familiars

Magical animal companions

Familiars are spirits believed to serve witches, often taking animal form—a black cat, a toad, a raven.

The concept comes from European witch trials, where accused witches were said to keep demon companions.

In modern fantasy, familiars appear as magical animal companions bonded to wizards or witches: Her familiar was a crow that perched on her shoulder.

The word is the noun form of familiar, meaning something intimately known.

witchcraft

cat

Small furry housepet

toadWarty terrestrial amphibian
ravenLarge black carrion bird
owlNocturnal feathered predator

imp · demon · spirit · black cat · hare · snake · bat · crow · mouse · rat

known

recognizable

Able to be identified

accustomedAdapted through habit
customaryDone by convention
habitualDone by routine

well-known · common · everyday · routine · usual · ordinary · established · traditional · longtime · remembered

companions

friends

Voluntary close relations

acquaintancesPeople known slightly
associatesConnected persons or links
confidantsTrusted secret-keepers

buddies · pals · mates · chums · intimates · cronies · regulars · frequenters · habitués · insiders

familiars

cat

recognizable

friends

familiars

Opposites

Phrases

Categories

Family