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The Marvel Cinematic Universe ( Agatha All Along ) has spent most of its existence establishing a magic system that was founded on the ideas of sorcerers. From the Ancient One to Doctor Strange, it was believed that sorcerers were the end all be all in terms of magic. However, with WandaVision, it confirmed there was another branch of magic that existed in the form of witchcraft. While it’s a no-brainer that witches would exist in a world of magic, especially with Wanda Maximoff in the universe, it’s still a fairly young concept. Thankfully, Agatha All Along is offering up a comprehensive look at the world of witchcraft and how it fits in the larger MCU.
From being bound to the Witches Road, there are many secrets left to explore about the dangerous but powerful craft, and what’s most interesting is how it differentiates itself from sorcery. For years, sorcerers show that anything was possible and to travel to other realms was something so ambitious few could accomplish it. But when compared to Agatha and the many other witches, it was clear that there were distinct differences between both types of magic users, and their biggest differences show just how powerful one side is versus the other, especially why witches are so unique.( Agatha All Along )
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Sorcerers Borrow Magical Energy From the Multiverse
When Doctor Strange introduced the concept of magic to the MCU, it established the idea that anyone could harness the powers of the Multiverse if they worked hard at it. That said, it’s not an easy feat, and the only reason Strange made it seem so easy was because he was naturally gifted at comprehending complex ideas. However, when compared to others like America Chavez, it becomes clear that understanding, feeling, conjuring and harnessing the magical energies around people isn’t simple. ( Agatha All Along )
What’s more, the Sanctum Sanctorum also showed that there were some magics so powerful that they had to be imbued onto objects. Whether it be the Cloak of Levitation, Wand of Watoomb or the Eye of Agamotto, magic can’t exist within an individual without some form of penance. This was made grotesquely clear when a third eye appeared on Strange’s forehead after using the Darkhold.
That’s not to say that sorcerers are weak, but they understand their limits and the give and take needed to harness the powers of the universe. Doctor Strange often had to use magic at a great cost, and the more costly the magic, the more it took. This was shown well in the Marvel Comics and also proved why a sorcerer’s life isn’t the easiest. ( Agatha All Along )
Note: The Staff of One first appeared in Doctor Strange but later appeared in Marvel’s Runaways with Nico Minoru.
Whenever Wong explains certain rituals or ideas he often explains the importance of balance. This was best shown in the spell of forgetting from Spider-Man: No Way Home, where he mentioned that it harnessed the powers of known and unknown realities. Or when Mordo mentioned the natural order and how tampering with it could never lead to a multitude of Earth-shattering consequences. ( Agatha All Along )
The reason for this is that they understood their limits and the limits of a human and that tampering with things greater than their understanding could affect things negatively. As a result, only individuals like the Sorcerer Supreme could borrow greatly from reality to better its inhabitants. Even still, it came at a cost in some capacity and showed the fragility of sorcerers. On the other hand, witches have a natural inclination for risk and deal with the energies around them in a way more grounded than sorcerers, which, in a way, makes them even more powerful than sorcerers or, at least, better equipped to handle the dangers that their magic brings. ( Agatha All Along )
Witches Have Power Tied Directly to Them – ( Agatha All Along )
Agatha All Along sees Agatha Harkness take on the Witches Road for a second time in a desperate bid to reclaim the power Wanda Maximoff took from her in WandaVision. But this mission is easier said than done as the Witches Road is, more often than not, a death sentence. But in building her coven to travel the Road, it’s revealed that all the witches she’s spoken to have one thing in common: they had power residing in them the whole time. ( Agatha All Along )
With sorcerers, using magic is more like an exchange in which an individual has to almost prove themselves before they gain the skill to use magic. In the case of witches, they act somewhat like Mutants in that they show signs of skill at an early age. Though rather than a gene to be activated, it’s more a vein to be tapped and nurtured once discovered.
Note: Agatha Harkness was the governess for Franklin Richards while the Fantastic Four went on missions.
In the case of Wanda Maximoff, she always had a knack for witchcraft, even alluding to her magic being what saved her and her brother from the missile that was in their living room. The same could be said for Lilia Claderu, Jennifer Kale, and Alice Wu, all witches who have a natural gift and either have their skills held back or invading their minds at a moment’s notice. Conversely. Agatha is a unique case in that it’s not clear if her magic comes from within or from the Darkhold. ( Agatha All Along )
She clearly studied the Darkhold to gain her abilities, but much of her magic came from stealing it from others. Therefore, she may be a special case in that she’s one of the best without a natural gift and not being a sorcerer. But in doing so, it reveals the dangerous side of witchcraft.For those that aren’t inherently tied to the craft, it may be harder for them to gain power and, therefore, make more sacrifices, likely adding to the countless legends of sacrifices, baby eating, and the like. But those witches with a natural inclination to magic remain misunderstood and driven out of their homes, like Lilia was as a clairvoyant.
Therefore, witchcraft, being based on the natural elements, is one of the most natural ties to the magic that exists and only gets dark when those who may lack power meddle in ways that involve the user losing a part of themselves. That said, there’s no denying that a witch’s powers are something to behold and maybe even more powerful and dangerous than what sorcerers can accomplish. ( Agatha All Along )
Witches Don’t Care About the Natural Order
Sorcerers and the natural order go hand in hand, and even though they don’t have a natural connection to magic, their actions have even greater consequences. When those that aren’t naturally tied to magic alter existence, the consequences could change the world forever. This was proven in other realities when Sinister Strange used the Darkhold, ending his reality with an incursion. Therefore, sorcerers, who may not have a connection to magic naturally, are the most important players in keeping balance. That said, witches have much more leeway and only have themselves to worry about (and, by extension, their coven). ( Agatha All Along )
Note: Wanda Maximoff’s Mutant status has yet to be confirmed in the MCU.
By singing the ballad to get into the Witches Road, it’s established that the elements are needed to enter a realm that only witches can traverse. Everything about it alludes to the idea that witches are the most naturally connected to reality and operate as a part of it. This is best showcased by how they walk the Road barefoot as if to better connect to the planet that gave them power. It’s an unspoken bond between both parties. ( Agatha All Along )
This also means that witches have a more significant potential for unlimited power; case in point: the Scarlet Witch. Thus, when they meddle deeper into dark magic, their consequences are more detrimental, though relegated to themselves. As a result, it sets up a glaring realization about how different sorcerers and witches are and why that’s important.
Sorcerers are strong, but their power comes from a relationship between the individual and magic. It can be a strong bond with magical items, will even accept and assist a magic user, and can also change the world when a group of sorcerers work together. However, when defying the natural order, the real dangers can appear and almost end reality, bringing about the likes of the Dread Dormammu. On the other hand, witches were born with their skills and learned to harness and specialize them. ( Agatha All Along )
They may not have the range to change the world as they know it, but if they dabble in dark arts, it could deeply change them and turn them into something purely evil. As a result, it’s hard to say which side is stronger, but it’s clear that the differences between both sides are as distinct as they are powerful. ( Agatha All Along )