake
  7. A Ghost Along the Mississippi
  8. Some People Just Want To Watch The World Burn
  9. http://collider.com/the-originals-michael-narducci-talks-powerful-moments-in-tonights-episode/
  10. https://youtu.be/ItP8TVXB10g?t=310

See also[]

  • List of Witches - a complete list of all witches that have appeared in the series.
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