---

Familiars play a huge part in the life of their witches. Binding themselves to only one throughout their lifetimes, these goblin-like creatures are incredibly loyal and can rarely be found working against their masters.

They're incredibly strong, protecting the witch they're bound to from potential harm, they can be quite the liability as well. After all, if anyone strong enough to subdue them gets their hands on another's familiar, they gain control over them. Which is never a good thing, is it?

Familiar Myths

Of course we all know familiars are real and very much a part of a witch's life. However, mortals too aren't entirely in the unknown when it comes to these supernatural creatures or entities. As a matter of fact, a quirky woman owning a black cat could, in the past, be considered a witch, just because of it. Unfortunately, the consequences for being labeled as such, would soon follow.

It is commonly known these entities, often described as spirits of some sort, protect and assist their witches and at times even advise them. They're said to come in various shapes and sizes, but tend to take on the shape of an animal to go unnoticed. Something that clearly didn't help all that much!

Nowadays, where the existence of witches is less frowned upon, there's plenty of regular mortals practicing wicca or witchcraft. Familiars included. Needless to say, these aren't of the magical variety in any way, shape or form. Instead, these witches often refer to their beloved pets as such. Not magical, nor very protective in most cases. But a confidant regardless.

Actual Familiars

Unlike those that practice witchcraft or identify themselves as witches or wiccans but don't actually possess magical abilities, familiars of those that do, are actually goblins. Tall, skinny looking creatures with either black or tan skin, a long, strong tail and extremely sharp claws. Not exactly a great sight to behold, but thankfully, they too tend to take on the shape of an animal. Often times, an animal that most closely reflects the inner workings of their witch. Although there are some exceptions known.

"Familiars are goblins who have taken on the shape of animals to better serve their witch masters. There's nothing human about them."
— Zelda Spellman

At times, there are those that prefer to submit other supernatural species to their whims. Binding skinwalkers or werewolves to their will and using these in a similar manner as they would a regular familiar. Something that is at least mildly frowned upon, as these are, obviously, much more humanoid than goblins will ever be.

Abilities

Familiar possess quite a few abilities. One of those, is shapeshifting, which allows them to take on the form of an animal to be better able to serve their master. Beyond telepathic communication with the witch they're bound to, in their goblin form, familiars too are capable of regular human speech.

To top it off, they're also incredibly strong and fast. While this might not always show to its fullest in their animal form, they are usually on the level of their witch when it comes to magical prowess in their original form. Proving to be quite the challenge when faced with a potential threat.

Known Familiars

Other than the above list, which includes the familiars of which the names and witches were known, there's several more seen throughout the show. Like Hilda's spiders, for example. Or Connor's iguana.

Fun Facts

• Vinegar Tom died on the day the Berlin Wall fell, 9/11/1989.
• It is said that the shape a familiar will take on, is determined by the personality of their witch.
• Unlike in CAOS, familiars in Sabrina the Teenage Witch, were former witches who had to serve time as a familiar as punishment for their crimes.
• Perhaps not so fun, but when a witch dies, their familiar dies with them.

---

Written by Billie Rose
Code by Hugo Prendergast