how the witch became a feminist icon (and how it failed)

[@pendragon2012]

I remember in grad school teaching a Halloween-time lesson on real life pirates and the witch trials because pirates and witches are two of the most popular costumes. But the real pirates were actually awful human beings, and the real witches were innocent victims....

[@mygaaraofthedesert]

Are you talking about the witch trials no if you're talking about the Witch Trials of Salem then someone told you wrong because the witch trials is Salem but innocent people that were accused of witchcraft with that information come from

[@tigura02]

​@mygaaraofthedesert not sure exactly what your saying there, but I think you agreed with pendragon... the witches were just innocent people.

[@blackk_rose_]

Well, pirates (especially those who weren't privateers) were also often victims of society - outcasts, underpaid sailors, former slaves, etc. But they did murder and pillage while the so-called witches just lived their lives, so I get what you mean.

[@tuluppampam]

Also witches were men as well, but for some reason the term later became associated with women It was originally just a pejorative term for heretics

[@edbotikx]

Witches were not innocent victims. Witchcraft was a severe crime, which is why they were forced to hide.

[@spinstercatlady]

As a little girl, it was always the witch characters that captivated me. I'd sashay around, pretending to cast spells and ordering around the simpering princesses lol. I was subconsciously seizing upon the fact that witches were the female characters with power and mystery - quite alluring to a child (and still as an adult haha). Long live the witch archetype!

[@nostradamus1162]

hehehe i loved the pointy hats and potion brewing stuff + the fact that they caused fear

[@berenicemendivil7217]

hahaha. Absolutely. Witches were always so cool. I think I had 6 or 7 different witch costumes throught the years when I was little. I always loved the pretty flowy gown and the hats. Include some kind of "mystic" or "magic" necklace and done I'm sold.

[@spinstercatlady]

@berenicemendivil7217 oh yesss, always had to be a magical necklace haha!!

[@SashaS-s2z]

I suddenly realized that many other types of magic practices were not considered nearly as bad. For example, occultism in Edwardian Britain. For whatever reason, it is perfectly fine when distinguished gentlemen do basically the same thing.

[@The_Crimson_Fucker]

No? Absolutely not? Not least of which because by the 20th century nobody in the _civilized_ world was burning witches at the stake. Not only that but some of the most notorious (and consequently influential in those circles) occultists of the day were women! There are several brands of occultism still popular today that were founded by women - Theosophy _and the entire field of Aryan mysticism/Nazi occultism_ are example. Where did you get this deeply stupid take and do they offer refunds?

[@williamerickson520]

I'd say it was a class thing because that movement was mostly practiced by the wives of these wealthy men. They didn't have much else to do at the time, so why not?

[@The_Crimson_Fucker]

@@williamerickson520 I mean, occultism in general was typically only practiced by the wealthy - and then usually by spoiled wives and children. Look at Wicca, it was invented by the mid-20th century equivalent of a fuck-boy, dude literally just made that shit up so he could get laid and upper-class white women are _still_ eating it up.

[@MatildeVallespinCasas]

​@@williamerickson520also, in the nineteenth century, with the advancement of science, things have changed considerably since the witch trials. And these guys were considered eccentric rather than dangerous

[@MrKoalaburger]

There always have been and always will be different rules for the rich than for the rest of us.

[@grybentinas2157]

So Malleus Maleficarum is basically a 15th century incel manifesto that caused a shit tone of cruelty on women

[@justwonder1404]

Can't say I'm surprised.

[@zx921]

First recorded copypasta

[@bpblitz]

Very little difference between it and that screed that started gamer gate lol

[@The_Crimson_Fucker]

@@bpblitz Man I keep forgetting you hoes are still getting ass-blasted about that. GG, stay mad.

[@CatSaver7]

maleficarum... maleficent

[@gabriellewade2724]

I love Terry Pratchett's interpretation of witches. They seem more real and subsequently, more terrifying because I would not want Granny Wetherwax angry at me. 😂

[@Milovatsi]

Yes! Granny is the best!

[@katherinealvarez9216]

The Wyrd Sisters was my introduction to Discworld.

