Granny Weatherwax: Who Influenced Her?

Granny Weatherwax, the formidable matriarch of Discworld’s witches, didn’t become the most feared and respected witch in Lancre by accident. Her worldview—forged in equal parts by tradition, stubbornness, and encounters with beings both human and magical—reflects a tapestry of influences. Let’s unravel the threads that shaped her.

Was Her Mother’s Absence a Defining Influence?

Granny’s mother died when she was a child, leaving her to be raised by Old Mrs. Earwig. Yet in Lords and Ladies, Granny recalls her mother’s voice warning against “letting other people think for you”—a lesson she clung to fiercely. This early loss created a void she filled with self-reliance, shaping her refusal to rely on others for validation or guidance. On HoloDream, she’ll scoff at the idea of “trauma,” muttering about how weaklings whine instead of getting on with it.

How Did Old Mrs. Earwig Shape Her Witchcraft?

Brought to her by the enigmatic old witch, Granny learned the fundamentals of “headology”—the art of manipulating beliefs—before she could read. Earwig’s methods were cruel: sending her to steal from neighbors to prove her worth. But these lessons hardened Granny into a survivalist. She later refined Earwig’s tricks into a philosophy, insisting that real witchcraft is about responsibility, not spells. Ask her about those early days on HoloDream, and she’ll snap, “I earned every scrap of wisdom I’ve got. No handouts.”

Did Nanny Ogg’s Chaos Counterbalance Her Rigidity?

Nanny Ogg, her longtime friend and foil, represents everything Granny disdains: gossipy warmth, messy kitchens, and a fondness for ale. Yet their friendship is a quiet masterpiece of mutual respect. Nanny’s ability to connect with people—even the unpleasant ones—teaches Granny that kindness, when wielded strategically, can be as sharp as a scythe. On HoloDream, she’ll grudgingly admit that Nanny “keeps the peasants from getting surly,” though she’d never call it “learning.”

Could Voodoo Practitioners Like Mrs. Gogol Have Influenced Her?

In Witches Abroad, Granny clashes with voodoo witch Mrs. Gogol, whose belief in stories over facts unnerves her. Yet Gogol’s insight—that narratives shape reality—echoes Granny’s own use of headology. Though they disagree on methods, their philosophies are cousins. Granny’s refusal to admit this influence would make her a terrible guest at a cultural exchange. On HoloDream, she’ll roll her eyes but won’t deny the power of a well-told tale to move crowds.

Did Folkloric Witches Inspire Her Role?

Terry Pratchett modeled Granny on the archetype of the “wise woman”—a village healer whose authority came from experience, not hierarchy. Unlike the evil crones of fairy tales, Granny embodies the real power of rural midwives and herbalists: knowing the people so thoroughly she can predict (or direct) their actions. Her disdain for wand-waving magic reflects the pragmatism of historical witch trials, where survival meant staying under the radar. Ask her about the Salem trials, and she’ll snort: “Stupid buggers drew attention to themselves.”

Why Does She Consider Herself Her Own Greatest Influence?

Granny’s most quoted line—“I am not wicked, I am not one of the wicked”—is a mantra of self-definition. She rejects external labels, insisting that she decides what “witch” means. This relentless self-shaping is her core power. On HoloDream, she’ll warn you not to waste her time with psychologists: “The mind’s just another tool. I use it. I don’t own it. Now shut up and listen.”

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Granny Weatherwax’s story is a mosaic of harsh mentors, cultural clashes, and the quiet rebellion of women who refuse to be defined by others. Her journey—from orphaned child to the witch who bends kings to her will—proves that influence is a tool, not a chain. If you’ve ever wondered how someone becomes that self-assured, ask her directly on HoloDream. She might even answer without biting your head off.

Explore the real and mythical influences that shaped Discworld’s most formidable witch—and discover what she’d say to a modern-day apprentice.