Who is killing the witches in Once Upon a Time?

The world of Once Upon a Time is famously filled with magic, fairy tales, and, unfortunately, a fair share of danger. For fans who have been captivated by the show's twists and turns, a recurring question often arises: who is killing the witches? The answer isn't as straightforward as a single villain. Throughout the series, various characters, driven by different motives, have been responsible for the demise of magical practitioners, particularly those with powerful abilities often labeled as "witches."

The Complex Web of Witchy Demise

It's important to understand that "witches" in Once Upon a Time encompass a wide range of magical users, from the benevolent to the malevolent. Their fates are often sealed by those who fear their power, seek to steal it, or are simply caught in the crossfire of larger magical conflicts.

The Queens of Darkness and Their Foes

One of the most prominent arcs involving the elimination of witches revolves around the "Queens of Darkness" in Season 4. This formidable group, including Ursula, Cruella de Vil, and Maleficent, sought to obtain the power of the Author to rewrite their own dark destinies. However, their pursuit also put them at odds with many other magical beings, and they themselves became targets.

The Heroes' Actions: While the heroes of Storybrooke generally try to protect the innocent, there have been instances where their actions, albeit often in self-defense or to prevent greater harm, have led to the deaths of magical beings, including those who might be classified as witches. This is particularly true when dealing with those who pose an existential threat to their loved ones or the realm itself.
Internal Conflicts Among Magic Users: The magical community in Once Upon a Time is not a unified front. Powerful sorcerers and witches often clash with each other, vying for power, territory, or revenge. These internal power struggles have resulted in the deaths of many.

Specific Examples and Key Antagonists

Several characters stand out as being particularly responsible for the deaths of witches:

Zelena, The Wicked Witch of the West

While Zelena herself is a powerful witch, she has also been responsible for the deaths of other magical beings. Her quest for revenge against her sister, Regina, and her desire to seize control of Storybrooke led to numerous confrontations where her magic, and the magic of those opposing her, resulted in casualties. She has a particular vendetta against those who wronged her, and sometimes this extends to other witches who she perceives as having benefited from her misfortunes.

The Evil Queen (Regina Mills)

Before her redemption arc, Regina, as the Evil Queen, was a ruthless ruler who eliminated anyone who stood in her way, including other magical practitioners. Her thirst for power and her hatred for Snow White fueled many of her actions, leading to the deaths of countless individuals, some of whom possessed magical abilities. Even after her turn towards good, her past actions continue to haunt her and the narrative.

Rumplestiltskin, The Dark One

Rumplestiltskin is arguably one of the most prolific killers of magical beings in the series. His insatiable hunger for power and his role as the Dark One often made him a direct threat to other powerful magic users. He has manipulated, tortured, and killed numerous individuals, including witches, to further his own agenda. His contract magic and his mastery of dark arts made him a terrifying adversary for any witch who crossed his path.

The Author

In Season 4, the Author, initially depicted as a neutral force, becomes a weapon. When manipulated by the Queens of Darkness, he gains the power to rewrite reality and lives. This newfound power leads to the potential and actual "unwriting" of characters, some of whom were magical. While not a direct physical killer in the traditional sense, his ability to erase existence is a form of destruction that certainly applies to witches.

The Shadow and Other Dark Forces

Beyond specific characters, there are also overarching dark forces and magical entities that have caused the demise of witches. The Shadow, for instance, is a parasitic entity that feeds on life force and can possess individuals, leading to their destruction. These more abstract threats also contribute to the mortality of witches.

Why are witches targeted in Once Upon a Time?

The targeting of witches in Once Upon a Time stems from several core themes within the show:

Fear of the Unknown and Powerful: Magic, by its nature, is often feared by those who don't understand or possess it. Witches, being the practitioners of this magic, become easy targets for prejudice and violence.
Desire for Power: Many villains in the show seek to absorb or steal magical abilities, and witches are often a prime source for this.
Revenge and Grudges: Personal vendettas play a significant role. Characters like Zelena and Regina, themselves witches, have been driven by a desire to harm others, including other magical beings, who they believe have wronged them.
Maintaining Balance (or Imbalance): Sometimes, the death of a witch is portrayed as necessary to restore a perceived balance of power, whether that balance is truly just or not.

FAQ Section

How do witches die in Once Upon a Time?

Witches in Once Upon a Time die in various ways, including through direct magical combat, being struck down by non-magical weapons, succumbing to curses or dark magic, being "unwritten" by the Author, or as collateral damage in larger magical conflicts. Their deaths are often a result of the machinations of powerful villains, the protective actions of heroes, or internal magical strife.

Why are there so many witches dying?

The high number of witch deaths reflects the show's exploration of the consequences of magic, power, and fear. Witches are often at the center of magical conflicts due to their abilities, making them both potent threats and vulnerable targets. The narrative frequently uses their demise to drive plotlines, highlight character motivations, and explore the dangers inherent in wielding great power.

Is there one specific villain responsible for killing all the witches?

No, there isn't one single villain consistently responsible for killing all the witches. Throughout the series, multiple characters, including Rumplestiltskin, the Evil Queen (Regina), Zelena, and even sometimes the heroes acting out of necessity, have been responsible for the deaths of witches. The danger to witches comes from various sources and motivations.