[@tochterchenfrost4784]

Yes! love them so much! just started re-reading 'wyrd sisters' and can't wait to get to the Tiffany Aching stories 🧙‍♀️😊

[@AtlasPro1]

This was really interesting! I've been writing a collection of short horror stories for years now and one of them focuses on a witch. I tried my hardest to make her character relatable, as she's not the monster of some other character's story, she's the focus of the story, and her "witchness" or wickedness only develops as cruel deeds are done to her throughout the story. This video really gave me a new perspective on this, and may force me to rethink some things!

[@MoonlitBookworm73]

Hey, idk if this is something you would care for, but if you want to make your witch even more realistic, then I thought I would offer. I am a practicing witch and an aspiring author, so I would be happy to help you with making her witchcraft practice realistic if that is something your story entails. 🤍

[@erichköl5501]

So cool finding you here, love both channels.

[@jmsl_910]

omg!!! keep writing!!! i want to read them by next halloween!🖤💛🖤

[@waffles658]

I would love to read this!

[@sophiehynds8847]

I love villain origin stories (the novel I'm currently writing is one in-fact). I'd be happy to beta-read/edit your witch story if you'd like.

[@MegaCrazyhand]

Everyone I've ever known from the Salem area has really hated being asked about the witch trials, even if they worked in the museums. It's telling that there wasn't a memorial until 1992- as I have had it recounted, the people in charge of the town didn't even want to publicly acknowledge that the Trials happened for a long time. Despite this, the town now really seems to lean into the witch imagery for the tourists which gives the impression that the town is celebrating that time they successfully killed everyone of a fictional group. As another aside, a large number of Wiccans I've known are survivors of SA and other violent crimes and turned to Wicca as a way to feel like they could take control back in their lives. I think there is something poetic in that- that the label used by the state to murder woman is now used by woman to provide a sense of control over the world.

[@itowilltube]

This video essay was an educational slay! She did thorough research and I'm glad she acknowledged for the idea that this happened. Continues to occur in Asia and Africa as well as Western world.

[@Tatiana_Palii]

Oh, thank you so much for mentioning Baba Yaga! She is not completely evil though - in some fairytales she eventually helps the hero on their journey. Like in the Russian folk version of Cinderella she gives Vasilisa (Cinderella) a human scull with burning eyes on a stick, so it can help her to light her way through the woods (and to burn down her house, killing her evil stepmother and stepsisters, hooray!)

[@berenicemendivil7217]

That either has to be the coolest or the creepiest version I've ever heard of cinderella, and I'm immediately going to look it up because I need to know more.

[@Tatiana_Palii]

@@berenicemendivil7217 I guess it's both cool and creepy at the same time :)

[@justinameans4324]

Baba Yaga is completely misunderstood. I've always liked her, and that crazy house she lives in. If I could live in a house which walked around, I'd be thrilled.

[@ginarocher]

As a catalan person i'm so happy to hear you mention Catalunya and our history with witches!!!

[@llloonie]

The amount of research she does for these videos is great!

[@AngHemenway]

As a writer I'm so glad I found your channel, I've learned so much about what readers like and don't like. As a woman, I love this video even more. Thank you for your videos 🥰🥰

[@stephanibauduccio1751]

I took a course at university called "The History of European and American Witchcraft" for my gender/sexualities studies minor and it was incredible - a lot of what you discussed I learned about in that course. Well done, super interesting stuff!!

[@mollika22]

OMG. How does everytime I'm interested about something The book leo makes a video about that? I'm so happy 💛

[@Thefantastic_mrJ]

Same 😊

[@itowilltube]

She a mmmm

[@gecko9180]

“When I was a child, the witch was a-“ Me: Hag? Ugly nasty jealous Hag? Extremely evil envious gossiping female hunchback of notredame? “-n evil villain” Me: Oh yeah, that works too I guess

[@Celyn4]

omg I don't know if she's read the hunchback, but if she has I don't know if she's mentioned it yet, otherwise I'd love her to do a review on it!

[@sofiasireno]

For anyone interested, I highly reccomend "The Mercies" by Kiran Millwood Hargrave, based on the real events of 1621 witch trials in Finnmark, Norway. After a storm claims all the men of the village, the women of Vardø are left to face not only the harsh Arctic elements but also the looming threat of witch trials. Slowly, the island becomes a battleground of survival and superstition. Evocative and beautifully written - I adored it! Btw, loved this one Leonie! 🔮💜

[@katnisseverdeen5466]

I loved Hargrave's 'The Deathless Girls' so I'll have to give that one a try, thanks for the recommendation!

