10 Facts About The Witch of Endor from The Bible and Other Ancient Sources

The most captivating and discordant part of the Bible is the 1 Samuel 28 chapter which discusses The Witch of Endor. We encounter her for the first and only time in the chilling encounter with King Saul, but what more is known about her? 

Was she a mysterious fraud? An Otherworldly prophetess? Here’s a deep dive into ten facts we know about her from scripture and historical records.  

1. She Remains Nameless  

The text refers to her as “a woman who is a medium at Endor.” That quote marks the only time she is referenced in the text. Her not being named is a part of her allure. In the ancient world, women were often left unnamed in order to rob them of the influence that comes with a moniker.  

2. She Resided in Hostile Regions  

Endor is either within or very close to Philistine territory. Saul certainly had to sneak through lines from their side of the world to get to her, implying that her home was remote and precarious.  

3. Her Profession was Forbidden  

She was subjected to the death penalty for practicing divination. Saul himself had necromancers and mediums banned from Israel (1 Samuel 28:3, 9). People like her were both frowned upon in society, and labeled as criminals. Her life was one of secrecy and rebellion.

4. She Was Shocked by What Happened  

In her case, Samuel is already conjured, and she screams (1 Samuel 28:12). This both indicates something about her—she didn’t expect there to be a real spirit, which means either she usually faked it or some semblance of this time it was different—scary enough for her.  

5. She Recognized Saul Immediately

Despite his disguise, she figures out who Saul is after the spirit appears (v. 12–13). This moment could hint at true spiritual discernment—or just political awareness sharpened by fear.

6. She’s Treated with Respect by Saul

Despite her outlaw status, Saul speaks to her with deference and even listens to her advice when she tells him to eat (v. 22–25). In a moment of desperation, he doesn’t mock her—he obeys.

7. Rabbinic Tradition Sees Her Differently

In later Jewish commentary (like the Talmud and Midrash), some rabbis argue that the woman of Endor didn’t conjure Samuel at all—God did it. Others speculate she was a ventriloquist or even a prophetess unaware of her role.

8. Early Church Fathers Were Divided

Augustine believed the spirit of Samuel was truly raised—but by God, not by the woman. Origen and others thought it was a demon impersonating Samuel. The debate highlights how ambiguous the story really is.

9. The Septuagint Adds Detail

In the Greek Old Testament (Septuagint), the language about her “familiar spirit” is slightly different and can be translated to suggest a spirit that “mutters from the ground”—which some scholars link to ancient Canaanite ritual practice.

10. She’s the Last Voice Before Saul’s Death

The Witch of Endor is the last human Saul listens to before his final battle—and his death. Her appearance marks the turning point, as if she becomes a reluctant gatekeeper between the living and the dead, between power and its collapse.

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Ten things. That's pretty much it for someone involved in such an interesting story in the Old Testament. That's why I took this person who has been lost to history and wrapped a brand new story around her. 

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