A Familiar is the supposed guardian or companion of a witch or devil-worshipper that has become a common theme in fiction, though belief in them goes back to folklore.
History[]
The Familiars were envisioned as adept shape-shifters and often had knowledge of the occult and magic, which it would share with theirs masters or mistresses. In order to keep themselves hidden, a Familiar would take on the form of various small animals such as frogs, toads or (most famously) black cats.
A Familiar's true form could be a Devil, a fairy/goblin or an imp - alternatively a Familiar may actually be seen as an intelligent animal-spirit (perhaps a throwback to totem-spirits of old).
Although heavily persecuted during the witch-hunt eras of history a Familiar is not necessarily an evil being in itself, as with most magic the power of a Familiar is only really evil when abused by malicious sorcerers (such as warlocks, necromancers and the stereotypical "wicked witch").
Notable animals that become alleged Familiars[]
- Crows (folklore)
- Black Cats (folklore)