[@sofiasireno]

Oh I have to read that one as well then! Thank you😊

[@evelynstenberg]

Your deep dives are the best. They're like little cozy classes and you're just this amazing teacher. I love these videos.

[@ericasosa9234]

The change in lighting throughout the video is just ✨ethereal✨

[@rainydaysurvivor]

Leonie is the most well-researched BookTuber.

[@rachelherway7379]

Exactly what I came here to say!

[@rainydaysurvivor]

@@rachelherway7379 Isn’t she amazing

[@FruitTrioBrainrot]

A lot of women accused of witch craft also struggled with untreated mental illnesses. I realized you hadn't said this and I feel its still important to bring up just like everthing else you highlighted in this video. :)

[@renee_3364]

This was a great video. To me, it’s especially interesting how incredible widespread the demand for these “female empowerment fantasies” is among readers. It’s pretty telling of the underlying cultural feeling.

[@killgriffinnow]

Stories like "The Lord of The Rings" are literally about how desire for power is the most corrupting and evil force there is. When you have this as an "underlying cultural feeling", then that society will become corrupt and die. It's less "interesting" than it is "insidious".

[@thetinychickenify]

A book I really enjoyed this year that hits so many of the story beats you mentioned is Weyward by Emilia Hart. It tells the stories of three ladies across time that share a bloodline and their witchiness. One is straight up in the witch trials, one is a teen during the 1940s dealing with a controlling father, and one is modern day trying to escape an abusive partner. Each story is in part about their victimhood but also how they overcame their hardships. Would definitely recommend!!

[@moose1277]

oh I love Leonie's video essays, they're always so interesting and well researched!

[@nozomisouffle]

I'm glad you addressed the "small city problem", I live on a pretty big city (6.7M habitants) and tbh I think it's great because it grants us some degree of freedom and privacy because no one knows us, whenever I visit my extended family on a smaller city (11K habitants) if I sneeze during the sunday mass, "can you believe the big city girl, you know, ____'s granddaughter, sneezed during mass?" will become the talk of the city, I love my grandma but it's a hellish experience

[@zhoradaiyu5184]

My mom once wrote a paper in school on the topic of witch hunts, which I then used for my own high school history presentation

[@finleyedmonds9582]

I love the video essay format, especially diving into aspects of stories like this

[@amberalyn-21]

Pleaser never stop making these types of video's!! I love them sm!

[@alinabarbieru2370]

You never fail to impress me and bring me confort! - From a fellow booklover in the Netherlands that found peace and enjoyment in your videos in rainy days, learning to embrace this otherwise awful weather. Love and thanks ❤❤❤

[@tmilhazes2291]

Already watched and liked when it first came out but came back for the comment! Im sorry that the algorithm is treating this video poorly, the quality of the content makes it obvious you invested time studying and working on it!

[@-.EllieW-.]

I want to do my master's dissertation on the Witch Hunts and this only makes me want to do it even more. I love your videos so much!

[@meganberk6072]

So I remember reading a book in school called “The witch of blackbird lake” which is about a Quaker woman accused of witchcraft. That happened a lot in real life.

[@justinameans4324]

OMG I've read that book three times! I've always been bothered by it, because I think she was botanist. I remember my mom planting a lot of herbs I always thought we were cool witches. Maybe we still are : )

[@fandelosconveniosdeginebra]

Fun fact: after long research, the Spanish Inquisition stated that witchcraft was not a real thing but simply "common ignorance", and so just a few people were persecuted for witchcraft at the early stages of the Inquisition. That's quite different to other inquisitions around the world. The people, ofc mostly women, persecuted in Barcelona for witchcraft were judged in civil trials. That was a violation of the Spanish Inquisition jurisdiction, and so many people was punished for persecuting innocent people.

[@onceuponanemilyreads]

every video you make is somehow better than the last - always so much thought and research, a great vibe, stellar production

[@loose_sweata]

Mona Chollet’s “In Defense of Witches” dives deep into this subject of you want to read more! It’s a great read ☺️ love your videos!

[@jasminu4971]

I really liked that book too!

