 | This article possibly contains original research. (May 2015) |
In folklore, a crone is an old woman who may be characterized as disagreeable, malicious, or sinister in manner, often with magical or supernatural associations that can make her either helpful or obstructive. The Crone is also an archetypical figure or a Wise Woman. As a character type, the crone shares characteristics with the hag.
Old Woman Seen from Behind,
by Vincent van Gogh.
The word became further specialized as the third aspect of the Triple Goddess popularized by Robert Graves and subsequently in some forms of neopaganism. In Wicca, the crone symbolizes the Dark Goddess, the dark side of the Moon, the end of a cycle; together with the Mother (Light Goddess) and the Maiden (Day Goddess), she represents part of the circle of life. The archetype of the Handsome Warlock, good or bad, may change a Crone or Hag to normal looks, if so desired.[1][2]