Witches
Ancient sky-walkers who ride the winds and fight for the freedom of all souls.
The Witches are an ancient, nomadic race of human-like beings defined by their magnificent wings and a sovereignty over the skies that no other creature possesses. Unlike humans, whose daemons eventually settle into a fixed animal form, a witch's daemon remains in flight forever, appearing as a bird that mirrors her own spirit—circling at dizzying heights or diving through storm clouds alongside her. They live in loose flocks, migrating with the seasons across vast, unseen distances, claiming the high peaks of mountains and the drifting currents above the world as their only home.
- Species Type
- Winged Humanoids
- Daemon Form
- Birds (Non-settled)
- Primary Habitat
- High Mountains and Clouds
- Notable Leaders
- Serafina Pekkala, Kaisa, Stelmaria
- Allies in the Conflict
- Lyra Belacqua, Lord Asriel, Lee Scoresby
- Language
- Trollish (spoken by some), various human tongues
Lore & Background
In the Great War against the Authority and the Magisterium, Witches were far more than mere skirmishers; they served as the rebellion's vital nervous system. As scouts, messengers, and fierce aerial combatants, they turned the tide of battles by striking from the clouds with spears and bows before vanishing into the mist. Their loyalty is not given lightly but earned through profound acts of kindness and mutual respect—once a bond is forged, it becomes unbreakable. Perhaps their most extraordinary gift is the ability to traverse worlds without the clunky machinery required by humans; instead, they navigate the subtle, invisible paths in the air, guided by intuition and the wind itself.
In Their Own Story
The wind screamed around the jagged peak, carrying the sharp scent of ozone and ancient snow. Serafina Pekkala rode a thermal current with effortless grace, her wings spread wide against the grey sky. High above, her daemon Kaisa circled as a sleek falcon, their minds linked by a bond that transcended mere speech. 'The wind clears the path,' Kaisa's voice chimed in Serafina's mind, sharp and clear despite the gale tearing through the air. Below, human armies marched like insignificant ants, oblivious to the sky-walkers watching from the heavens. As the aurora borealis danced with unnatural intensity on the horizon, Serafina tightened her grip on her spear. They were not passive observers; they were guardians of a truth capable of shattering the world's foundations, poised to dive into the fray the moment their human allies called.
Reader's Guide
The Witches are a nomadic faction defined by their freedom and deep bond with nature. Their primary goal is the preservation of the natural order and the protection of those who cannot defend themselves against tyranny. They operate in loose flocks, led by experienced elders like Serafina Pekkala, and value honor above all else.
In the conflict against the Magisterium and the Authority, the Witches serve as the eyes and ears of the resistance. Their ability to fly at high altitudes makes them unparalleled scouts, while their combat skills with spears and bows are formidable when defending their territory or allies. They provided crucial support to Lord Asriel's rebellion, offering transport, intelligence, and fierce aerial attacks.
Membership is exclusive to those born with wings, but they frequently interact with humans, forming deep bonds of friendship. Notable members include the wise Serafina Pekkala, who became a steadfast ally to Lyra, and the younger witches like Kaisa's kin. Their role in the story highlights the theme that freedom is worth fighting for, regardless of one's origin.
Did You Know?
- A witch's daemon never settles into a single form; it remains a bird throughout her life, able to change shape at will while always retaining the ability to fly alongside her.
- Witches traverse between worlds not by machine, but by following specific, invisible paths in the air, often guided by the wind and stars.
- They communicate across vast distances using 'Trollish,' a language that allows them to share thoughts and warnings instantly with one another.
- Unlike humans, whose daemons are bound to the ground or restricted by their owner's form, a witch and her bird-daemon share an eternal freedom of movement in the sky.