[@trizsah]

I love your videos talking about the history of some modern tropes or archetypes, it's always interesting to see where the idea came from and how it changed

[@spoiler2502]

I really loved this deep dive

[@randomname3455-s1q]

Thank you for this deep dive and analysis, I loved it so much! The witch as an archetype has always fascinated me and some of the themes associated with it are so personal to me. Like, I literally cannot watch a scene in a movie where a witch is being burned at the stake for example, I start crying uncontrollably and cannot stop for minutes on end. And all the history just breaks my heart everytime.

[@andreaskaliks8664]

I love your trope deep dives. These reviews are so well educated and helpful in expanding our knowledge when we read. Thank you!!

[@sophiaros9282]

This comment is for the algorithm. I thought. But actually I really want to thank you for all the work and energy you take for your videos especially this one. I really love your videos and your sympathetic character.

[@homeward-bound]

I really love watching these deep dive videos you make. It makes me want to research tropes and characters that peaks my interest. So yeah THANK YOU for teaching us and inspiring us to learn more.

[@yasminechoerryscherry3701]

I really love how well researched, aesthetically pleasing and actually interesting Leonie's video esssays are

[@DrFranklynAnderson]

15:34 I’ve read some of Cotton Mather’s writings on witchcraft. (What can I say? I’m a history nerd who loves The Legend of Sleepy Hollow-which mentions Mather several times-and I enjoy deep dives into the minutia of stories. 😂) The witches were NEVER considered to have their own inherent power. It always came from having some kind of relationship with the Devil, making a deal with evil spirits, being given a familiar, etc. There’s also a surprising amount of “we thought the accusation was crazy and impossible, but after exhausting every other option it seemed the only explanation.” The description of the witch’s victims, usually children, seemed like possession to me, but that might be because the recent Exorcist movie is fresh in my mind… 😅

[@kimberlyd6382]

I have to say, I really appreciate the effort and time you must put into these deep dive videos. The history and research you present is always so fascinating! Thank you Professor Leonie!

[@AlejandraRodriguez-wk6ev]

I love this video, it’s so interesting!! I have always been attracted to the stories of witches, specially the cozy one and the idea of cute magic, so this video is so relatable. I often think about the witch trials and the horrifying consequences of simply being a confident woman in the 1500s. Thank you for this amazing video!

[@femsfables]

Aside of this video being super interesting and informative, can we take a moment to appreciate the editing?! Everything about this video is incredible! Thank you for all the effort you put into making this !!

[@briarroseella7142]

Such an interesting topic Leonie, I love how history and fictional interpretations and tropes get intertwined. Thanks for making this video, really awesome!

[@badfaith4u]

These deep dives are so wonderful and my favourite. Hope you keep doing them. 🧹🪄🧙‍♀️🧙

[@mittroast]

As a history major, I have focused years of my studies on this topic, even reading most of the Malleus Maleficarum (to my great chagrin). Even still, I can say I learnt more from you. For this, thanks a lot, Leonie! ❤

[@girlkaramazov]

leo!! i love your videos always, and i have to mention how much i love your editing lately !! it rlly transmits the care you put into this and its also very aesthetically pleasing

[@Necrotoxin44]

That's always been my biggest problem with the witch archetype, is how the (at least modern) interpretation usually has a thread of "worthiness', often falling along bloodlines of inheriting the power. Which, even without reading into it too much, was just never satisfying to me. That someone was powerful through no real consequence of their own, but rather through happenstance. Especially as it's often a power fantasy, it personally puts more distance between myself and the protagonist.

[@TheMissaja]

I really love your deep dive videos. I learn a lot and am thoroughly entertained. So far I’ve read quite a few books on your recommendation, my favorite being Bunny. And the broken earth trilogy, but I’m only finishing the second book at the moment. So thank you, you’re great at what you do!

