The Winter Queens
Hags, Witches, Sovereigns and Goddesses of Winter
Revered in cultures across the globe the Winter Queen reigns over wintry landscapes of frost, ice, and snow, embodying the power and magic of the winter season.
Among these timeless Winter Queens, we encounter the ancient and awe-inspiring Cailleach from the Celtic lands, the kind but strict Frau Holle and the fearsome Perchta from the Germanic regions, the strong-willed Skaði from Norse mythology, as well as the enigmatic witch Baba Yaga, and the beautiful but deadly Morana from the Slavic countries of Eastern Europe.
But the allure of the Winter Queen extends beyond folklore and mythology. We explore the snow witch figure in literature and popular culture, from Hans Christian Andersen's mesmerising tale of The Snow Queen to the chilling White Witch in C.S. Lewis's The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. We also encounter Elsa, the icy queen from Disney's magical movie Frozen, and the Finnish-turned-Japanese cult classic Moomin and the Lady of the Cold. These iconic characters captivate our imagination and evoke the mystique of winter in all its snowy splendor.
Join us as we embark on a journey through the realms of the Winter Queens, where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur, and the magic of winter unfolds.
The Cailleach
The Cailleach, also known as the Cailleach Beira, is an ancient Celtic goddess associated with winter, mountains, and sovereignty over the land. She is often described as a divine hag or crone, symbolising wisdom, power, and the cyclical nature of life. The Cailleach's presence is strongly felt during the winter months when she is said to rule over the harsh and barren landscape. She is believed to shape the land through her actions, such as striking the ground with her staff, which brings about freezing temperatures and the transformation of the land into a wintry realm.
In Scottish and Irish folklore, the Cailleach is associated with specific geographical features, particularly mountains, and rocky outcrops. It is said that she formed these landscapes by dropping stones from her apron or by hurling boulders during her battles with other divine figures. On the west coast of Scotland, it is said that the Cailleach brings in the winter by washing her great plaid in the Corryvreckan (cauldron of the plaid) whirlpool for three days until it is pure white, and snow covers the land. Legend has it that while she is washing her plaid, the roar of the coming winter tempest can be heard as far as twenty miles inland.
Some tales say that she gathers her firewood on the eve of the winter solstice, preparing for the longest night of the year. In some stories, the Cailleach drinks from the well of life on the morning of the winter solstice. Her life force is renewed by the water, and she transforms from an old crone into a beautiful maiden, often represented by Bride or Brigid, the goddess of light, life, rebirth, and spring.
Another version tells that it was Bride who sought to bring about the return of the sun and the revitalisation of the land. In her quest, she encounters the Cailleach and requests access to the well. The Cailleach, in her role as the guardian of winter and the old year, initially refuses Bride’s plea. However, Bride who is also known for her wisdom and craft, uses her persuasive powers and offers the Cailleach gifts in exchange for a drink from the sacred well. Eventually the Cailleach relents and allows Bride to drink from the well. As she drinks, Bride absorbs the essence of the winter solstice, gaining the strength to challenge and overcome the Cailleach’s dominion over darkness and cold.
While the Cailleach is often portrayed as a formidable and solitary figure, she is also credited with nurturing and protecting wildlife. In some tales, she is said to provide food and shelter for animals during the harsh winter months. This duality of the Cailleach's character, embodying both destructive and nurturing forces, reflects the complex relationship between humans and the natural world.
Interestingly, some scholars argue that there is a close connection between the Cailleach and the Hindu Goddess Kali, both being representations of an even older, paleolithic Great Mother, linking these ancient cultures across vast distances and time. As humans migrated from India to Europe during the Neolithic period, they carried with them the collective memories and symbolism associated with the primordial divine feminine. This migration facilitated the transmission of cultural beliefs and mythologies, including the reverence for the Great Mother archetype. The commonalities observed in the representations of these powerful female deities suggest a shared ancestral lineage rooted in the Paleolithic era.
The blog Wee White House: Exploring Stories, Traditions, and Folklore from Scotland has an excellent post, Older than Time: The Myth of the Cailleach, The Great Mother if you would like to learn more. Wikipedia also has a comprehensive overview of the Cailleach, with good references for further exploration.
Frau Holle
Frau Holle, also known as Mother Hulda, is a legendary figure in German folklore associated with the winter season. She is often depicted as an elderly woman who lives at the bottom of a well or in a remote house on a mountain. Frau Holle is closely connected to the changing of the seasons and is said to govern the weather and the fertility of the land.
According to German folklore, Frau Holle shakes out her featherbeds or pillows, which causes snow to fall on Earth, marking the arrival of winter. She is seen as both a benevolent and strict figure, rewarding hard work and kindness while punishing laziness and rudeness. It is said that those who show respect and kindness to her are blessed with good fortune, while those who mistreat her or neglect their responsibilities may face her wrath.
