Carolina Santiago

Derrick N. Ferrer Gonzalez

INGL 3250-030
October 31, 2023

HEADING

Title: Where Do Witches Come From?

Topic: The Evolution of the Perception of Witches: From Historical Origins to Modern Interpretations Through Art

Specific Purpose: To explore the historical origins of the perception of witches as evil, examine their initial representation
in art, and analyze how this perception has evolved into the modern understanding of witches in society

INTRODUCTION

Attention material: “Have you ever asked yourself, where do witches come from?”
Thesis statement:Today I'll cover with you what started that perception of witches being evil, their first physical
interpretation through art and our modern view on them.

Preview: In this speech, we will embark on a journey through time to explore the transformation of the witch archetype.
Beginning with the early history of witches as healers and wise women, we will uncover how these practitioners of magic
were later stigmatized and vilified through the influence of texts like 'Malleus Maleficarum.' Moving forward, we will delve
into the realm of art, particularly the works of Albrecht Dürer and others, that solidified the stereotypical image of witches.
Lastly, we will examine how modern media, from TV shows like 'Sabrina the Teenage Witch' to cinematic creations like
'Harry Potter,' have redefined witches as symbols of inspiration and empowerment. This traces the journey of witches as they
transition from objects of fear to figures of cultural fascination and strength.

(Transition:)
BODY

● First main point: What influenced the perception of witches as wicked.

● Subpoint or supporting material: Negative Perception of Witches. Due to their perceived "magical
power/abilities," witches were often associated with paganism and considered to be doing the Devil's work.
● Subpoint or supporting material: Influence of 'Malleus Maleficarum'. Discusses how the book played a crucial
role in shaping witches as demonic.
● Sub-subpoint or supporting material:Banning of Witch Beliefs. Around the time of the book's release, the
church had banned any belief in witches.

(Transition:)

● Second main point: Portrayal of witches in the realm of art

● Subpoint or supporting material: Albrecht Dürer's Contribution to Witch Depiction. His works, such as "The
Four Witches" and "Witch Riding on a Goat," are among the earliest representations of witches with stereotypical
physical characteristics.
● Sub-subpoint or supporting material: Continuation of Witch Stereotypes. The stereotypical physical
characteristics associated with witches persisted and evolved over time, as demonstrated in artworks like "St James
and the Magician Hermogenes" from 1565.

(Transition:)

● Third main point: Our modern interpretation of witches.

● Subpoint or supporting material: Early 20th-Century Stereotypes. how witches were often depicted as old, evil,
and malevolent characters in early 1900s movies like "Snow White" and "The Wizard of Oz."
● Subpoint or supporting material: Shifting Perceptions: Explain how perceptions of witches began to change
towards the end of the century, highlighting the influence of pop culture on this transformation.

(Transition:)
 CONCLUSION

Summary statement: The history of witches has seen a huge transformation during the last centuries. Books like Malleus
Maleficarum and the artistic representations solidified the image of the stereotypical witch and have persisted through the
centuries, ingraining themselves in our cultural consciousness. As time progresses we see a shift in perception due to TV
shows and Movies from these last decades.
Closing remarks: This evolution reflects the dynamic nature of human beliefs and perceptions across centuries.

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