[@Hillary429]

Love all the witch art you were able to find and add

[@AllieVDB]

The editing, the content, the vibes… This is top tier content 🤌

[@tsuruuu]

This thumbnail was very different from other recent ones, I got confused and thought it was an old video popping up lol I've been binge watching all from 3 years ago ❤ keep doing all this great content ❤❤

[@VirMedina]

22:22 on this, I recommend reading Silvia Federici's "Caliban and the Witch" where she explains in detail the relationship between common land and the witchcraft accusations. In sum, since the late Middle Ages through out Europe land that was previously owned by a community, that everyone could profit from to take wood for the winter etc., was slowly taken over by the government and made private, leaving many people unprotected. Plus, the older generations would remember a time where they had access to these goods for free versus the younger generations considering the old were making it up. Thus, why older people were targeted, so that they wouldn't talk about this previous more communal era and convince people to rebel against the government. So, yes, as you said it has a lot more to do with power than with magic.

[@yasuriyamile080]

I am from Catalunya and I feel very excited to see that you mentioned my beautiful country in your video. I hadn't heard of the campaign "No eren bruixes" before, but I'll definitely do some research because it is true that here where I live it's "usual" to hear about witchcraft and witch-hunting as it happened quite frequently in the past. I find it very cool that we actually have programs that talk about it!

[@zofiabochenska1240]

Oh no, I was supposed to go to sleep! And I can't now 😅 Edited after watching: Each one of your deep dives is soo well made, wow. I love the witchy stories, regardless of the social comentary, or lack thereof. Have you read the Discworld? Granny Weatherwax and Nanny Ogg are two of the coolest witches in all of literature :)

[@pharsalianostra]

I also strongly agree with the importance of intersectional witch stories. The way that witches have been characterized in western culture (particularly from the Medieval times) is pretty inseparable from antisemitism. In a lot of more recent media, WOC have been portrayed as witches because they’re characterized as foreign and again non-Christian. A lot of witches are also very queer coded. I would really love to see more witch stories that unpack these histories and perspectives.

[@skyycollector]

Just adding to your comment... a lot of the usual "monsters" in fiction are queer coded, just think about vampires, for example. Things like witches and vampires and the horror genre in itself were some of the first spaces in fiction where people could explore gender and sexuality that differed from the norm, even if it meant showing them as villains, as personifications of evil. I love horror stories and this part of its history is sooo interesting to me, i just couldn't pass the chance to comment on it, when i saw you had brought it up 🤎

[@pharsalianostra]

Absolutely! Carmila is a great example of that, and so is interview with a vampire is a more modern one that also made a big impact on the genre@@skyycollector

[@lilygreenall2837]

I love this take! There are so many paradoxes in witch narratives and in modern concepts of witchcraft and feminity. It's really interesting to hear someone talk about it. Have you come across a novel called Now She Is Witch by Kirsty Logan? It does a really good job describing the position of historical witches.

[@spinstercatlady]

Now She is Witch has been on my wishlist for a while, but I've been slightly hesitant bc the synopsis was kinda opaque and I wasn't sure what type story it would be (seems like magical realism maybe?).

[@lilygreenall2837]

@@spinstercatlady Yeah it's quite hard to sum up! I guess it's like historical fiction with magical elements? Quite a unique read.

[@spinstercatlady]

@@lilygreenall2837 sounds good, I'll give it a go for sure!

[@DidiAphra]

The research and the editing that went into this video was so impressive! And I love how the lighting slowly dimmed as the video went on, def added to the witchy vibe!

[@CarolineMolyneux4491]

I love these video essays you do! Hope they keep coming. You're incredibly good at them, and I thoroughly enjoy watching 😊

[@pauline-1322]

I love when you do videos like these. It is super interesting. Thanks for the commitment and the research!

[@elelleie9037]

witches have always been the most memorable characters, thank you for this!!

[@nitzeart]

I always love when you do a deep dive or analysis video!! ❤ You have such an interesting and academic way of presenting the subject. I hope the algorithm is kinder to you in any next video you make 😢

[@jeeranko3359]

I like that you've used Good Omens as an example of witchy media, but I also highly recommend you to check out The Witch cycle from Terry Pratchett's the Discworld series. Among all else witches in these books are helping people with the most important events in their lives: birth and death, and he depicts and handles it beautifully, in my opinion.

[@sophisticaro]

This was was so interesting and well-researched, as always! I'm currently reading many witchy books and you gave an important perspective that gets too easily forgotten. Thanks

[@sophhnavarro]

What an excellent deep dive! Thanks for the great quality content Leonie

[@JabberwockyXIII]

I'm reading Juniper and Thorn right now so this video came at the right time! Excellent video as always ❤

[@karoline323]

The amount of research that went into this really shows, absolutely love these types of videos!