In some versions of the story, Frau Holle is associated with spinning and weaving. It is believed that she spins the clouds and weaves the fabric of the weather. Her spinning wheel represents the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. She is also often depicted with a broom, symbolizing the sweeping away of the old to make way for the new. The story of Frau Holle has been passed down through generations, teaching lessons of hard work, fairness, and the importance of caring for others.
The tale of Frau Holle was collected and published in 1812 by the Brothers Grim in their book Kinder- und Hausmärchen (Children's and Household Tales). It was also included in the 1890 anthology of fairy tales, The Red Fairy Book, compiled by Scottish folklorist Andrew Lang. You can read a lovely adaptation of Frau Holle’s story here.
Perchta
Perchta, also known as Berchta or Frau Perchta, is another mythical figure from Germanic folklore associated with the winter season. She is often depicted as a fearsome and powerful woman, both beautiful and terrifying. Perchta is believed to wander the Earth during the Twelve Days of Christmas, from December 25th to January 6th in the Northern Hemisphere, overseeing the behavior of people and the cleanliness of their homes. At this time of year, people would leave offerings of food, such as bread or porridge, for Perchta to ensure her favor and protection. She is often celebrated in winter festivals, where her presence is acknowledged through songs, dances, and customs.
Similar to Frau Holle, Perchta is associated with both the reward of good deeds and the punishment of misdeeds. However, her wrath for those who have been lazy, selfish, or dishonest is generally rather violent, with gory consequences, as gleefully told in the Vice.com article Meet Christmas Goddess Perchta, A Belly-Slitting, Half-Woman Demon. She is particularly known for her focus on spinning and weaving, and those who neglect their spinning during the winter season may find their spindles tangled or their thread cut as a sign of her disapproval… if she is feeling benevolent. In some traditions, Perchta is believed to have the ability to transform into a beautiful white swan or a haggard old woman, symbolizing the dual nature of her character. She is associated with the concept of duality, representing the transition between life and death, light and darkness, and the changing seasons.
While Perchta is primarily associated with the Twelve Nights and the Winter Solstice, there is a fascinating connection between her and the Wild Hunt in some folklore traditions. The Wild Hunt is a mythological event in which a spectral group of hunters, often led by a supernatural figure, rides through the night sky or across the land. In certain regions of Central Europe, including Germany and Austria, Perchta is believed to be the leader of the Wild Hunt during the winter season. She is said to ride through the night with her followers, which may include spirits of the dead or other supernatural beings, creating an awe-inspiring and often terrifying spectacle. This connection between Perchta and the Wild Hunt further emphasizes her role as a powerful and enigmatic figure associated with the liminal time of winter.
More information about Perchta and be found on Wikipedia and in this post on Frau Perchta: The Midwinter Goddess.
Skaði
Skaði, also known as Skadhi, is a figure from Norse mythology associated with winter, mountains, skiing, and hunting. She is a giantess known as a jötunn1, often depicted as a powerful and fierce warrior. Skadi is the daughter of the giant Thiazi and becomes a significant figure in the Norse pantheon through her marriage to the god Njord.
Skaði's story is rooted in revenge and a desire for justice. Her father was killed by the gods, and she sought retribution. As compensation, the gods offered her a husband of her choice from their ranks, as well as the ability to choose her own dwelling. Skadi chose Njord, the god of the sea and abundance, but their contrasting natures and preferences eventually led to their separation.
Skaði is closely associated with the winter season, embodying its harshness, coldness, and the challenges it presents. She is often depicted in winter attire, wearing furs and carrying a bow and arrows. Skadi is known for her skill in skiing and hunting, and she is considered the patron of winter sports and activities. Her presence is believed to bring snowfall, icy winds, and the stillness of frozen landscapes.
Skadi's significance extends beyond winter. As a goddess of mountains and wilderness, she represents the strength and resilience needed to endure challenging environments. More detailed information about Skaði can be found on Wikipedia.
Baba Yaga
Baba Yaga is a prominent figure in the Slavic folklore of Eastern Europe. Although not exclusively associated with winter, she is often depicted as an ugly but mysterious and powerful old woman, living deep in the forest in a hut that stands on chicken legs with her garden fence and gate made from the bones of the children that she has eaten. She flies through the air in a mortar, using its pestle as a rudder. Baba Yaga is known for her enigmatic nature, her cruelty, her wisdom, and her connection to magic and the supernatural.
Baba Yaga's portrayal in folklore varies, and she can take on different roles and meanings depending on the story. She is sometimes depicted as a fearsome witch, a devourer of children, a guardian of the forest, or a wise crone who imparts valuable knowledge and guidance to those who seek her out.
