Grimalkin
An archaic term for a cat, associated with witchcraft and Scottish faery lore.
Grimalkin is an archaic term for a cat, stemming from "grey" (the colour) plus "malkin," an archaic term with several meanings (a low class woman, a weakling, a mop, or a name) derived from a hypocoristic form of the female name Maud. Scottish legend makes reference to the grimalkin as a faery cat that dwells in the highlands. During the early modern period, the name grimalkin – and cats in general – became associated with the devil and witchcraft. Women tried as witches in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries were often accused of having a familiar, frequently a grimalkin.
- Role
- Wolf Ally
- Affiliation
- The Land
- First Appears
- The Wounded Land
- Status
- Alive
Lore & Background
Scottish legend makes reference to the grimalkin as a faery cat that dwells in the highlands. During the early modern period, the name grimalkin – and cats in general – became associated with the devil and witchcraft. Women tried as witches in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries were often accused of having a familiar, frequently a grimalkin. In Macbeth, Act 1, Scene 1, the First Witch says, "I come, Graymalkin" to her familiar (Shakespeare 1.1.8). In Roger Zelazny's fantasy novel A Night in the Lonesome October (1993), "Graymalk" is the name of a cat owned by a witch, possibly in reference to Macbeth.
In Their Own Story
The term grimalkin appears in Scottish legend as a faery cat that dwells in the highlands. During the early modern period, it became associated with the devil and witchcraft. Women tried as witches in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries were often accused of having a familiar, frequently a grimalkin. In Shakespeare's Macbeth, Act 1, Scene 1, the First Witch says, "I come, Graymalkin" to her familiar (Shakespeare 1.1.8). In Roger Zelazny's A Night in the Lonesome October (1993), "Graymalk" is the name of a cat owned by a witch, possibly in reference to Macbeth.
Reader's Guide
The term grimalkin, also known as greymalkin, is an archaic term for a cat. It stems from "grey" (the colour) plus "malkin," an archaic term with several meanings (a low class woman, a weakling, a mop, or a name) derived from a hypocoristic form of the female name Maud. Scottish legend makes reference to the grimalkin as a faery cat that dwells in the highlands. During the early modern period, the name grimalkin – and cats in general – became associated with the devil and witchcraft. Women tried as witches in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries were often accused of having a familiar, frequently a grimalkin. In Macbeth, Act 1, Scene 1, the First Witch says, "I come, Graymalkin" to her familiar (Shakespeare 1.1.8). In Roger Zelazny's fantasy novel A Night in the Lonesome October (1993), "Graymalk" is the name of a cat owned by a witch, possibly in reference to Macbeth.
Did You Know?
- The term grimalkin stems from "grey" (the colour) plus "malkin," an archaic term derived from a hypocoristic form of the female name Maud.
- Scottish legend makes reference to the grimalkin as a faery cat that dwells in the highlands.
- Women tried as witches in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries were often accused of having a familiar, frequently a grimalkin.
- In Shakespeare's Macbeth, Act 1, Scene 1, the First Witch says, "I come, Graymalkin" to her familiar (Shakespeare 1.1.8).
- In Roger Zelazny's fantasy novel A Night in the Lonesome October (1993), "Graymalk" is the name of a cat owned by a witch, possibly in reference to Macbeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Grimalkin in the Chronicles?
He is a mysterious shapeshifter capable of transforming between a human man and a large black cat. He acts as a crucial guide and ally to Thomas Covenant throughout the Original Trilogy.
What are Grimalkin's special powers?
Grimalkin possesses the ability to shift forms at will and maintains a deep connection to the wild magic of the Land. He can also communicate telepathically with Covenant to share vital knowledge and warnings.
Why is Grimalkin important to Thomas Covenant?
He bridges the gap between Covenant's rational skepticism and the magical reality of the Land. Without his guidance, Covenant would likely fail to navigate the political and supernatural threats he faces.
In which books does Grimalkin appear?
He is a major character in the Original Trilogy and makes appearances in the Second Tetralogy as well. His presence often signals a turning point or a crucial piece of information for the protagonist.
What happens to Grimalkin at the end of the series?
Grimalkin remains alive, though he often vanishes into the wilds or changes form when his immediate guidance is no longer needed. He continues to exist within the Land as a guardian figure.