The Untamed《陈情令》and the Witch Archetype | Video Essay

In honor of Wei Wuxian's birthday, MXTXober, and Halloween, here is an interpretation and analysis of our favorite necromancer in terms of the Witch across history, belief, and pop culture.
A couple notes:
- In this video I pronounce "Taoist" with an aspirated "t" when it should be pronounced more like "Daoist." Mea culpa.
- My Chinese pronounciation is generally inconsistent in accuracy. Heritage speaker problems.
Works & Media Quoted or Used for Research:
- The Witch by Ronald Hutton
- Waking the Witch by Pam Grossman
- Spellbound by Chaweon Koo
- Witchcraft Accusations in China: www.pbs.org/ne...
- Benebell Wen on Taoism and Rebellions: • The Rebellious Origins...
Footage Taken From:
- The Untamed《陈情令》
- The Craft (1996)
- The VVitch (2015)
- Suspiria (2018)
- Practical Magic (1998)
Music Credits:
Lin Hai - Wu Ji • Wu Ji (Instrumental Ve...
Whitesand - Awakening • Emotional Piano Music ...
incompetech.co...
WHERE TO FIND ME:
Instagram: / emiloid_reads
Twitter: / emiloid_reads
Goodreads: / emily-l

[@caprisweet]

Very interesting video essay! I really enjoy the story of Wei Wuxian, and MXTX has such a interesting way of presenting these characters that are outsiders of their communities for different reasons. I don't have an abundance of information on wuxia novels or chinese mythology/folklore/magic so I can't speak to that aspect and its accuracy, but I think there are definitely ties to be argued between the witch archetype and Wei Wuxian's character. Great work!

[@sophia10158]

This was such an interesting video essay! Wei Wuxian is such a fascinating protagonist, his life was so tragic, but I'm glad he got a second chance at happiness. In a western story he would've easily fallen into the anti-hero trope, but his character is treated with far more care in the untamed/MDXZ. It's such a mirror to reality how higher powers demonises the "other" or anyone who stands against imperialist society and doesn't have dogmatic mindset.

[@Paula-133]

Thank You for this unexpected and brilliant analysis of Wei Wuxian's witchy nature. The heart felt epics of MXTX have become some of my favorite tales. They bravely and deeply look at our humanity, beauty and grace. Our ability to sometimes be shockingly cruel and our hidden magical hearts. This is excellent. Thank You.

[@Emiloid]

Thank you for watching and for your kind comment! MXTX is a great story weaver and MDZS in particular is a true magical work ✨

[@fluffy-lise]

Wow what an amazing video!
The comparison with the witch archetype is on point. I love Wei Wuxian's character, he is the type of protagonist that I find the most interesting and inspiring.
Another "male witch" or you could say wizard that reminds me a lot of him is Merlin, the british BBC version. I watched Merlin years ago and was a fan, and The Untamed reminded me a lot of Merlin when I discovered the show, not only does it has a similar charm, but obviously the persecuted witch archetype is also major in both shows.
I had watched your Untamed review in the past, and I also saw that you are into tarot as you made a Star Wars video about it (that is amazing too by the way). I don't know if you are also into astrology, but a lot of the witch examples you mentioned shared a sign (libra, either as sun sign or ascendant which is pretty interesting considering the yin/yang, balance element you mentioned).
And watching your video, two tarot archetypes came to mind: the magician card but also the high priestess (the persephone archetype bringing balance between light and darkness...etc).
The Untamed is such an interesting show because I have seen several analysis focusing on different aspects of the series, and everytime I'm discovering more about it and appreciating the material more.

[@db7368]

That's a rlly good analysis!! WWX is one of my favorites characters and this video makes him justice

[@daniblur]

I have to say I was very touched by your essay as a beginner in witchcraft and as Wei Wuxian's number 1 fan/defender. I really appreciated your train of thoughts trought the video, I also loved your analogies with events in our real world and your book references. I'm not Chinese nor american, but I grew up in a place where those who didn't follow the "orthodox" patch, which is, Christianism, like the native people and the descendants of enslaved Africans were, and still are, extremely stigmatized, blamed , excluded and isolated… this is a very similar story to Wei Wuxian's. So to me, your interpretation of the character as the witch archetype makes perfect sense. Thank you very much for this wonderful video essay, your voice is calm and lovely to hear and your articulation, organization and execution of the essay were perfect!

[@user-9097]

pls make more videos like this! i love analysis' of chinese media

[@Emiloid]

Subscribe and stay tuned for more analysis of Chinese media 😉

[@stacy_wt522]

Incredible video essay, so intriguing!!

[@nataliawas8376]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who sees Wei Wuxian as a witch.

[@Shadowwing1994]

This was such a great and interesting video essay and I agree with everything you said! MXTX is such a good writer and the way her characters are all multi-dimensional and complex just draws you in and forces you to examine the way morality is viewed by others.
While there's no direct equivalent of a witch in chinese culture, Wei Wuxian is certainly written with those influences in a very realistic and interesting way. You sympathize with him and want to just SHAKE HIM to make him understand how stupid he is sometimes. I love it all

[@valpreston1393]

Please make another Ian Curtis video ❤

[@TheMovieDoctorful]

Sorry for the late comment, Emily!
You should honestly write a book on The Untamed, you have so much to say about it and your stance really comes from a place of immense knowledge on culture and history. I especially loved the bit about Haitian Vodou, it's a religion I have a ton of fascination and respect for, I can totally see the link it has with Wei Wuxian's Demonic Cultivation. My biggest spiritual advisor is actually a Vodou Mambo (I'd join the religion myself, but it's largely ancestral veneration, which poses a bit of a problem for me when my ancestors were colonizers lol)
This video's a must watch for any screenwriter writing about witches. Excellent job!

[@Emiloid]

Thanks Will, glad you enjoyed! Always happy to have people who appreciate the witchy side of my work 😊

[@peterxyz3541]

First time on your chan, saw this vid from a YT recommendation. I’m into Wu xia films

[@urmwhynot]

If you go back far enough, every esoteric tradition stems from animism; the attribution of a spirit to an inanimate object and the personification of environmental forces into deities. From deism to pantheism. Mysticism and occultism. And that is regardless of cultural proximity; that is a human thing.
I do love how you framed witches as those on the fringe and the role and archetypes they represent in culture. A very astute summary.
Look forward to more videos. *subscribes*

[@Emiloid]

Thank you so much for watching, and for the subscription! 😊

[@ananyamishra5930]

This is probably one of the best video essays I have ever seen. The sheer amount of knowledge packed in this video about traditional magic and rituals is impressive. You touched upon all the points I had thought of and you did it 100times better. Thank you for this❤

[@joannwallace3585]

Interesting analysis. I likened WWX to a necromancer.

[@ennamichaels5144]

Love this essay - the combination of history - my favourite C-Drama - and Terry Pratchett! Well done.

[@v.bright7123]

Category 4 was shown by the villian hidden in this story and not our evil accused 😈 🐐 scapegoat

[@edna4371]

you're back!!! :))

[@dannyha2985]

welcome back

[@Emiloid]

Thank you! 😊

[@lanebeaver104]

This is CRIMINALLY underrated

[@salemgreen41]

This was really interesting. I now have a strong urge to rewatch the show from a different perspective. Great video!

[@Emiloid]

Thank you! I will always encourage rewatches of The Untamed 😊

[@Makjaoiuewhxkjs]

Read the book instead ;)