Top 13 Witches in Books, Film & TV – Magical Icons You’ll Love
Witches have long captivated readers and audiences alike—bewitching us with their power, mystery, darkness, and sometimes even humor. Whether they’re charming spellcasters, misunderstood outcasts, or outright villains, the world of books, film, and television offers a spellbinding collection of magical women who stay with us long after the story ends.
Here’s a celebration of 13 unforgettable witches—some iconic, some underrated—who continue to shape the way we think about magic. And for those who love to pair their witchy obsession with cozy ambiance, we’ve included links to some uniquely inspired candles from Aarka Origins that capture the mood and spirit of each enchanting tale.
1. The Grand High Witch – The Witches by Roald Dahl
Terrifying, grotesque, and brilliantly conceived, the Grand High Witch is perhaps one of the most nightmare-inducing characters ever created for children’s literature. Roald Dahl’s The Witches is a darkly whimsical book, and the Grand High Witch—capable of smelling children, transforming them into mice, and leading secret councils of witches—is its most bone-chilling element.
For many readers, including this writer, the Grand High Witch sparked an early fascination (and fear) of all things witchcraft. Dahl’s vivid descriptions and Quentin Blake’s disturbing illustrations are forever etched into our memories.
Pair this sinister yet unforgettable vibe with the Witch’s Journal Soy Candle — infused with wild sage, chamomile, citrus, and magic. It’s the perfect scent for reading creepy classics by candlelight.
2. Sabrina Spellman – Sabrina the Teenage Witch / The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
Sabrina Spellman has come a long way from the ‘90s sitcom days. Originally portrayed as a quirky, fun-loving teen discovering her magical powers with the help of her two eccentric aunts, the rebooted Chilling Adventures of Sabrina gave this beloved character a dark and modern twist.
In Netflix’s reimagining, Sabrina navigates moral grey areas, demonic contracts, and chilling magical rituals, all while staying true to her values. The series’ ability to balance teen drama with gothic horror made Sabrina relevant again for a whole new generation.
The transformation from light-hearted fun to seductive darkness aligns perfectly with the mood of the Forest Witch Soy Candle—an earthy blend of forest apple and cinnamon bark that evokes both comfort and mystery.
3. The Wicked Witch of the West – The Wizard of Oz
A cultural icon and one of cinema’s most memorable villains, the Wicked Witch of the West is the textbook example of how a witch can completely steal the show. With her emerald skin, sharp cackle, and terrifying flying monkeys, she represents the archetypal “bad witch”—and we absolutely love her for it.
Despite her one-note villainy, she’s become an enduring figure in pop culture, parodied, referenced, and reimagined countless times.
Feeling nostalgic for the magical chaos of Oz? Light the Scars Like Stars Soy Candle, where green leaves and woods meet comforting cinnamon and pear—a scent that mirrors the enchantment and eerie thrill of classic fantasy worlds.
4. Hermione Granger and Bellatrix Lestrange – Harry Potter Series
It’s impossible to talk about witches without bringing up Harry Potter. Rather than choosing just one character, let’s highlight two opposites: the brilliant, courageous Hermione Granger and the unhinged, malevolent Bellatrix Lestrange.
Hermione defies every witchy stereotype. She’s brilliant, loyal, and deeply principled, proving that witchcraft can be as much about knowledge and compassion as raw power.
Bellatrix, meanwhile, is one of the most terrifying dark witches in modern fiction. Helena Bonham Carter’s wild-eyed portrayal in the films immortalized her as a fan-favorite villain.
Want a candle to match the duality of light and dark magic? Try the Persephone Soy Candle, which weaves together light floral sweetness and deeper, darker fruit notes—like the contrasting energies of these two iconic witches.
5. Sarah Bailey and Nancy Downs – The Craft
The Craft introduced many viewers to the idea of modern witchcraft rooted in natural elements and personal empowerment. Sarah Bailey begins as an unsure teen, slowly coming into her power. Nancy Downs, however, spirals into madness, power-hungry and dangerous.
What made this film so compelling was its honest look at how power can corrupt—and how strength can also be a force for healing.
If you’re craving a scent that captures both the grounded essence of nature and a hint of wild magic, the Witch’s Journal Soy Candle is a perfect companion for your next rewatch.
6. The Wicked Queen – Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Disney’s first villain remains one of its most effective. The Evil Queen’s descent into a ragged witch, armed with a poisoned apple, is seared into the memory of generations of viewers. She’s vain, cold, calculating—and completely captivating.
