The Witches
Winged sky-dwellers with bird-daemons who see all worlds and answer only to their own laws.
The Witches are an ancient, winged species native to the high altitudes, soaring effortlessly on physical wings attached to their bodies. Unlike humans, whose animal companions settle into a single form during puberty, every witch's daemon remains a bird—ever-mobile, ever-watchful. This freedom binds them to the skies: they dwell in nomadic clans drifting between worlds, nesting on the highest mountain peaks or within cloud banks where the thin air shields them from ground-bound predators and human tyranny.
- Species Name
- Witches
- Daemon Form
- Birds (never settles)
- Primary Habitat
- Clouds and high mountains across multiple worlds
- Key Ability
- Flight, telepathy, clairvoyance, keen senses
- Notable Leader
- Serafina Pekkala (Clan Leader & Wartime Alliance Commander)
- First Major Appearance
- The Golden Compass / Northern Lights
Lore & Background
For centuries, humans have viewed witches with a mixture of awe and terror, leading to brutal campaigns of persecution and hunting. Yet beneath this history lies a rigid code of honor that demands neutrality; they intervene in mortal affairs only to preserve the multiverse's balance or protect their own kin. This isolation shattered when Lyra Belacqua proved her worth not through magic, but through raw courage and unyielding honesty. Her alliance with Serafina Pekkala became the catalyst for a united front against the Authority, transforming the witches from distant observers into pivotal architects of liberation.
In Their Own Story
Above the frozen tundra of Svalbard, where breath crystallizes mid-air, Serafina Pekkala rode the invisible currents. Her daemon, Kaisa—a snow goose with eyes sharp as flint—pressed close against her cheek. Below lay a world of human darkness; here, in the realm of ice and wind, they were sovereign. With a silent thought, she reached across the void to her sisters, their minds weaving into a telepathic chorus that transcended sound. 'The child comes,' Serafina projected, the words vibrating as pure feeling through the frost-laden air. 'She carries the Dust that binds us all.' The wind shifted, tasting of ozone and distant worlds, as the witch-clans turned from their sky-homes to descend upon the girl who would change everything.
Reader's Guide
In the series' climactic struggle, witches serve as the multiverse's ultimate scouts and aviators. Their unique ability to traverse worlds freely, combined with an encyclopedic knowledge of Dust and the fabric of reality, makes them indispensable against the Authority's tyranny. Though initially wary of human frailty, they forge unbreakable bonds with those who respect their ancient ways—proving that even the most aloof of beings can be moved by truth, bravery, and the shared weight of destiny.
Did You Know?
- Witches' daemons are always birds because they never go through the settling process that human children experience.
- They can communicate telepathically across vast distances and even between different worlds.
- While the Magisterium knew of Dust for centuries, the specific link between Dust and consciousness was primarily uncovered by Lyra, Will, and the Mulefa in later journeys through the multiverse.
- Unlike humans, witches deeply value their long lives and actively fight to avoid death rather than viewing it as a natural transition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the witches in His Dark Materials?
They are a nomadic, winged species native to high altitudes across multiple universes. Their daemons always take the form of birds and never settle into a single shape like human companions do.
What powers do they have?
Witches possess physical wings for flight and share a telepathic bond with their bird daemons that allows them to see across great distances. They are known for their keen senses and ability to navigate the skies where few others can follow.
Where do they live?
Their primary habitats include high mountain peaks and cloud banks across multiple worlds, keeping them away from ground-based threats. These nomadic clans drift between universes rather than staying in one fixed location permanently.
Who leads them?
Serafina Pekkala serves as the leader of the Arcturi clan and coordinates alliances during major conflicts like the war against the Authority. She is a key figure who bridges the gap between witches, humans, and other allies.
How does their story end?
By the conclusion of the trilogy, many witches join Lyra and Will’s fight to dismantle the oppressive hierarchy ruling over the multiverse. Their story concludes with them remaining free guardians of the sky while supporting the new balance between worlds.