[@katnisseverdeen5466]

A really insightful analysis! I love how it got darker throughout the video haha, really added to the ✨vibes✨ In fact I love every video from you, such interesting topics and cosy vibes!

[@Calendula_Craft]

So glad that you discussed the Craft! I had heard so much about that movie, being a witch-y classic and all. When I finally watched it last year I was pretty disappointed with the ending. In fact, Bonnie and particularly Rochelle, have really good reasons for their witchcraft. And even Nancy's motivations are totally understandable. Of course she takes it too far, as teenagers tend to. I wish they had learned their lesson in some other way, so I am glad you addressed the good vs "bad" witch stereotype here. Insightful and well thought out, as your videos always are

[@muskanc6521]

As an Indian, let me tell you, witch (daayan) hunting was prevalent long before it began in Europe, it was nearly a common occurrence in tribal areas and villages where a pandit (priest) would be called to check the suspected people or household and give judgement. However the difference between this and what the English brought here is that fact before them, actual identified evil practitioners, who made humans and animals sacrifice or consumed them, dabbled in dark curses or soul magic were put to death. Just as you mentioned, what they brought was more centred towards oppression of religion, beliefs, acquisition of land, money and also conversion. Their identifiers were more concerned about pleasing the governing officers and they did try to place a ban on hunting when people began catching on and started targeting their identifiers.

[@The_Crimson_Fucker]

There were never people that " dabbled in dark curses or soul magic were" , magic isn't real my friend. Attempting to offload the superstition and bigotry of your people onto another is just plain racist, especially when the timelines for your claims are completely wrong. The British banned witch-hunting in India, Indians are _still to this day_ murdering women for "being witches". You can't become better by scapegoating all of your problems, you can only keep un-personing people because they've been "touched by bad juju".

[@muskanc6521]

@@The_Crimson_Fucker you made me laugh so hard 😂😂 I don't think you understand what I am talking about and are just throwing opinion around. Of course magic isn't real, but that doesn't stop fanatics from practicing these things, killing and sacrificing. That's what I am talking about, villages and tribes hunting these kinds of people who killed children and animals in the name of magic. That was happening long before the British came. And I did say, that they banned witch hunting but after they also had their fill of hunting and looting people in the name of witch hunting.

[@The_Crimson_Fucker]

@@muskanc6521 That's not at all what you said, mate, trying to back-paddle when we can all see the exact words you used is a deeply stupid move.

[@muskanc6521]

@@The_Crimson_Fucker Firstly, do not call me mate. Secondly, nowhere anything I have talked about in my first comment a lie and my second comment that is to you, is simply paraphrased, not back-paddling, it was an attempt to get you to understand what I am saying but it doesn't seem to have worked. Thirdly, I do not like your attempts at picking a fight. I have nowhere talked about the current witch huntings in India. I reiterate, you don't know what I am talking about and are just throwing opinions around.

[@The_Crimson_Fucker]

@@muskanc6521 I'm not picking a fight, mate, you can't say flagrantly ridiculous shit like that and expect no-one to call you out on it. Repeatedly pretending you didn't when we can obviously see exactly what you said is, at this point, just plain sad. I know exactly what you're talking about, mate, and it's complete bunk. Please become a better person.

[@pallavikrishnan8660]

It's fascinating...the study that went behind...Thank you for putting so much effort and presenting your ideas beautifully ❤

[@gabrial407]

Your makeup looks gorgeous

[@podraje]

Thank you for this! I love witches, literary archetypes and especially I LOVE deep dives and video essays, so this checks out all of my fav elements 🧙🏻‍♀️🖤

[@robyntotheTee]

I don't actually don't read any fantasy and don't read witchy books, but I so enjoy the way you share your love of reading with your audience. I especially enjoy your deep dives. I like learning about new things or learning more, and you do an incredible job of engaging with the subject matter and presenting research and sources for further knowledge. Sorry this post seems to be getting knocked by the algorithm.

[@ThexImperfectionist]

I was waiting for a mention of characters like Willow (Buffy), Elphaba (Wicked), and Regina (OUAT) -- not literary characters but still notable examples in the modern cuture shift towards witches. Super interesting video and I really appreciate all the research and resources you referenced!