Her transformation from regal royalty to grotesque crone reminds us that appearances can be deceiving and that the darkest magic often hides behind a beautiful mask.
To embrace the sinister sweetness of this tale, light the Strawberry Picking Soy Candle—a deceptively cheerful scent that brings to mind the sweetness of fruit with a hint of mischief.
7. Willow Rosenberg – Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Willow's evolution from shy nerd to one of the most powerful witches in the Buffyverse is nothing short of spellbinding. Her arc explores themes of self-acceptance, addiction, grief, and identity, all woven into the supernatural elements of the show.
Her journey also broke important ground in LGBTQ+ representation in genre television, making her not just a powerful witch, but a deeply impactful character in media history.
For the quiet strength and emotional complexity Willow brings, consider a softer, introspective scent like Scars Like Stars—a reflection of the calm before (and after) the storm.
8. The Halliwell Sisters – Charmed
Charmed was a landmark show for female empowerment and sisterhood in a supernatural context. The Halliwell sisters—Prue, Piper, Phoebe, and later Paige—used their powers to protect the innocent, battle demons, and support one another through thick and thin.
The magic in Charmed wasn’t just about casting spells—it was about connection, strength, vulnerability, and legacy. The Book of Shadows became a beloved symbol of magical heritage and feminine power.
To channel the protective energy and sisterly strength of the Charmed Ones, try the comforting aroma of Forest Witch Soy Candle—a grounding scent that feels like home and heritage.
9. The Sanderson Sisters – Hocus Pocus
A Halloween staple, Hocus Pocus is pure campy, witchy fun. The Sanderson Sisters—Winifred, Sarah, and Mary—are resurrected on Halloween night and bring chaos, comedy, and catchy musical numbers to Salem. They're wicked, yes, but also hilarious and oddly endearing.
The film is a love letter to spooky season, and watching it has become a beloved tradition for families and Halloween lovers alike.
For a candle that captures the whimsy and joy of a not-so-scary witch tale, look no further than Strawberry Picking Soy Candle—fruity, fun, and filled with magic.
10. The Three Weird Sisters – Macbeth
No witch list is complete without Shakespeare’s original trio of doom-spinners. The Weird Sisters in Macbeth aren’t just ominous—they are the embodiment of fate and prophecy, stirring the pot of destiny with their haunting rhymes and chilling foresight.
Their influence over Macbeth is a masterclass in how subtle manipulation and dark prophecy can shape entire narratives—and entire kingdoms.
The blend of darkness, destiny, and ancient power deserves a bold scent. The Persephone Soy Candle is rich and layered, evoking the depth and danger of these classic spellcasters.
11. Circe – Homer’s Odyssey
Long before modern fantasy and gothic horror gave us powerful witches, Greek mythology brought forth Circe—a goddess-sorceress who turned Odysseus’s men into swine. Living alone on the island of Aeaea, Circe wields her powers with unapologetic independence, commanding fear and fascination in equal measure.
What makes Circe truly compelling is her moral ambiguity. She’s not entirely villainous, but she’s no benevolent healer either. In some interpretations, she represents divine feminine rage—especially when you consider her treatment of Scylla, whom she transforms into a monster out of jealousy.
Madeline Miller’s Circe (2018) breathed new life into this ancient character, turning her into a modern feminist icon. This reimagined version is introspective, compassionate, and still unmistakably powerful—a witch who reclaims her narrative.
Channel the enchantment of Circe with the Witch’s Journal Soy Candle, where ancient wisdom meets aromatic allure. With notes of sage and citrus, it captures the balance of strength and serenity—just like Circe herself.
12. Mildred Hubble – The Worst Witch
Before Hogwarts, there was Cackle’s Academy—and before Hermione, there was Mildred Hubble. A loveable, clumsy, well-meaning student of magic, Mildred starred in Jill Murphy’s The Worst Witch series—later adapted into TV shows across multiple generations.
What made Mildred stand out was her relatability. She struggled, she made mistakes, and she never quite fit in with the more polished students like Ethel Hallow. But her heart, determination, and creativity always saw her through.
These stories quietly taught kids that magic isn’t about perfection—it’s about persistence, learning from failure, and staying true to yourself. It’s a cozy, feel-good series that still holds charm today, especially for those who grew up on it.
