Woods witch

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A woods witch is a Westerosi medicine woman, both within the Seven Kingdoms and beyond the Wall. They are likely to be local or travelling herb-women who use traditional healing, and perhaps simple spells and charms to heal the sick or help the needy. They have also been known to have prophetic dreams.

About

According to Qyburn most woods witches are harmless creatures; they know a little herb-craft and some midwifery and not much else.[1] However, some woods witches do have the gift of prophecy.

History

The Green Queen was a woods witch that challenged the rule of King Durwald I Durrandon.[2]

At the command of their father, King Jaehaerys II Targaryen, Rhaella and her brother Aerys were married. Jaehaerys was influenced by a certain woods witch brought to court by Jenny of Oldstones, who prophesied that the prince that was promised would be born from their line.

Varamyr Sixskins knew a woods witch beyond the Wall when he was a child.[3]

A woods witch in the Iron Islands taught Asha Greyjoy how to brew moon tea to prevent pregnancy.[4]

Recent Events

A Storm of Storms

Travelling with the brotherhood without banners, Arya Stark meets a woods witch known as the ghost of High Heart.

A Dance with Dragons

After the defeat of Mance Rayder at the Battle of Castle Black, Mother Mole claims to have had a vision of a fleet of ships coming to carry the free folk away to safety across the narrow sea. Thousands of those who fled the battle are desperate enough to believe her. Mother Mole leads them all to Hardhome to pray and await salvation from across the sea.[5]

In Meereen Ser Barristan Selmy reveals to Daenerys Targaryen that her grandsire, King Jaehaerys, commanded that her father and mother be wed after he heard a prophecy from a woods witch. Daenerys is astonished.[6]

See also

References and Notes