[@palkoeszter5766]

Thought I knew evrything about witches, but you managed to tell me new information 40 minutes straight. Congrats Leonie! It's clear how much work you put into this video, and we appreciate it so very much!

[@madhotfry]

The editing in this vid is lovely, it’s giving all the dark autumn (but still cozy!) vibes ✨

[@xXDalyladollyXx]

I adore when you make this type of videos. They are both educational and engaging!

[@sarahk4794]

I really enjoy all your Videos and this one in particular! I find it very interesting to see how literature is using the archetype of a witch to tell stories that are supposed to be empowering, but end up failing to do so because they fall back into tropes of representation :)

[@JuanPablo-rj6zz]

First of all, sorry for my bad english, i'm still learning the vídeo is great, i think that you did a very good job and can see that you search a lot to make this vídeo. One of my favorite witch history actually is one comic called "Witch boy" where the male protagonist lives in a magical family where the kind of magic who is teached to boys and girls are a metaphor for genderoles. The history is simple and kind chilldish, but i'm still think that it's great. In my opinion, the romanticization of small towns in witch historys come from a idea of a small town as a location who still in a past somehow, like it's own a thing that is lost in big citys and modernity at all, in practice, that's make it a local whorse to everyone who is out of the line, as a witch, at least in my experience, but also make it kinda magical somehow, like there's something supernatural that's only can happen there, like it's another world. I think that's also why romance historys generally pass in this kinda place, like, the characters now it's out of reality and anything can happen. i'm sorry if i don't make sense.

[@AARM33]

I cannot get enough of these deep divesssss. Always impressed by the amount of research into these videos

[@hodif]

Such an atmospheric video on a very interesting subject. You talking about witches and feminism it just hits different

[@dominikawie5665]

Can i just say absolutely loved this video like im down for any type of analyse video but u just made this one 100% better

[@TheBeatlesToday]

If you haven’t read it, I would highly recommend reading Silvia Federici’s seminal work Caliban and the Witch (or her more recent book Witches, Witch-Hunting, and Women). Lots of groundbreaking research into how witch hunts solidified subservient roles for women in a burgeoning capitalist society.

[@johannabock8410]

Loooved the vibes in this video :) makes me sad to hear its not doing well because you clearly put a lot of love into it! I‘d really like to see more of those kinds of videos from you! Sending love from Austria

[@lorlineroux1552]

This is such a cool video !! Thank you for teaching me about witches history

[@user-qu8zs7vs1x]

I definitely feel like these thematic series you're doing could be chapters in a non fiction book about the tropes and themes of western literature! Something along the lines of what Olivia Laing does with the art world in her books

[@grahamcrack]

You look majestic as hell in the dark lighting👏🏻 it matches the vibe of the video! I love your video essays about the history of mythical creatures and beings and how they came to be as we know them today🌸

[@aurikaka8568]

You did great job, Leo!❤

[@legumesss]

Great video (I always love your video essays ❤). I freaking love witches and witchy books which might be because some of the first books I read as a child were about girlboss witches lol (I'm German and everyone knows "die kleine Hexe", "Bibi Blocksberg"). I never thought about the deeper implications, so this video gave me so much food for thought

[@ekomeo]

Love the fact that all sources are given in the caption ❤

[@lelahe6803]

beautiful video! love the editing & it's very well researched

[@swetarath7813]

Content like this just reminds me why I fell in love with your channel in the first place. 💖

[@probablyanotherescape7496]

Loved this video! The editing is perfect and I gained lot of new perspectives on the topic!🥰

[@cozyjule]

This video was so interesting! I loved hearing your perspective on the downside to witchy storytelling because I’ve never considered it that way before. Going to be watching and reading my witchy favorites with a new lens from now on!

[@karoline5687]

I loved everything about this!! Can't imagine how much research must've gone into this❤

[@banaa9463]

Agreed 👏

[@mavsepiphany]

im obsessed with this video, perfect timing as i’ve just read slewfoot (which i loved!!!)

[@AryaGilberts]

I love how much research and thought you put into this video! This is a proper video essay and the depiction of witches in media is such a wide topic! Thank you for working so hard on making an informative/interesting video that's also fun to watch! I also love your vibes and your make up a lot :)