Pair your reading time with the Scars Like Stars Soy Candle—a gentle, inspiring blend of green leaves, pear, cinnamon, and woods, perfect for anyone who feels like the underdog stepping into their power.
13. Maya – Call of the Siren
And now, let’s talk about Maya—a character born from the very same imagination that built this list. Maya begins as an ordinary young woman, unaware of her destiny. But as Call of the Siren unfolds, she’s swept into a world of ancient magic, terrifying secrets, and inner awakening.
What sets Maya apart is how deeply her story resonates with anyone who’s ever felt uncertain, small, or out of place. Her transformation is not just magical—it’s emotional, symbolic, and deeply empowering. Through grief, discovery, and personal strength, Maya claims her space in the magical world and redefines what it means to be a witch.
If you haven’t yet read Call of the Siren, it’s a perfect modern addition to your witchy TBR—and yes, it’s available free on Kindle Unlimited, making it easy to dive into Maya’s spellbinding journey.
Looking to light a candle while you explore Maya’s world? The Persephone Soy Candle is a perfect match: juicy, dark, and evocative of mythological transformations and feminine strength.
Witches as Archetypes: Why We Keep Returning to Them
From ancient legends to teen dramas, witches continue to evolve, shape-shift, and remain culturally relevant. They reflect our fears, our desires, our thirst for power and justice. Some are portrayed as dangerous outcasts; others as noble rebels; many are simply misunderstood.
But why do witches persist in our storytelling?
Because they speak to something primal. Witches embody the desire to push beyond limits, to control our fate, and to harness the unseen. They’re mothers and monsters, healers and destroyers, mentors and misfits. They force us to ask: what would we do with power if we truly had it?
And maybe most importantly—they’re women who don’t apologize for being powerful.
A Scented Tribute to Magic
As any reader, writer, or witch-at-heart will tell you, setting the mood is everything. And few things can match the transformative effect of scent. Whether you’re curled up with a gothic classic or rewatching your favorite fantasy show, the right candle can transport you into the story.
This is where Aarka Origins shines. Their collection of luxury, eco-friendly soy candles is designed for readers, dreamers, and magic lovers. From enchanted forests to ancient tomes, each scent captures a different mood or memory—pairing beautifully with the witchy tales we adore.
Explore their featured candles inspired by magical themes:
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Witch’s Journal: Evokes the herbal wisdom and secrecy of ancient spell books.
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Strawberry Picking: Perfect for lighter, more playful stories.
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Persephone: Dark, juicy, and richly mythological.
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Forest Witch: Grounding, earthy, and ideal for woodsy or nature-based magic.
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Scars Like Stars: A reflective, emotionally nuanced scent.
Bookish Magic Meets Real-World Calm
Candles are more than accessories—they’re rituals in themselves. Lighting a candle before reading a fantasy novel, writing a journal entry, or meditating during your yoga session can turn an ordinary moment into something sacred.
That’s exactly what Aarka Origins is all about.
Consultation Corner: About Aarka Origins
Aarka Origins – The Best Scented Soy Candles
Enchant Your Space with Luxury Eco-Friendly Soy Candles
📚✨ Welcome to Aarka Origins – Where Literature Meets Magic in Every Scent! ✨🕯️
Step into a world where fragrance meets nostalgia. Our natural, sustainable, eco-friendly, and non-toxic luxury scented soy candles are designed to create a cozy home ambiance, evoking cherished memories of beloved books, cinematic moments, dreamy travel destinations, grand hotels, enchanting gardens, and bustling cafés filled with the rich aroma of coffee and bakery.
Crafted for those who seek serenity, relaxation, and mindfulness, these candles enhance your self-care rituals, aromatherapy sessions, yoga practice, and cozy reading nooks. Whether you long for the scent of an ancient library filled with wisdom, the floral breeze of a hidden garden, or the magical warmth of a wizard’s study, our carefully curated fragrances transport you to places both real and imagined.
So the next time you open a novel about witches, flick on your favorite supernatural series, or fall into a literary spell—don’t forget to light a candle and let the magic truly begin.
Final Thoughts: Which Witch Is Your Favorite?
Whether you’re drawn to ancient legends or 90s TV witches, there’s a magic in every story. Witches, in all their complex, mysterious glory, give us permission to explore our power, challenge tradition, and step into roles that defy expectations.
And if you’re ready to bring that magic into your home, Aarka Origins offers the perfect companion: candles inspired by the very stories that enchant us.