In some versions of her story, Baba Yaga is associated with winter. She is believed to possess the ability to control the weather, bringing cold winds, snowstorms, and frost. She is often portrayed as an unpredictable force of nature, capable of both benevolent and malevolent actions. She serves as a reminder that winter is not solely a time of darkness and hardship but also a period of transformation and introspection.
This article by the BBC, Baba Yaga: the Greatest Wicked Witch of All has an interesting perspective on Baba Yaga and a review of the book Into the Forest: Tales of the Baba Yaga.
Morana
Morana is a Slavic goddess associated with winter, death, and rebirth. In Slavic mythology, she is often depicted as a beautiful but stern woman with long, flowing black hair and dressed in white or black garments. Morana represents the cold, dark months of winter and the dormant period of nature.
As the goddess of winter, Morana is both feared and respected. She is believed to bring frost and cold winds, symbolizing the harshness and severity of the season. In some traditions, Morana is seen as the personification of death itself, ruling over the realm of the dead during the winter months.
However, Morana is not solely associated with death and darkness. She also symbolizes the cyclical nature of life and the promise of rebirth. In Slavic folklore, it is believed that Morana's departure marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Her departure is celebrated with various rituals and customs that signify the renewal and awakening of nature.
Wikipedia has more information about Morana and we will explore the specific traditions related Morana and the season of Spring in a later post. This YouTube video also has some interesting information.
The Snow Queen in Literature and Popular Culture
Throughout the realms of literature and popular culture, the figure of the Snow Queen has captivated our hearts and stirred our imaginations. From the enchanting pages of Hans Christian Andersen's The Snow Queen to the magical world of Narnia in C.S. Lewis's The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, these tales have transported us into wintry wonderlands where the Snow Queen reigns supreme.
Andersen's beloved fairy tale, The Snow Queen, centers around an icy and emotionless Queen, who captures young Kai, drawing him away from his dear friend Gerda, and into her frozen realm where Kai forgets who he is. The story takes us on a journey of bravery, friendship, and the power of love to thaw even the coldest of hearts. Find out more about this fairytale on Wikipedia or watch the 2012 Russian-made animated movie, linked below.
In Lewis's epic fantasy series, The Chronicles of Narnia, we encounter the White Witch, a formidable sorceress who casts a perpetual winter over the land. Her icy presence instills fear in the hearts of Narnians, and it is up to the Pevensie children and the mighty lion Aslan to free the land from her icy grip. The White Witch personifies the dangers of unchecked power and the transformative power of sacrifice and redemption. The book was turned into a charming movie in 2005.
And who could forget Elsa, the mesmerizing snow queen from Disney's animated masterpiece Frozen? With her icy powers and the iconic anthem Let It Go, Elsa has become a symbol of empowerment and self-discovery. Through her journey of acceptance and love, she teaches us the power of embracing our true selves, even if it means embracing the cold to find the magic within.
Finally, let’s explore the Lady of the Cold from the Finnish cartoon cult classic, Moomin. The Moomins are a beloved series of characters invented by Finnish writer and artist Tove Jansson who created the original Moomin comic strips and books in the mid-20th century.
Over the years, the Moomin cartoons have gone through various adaptations and interpretations. Notably, in the 1990s, a new Moomin animated series called Moomin was produced by a Finnish-Japanese-Dutch collaboration. This series, known as the Moomin TV series, became particularly popular and helped introduce the Moomins to a new generation of fans worldwide.
The Moomin world, Moominland, has its own seasonal folktales and traditions, including the Lady of the Cold, who brings winter to the land as she rides through Moominvalley on her horse made of snow, freezing anyone who looks into her eyes. Jansson did not illustrate the Lady of the Cold character in order to make her seem more enigmatic but she is depicted in several animated cartoon adaptations, including the one featured below from the 1990s Japanese anime series Tanoshii Mūmin Ikka. If you wanted to learn more about the Lady of the Cold visit this website dedicated to all things Moomin.
As we embrace the stories of the winter queens, we are transported to realms where snowflakes sparkle like diamonds and the whispers of winter magic linger in the air. They remind us of the enchantment and allure of winter. They evoke a sense of wonder and invite us to explore the mysteries that lie within the frosty landscapes. They remind us of the ever-changing seasons, the cycle of life and death, and the enduring power of nature's beauty. Through their stories and legends, we find inspiration, wisdom, and a deeper connection to the rhythms of the natural world.
So let us embrace the magic and wonder of these winter witches and queens. May they inspire us to embrace the enchantment of winter, and revel in the timeless allure of the snowy realms.
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Jotun is a term used in Norse mythology to refer to a race of giant beings associated with natural elements, often portrayed as powerful and chaotic forces of nature.
So interesting and very well done!