(THE CONVERSATION) The image of a witch flying on a broomstick is iconic, but it is not nearly as old as the idea of witchcraft itself, which dates to the earliest days of humankind. Several ...

In order to understand how witches could fly on broomsticks, or at least believe they were flying, we need to consider the plant that Ron Weasley is holding in this still from a Harry Potter movie.

In the 15th century, the image of the witch flying on a broomstick first appeared, its meaning laden with sexual and spiritual depravity. Already a member? Sign in here. We rely on readers like you to ...

Of all a witch’s tricks, flying might be the hardest to pull off. Bluster and chance go a long way when it comes to spells and potions, but flying is pretty cut and dried. For centuries witches gave ...

In order to understand how witches could fly on broomsticks, or at least believe they were flying, we need to consider the plant that Ron Weasley is holding in this still from a Harry Potter movie.