The Mysterious Old Woman
Recently, I've found myself reminded of and illustrating central figures from folktales I heard growing up. One of these is The Mysterious Old Woman.
Also called The Wise Woman, the old woman is a mainstay of African folklore. She wields power on two fronts: power grown from mundane accumulations of age, and power from her knowledge of the arcane.
She is part of society, but keeps to herself, not meddling in politics, only putting forth a guiding hand when necessary and when asked. In fact, her true responsibility is spiritual, keeping men and warning kings from forces they shouldn't trouble, and making sure spirits don't meddle where they shouldn't. She serves the kingdom, the community and her family, and is respected, even feared.
Though they share some similarities and both appear in folklore, The Wise Woman is not The Witch. But those who know her, and have seen her work magic, know that the distinction remains only because she chooses so.
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