Witches Are Good at Spell-ing Trivia Quiz

Answer: Besom

Besom is the name for the traditional broom constructed of a central handle with a bundle of twigs tied to it. Traditionally the handle is hazel and the twigs are birch. This is the broomstick associated with witches.

They are still made today and are often found at garden centres, craft fairs and country shows.

Answer: Monkshood

Monkshood is part of the Aconite family, of which there are over 250 species. Its root has been mistaken for Horseradish, but it is extremely poisonous and if touched briefly to the lips the juice of the root will produce numbness and tingling. Despite this it has been used in traditional medicine, especially in the Far East.

It is a very popular and striking garden plant but care should be taken never to leave portions of root where livestock or children could come into contact with it.

Answer: Cauldron

The traditional cauldron is large round iron pot with a wide mouth used for cooking over an open fire. It is the pot used by witches for mixing their potions and is mentioned in the witches scene in Shakespeare's play "Macbeth". In Irish folklore, it is also where Leprechauns keep their gold.

Answer: Widdershins

Widdershins (or withershins) means to take a course opposite to the apparent motion of the sun (in the Northern Hemisphere) or to circle an object whilst always keeping it on the left. It is a traditional way to stir things in magic. The term was very common in Gaelic where it translated to "left-hand wise".

Answer: An animal who works with a witch

In this context familiar means an attendant spirit, often taking animal form. In legend and mythology a witch's familiar was often a black cat, although toads were also quite common.

Answer: Bat

Flittermouse is an old description for a bat, possibly because small bats do bear a resemblance to flying mice. Other names are flickermouse, flindermouse and flintymouse. The most common form of bat in the United Kingdom is the Pipistrelle.

Answer: Beehive

An apiary is the name for a colony of bees and a bee keeper is an apiarist. Beeswax, which is used to make the hexagonal cells that the bees store honey in, is used in candle making and also for furniture polish.

Answer: Wooden basket

A trug is a long shallow wooden basket with a central handle used for collecting cut flowers, vegetables, or any type of garden produce. At one time they were made all over the United Kingdom and materials varied according to location, but willow, chestnut and oak are favourite woods.

Answer: Knife

The bolline is the everyday knife used for herb gathering, cutting flowers, carving; it is the all-purpose knife. The athame is the ritual knife with a black handle and double edged blade. The handle often has magical symbols carved into it.

Answer: Pentagram

The five pointed star is the pentagram. The pentacle is a round solid disc on which the five pointed star is engraved. Pentecost is a Christian festival and penten is an amylene obtained from gasoline.

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