Onyx – from Nemesis Now

Our range of collectible Kitties

A figurine of a cute black cat wearing a witchy collar, perched upon a mostly bark tree with some green leaves. — Onyx Nemesis Now 14cm

Familiar Lore

Black cats have a long history tied to folklore and superstition, particularly in Western culture. The belief that black cats are familiars—supernatural entities that assist witches or other practitioners of magic—stems from various cultural and historical influences.

One reason for this association is the medieval European belief in witchcraft. During this time, cats, especially black ones, were often viewed with suspicion and fear. They were believed to be companions to witches, aiding them in their magical practices. This belief was reinforced by the association of cats with pagan deities in ancient times, which carried over into Christian demonology.

Additionally, during the witch hunts of the Middle Ages and Early Modern period, black cats were often seen as symbols of evil and were sometimes persecuted alongside suspected witches. This further solidified the association between black cats and witchcraft.

Furthermore, black cats are often depicted in literature, art, and popular culture as mysterious and magical creatures, further perpetuating the idea of them as familiars.

While in reality, black cats are simply a variation of the domestic cat species, these historical and cultural associations have contributed to the enduring belief that they possess supernatural qualities and serve as familiars to witches.

Onyx

Onyx is typically a type of mineral, specifically a variety of chalcedony, which is a form of quartz. It is known for its striking black color, often with bands or stripes of white or other colors running through it. Onyx has been valued for centuries for its beauty and has been used in jewelry, sculpture, and decorative items.

However, in the context of this conversation, “Onyx” refers to a fictional character or figurine, a black cat depicted in a piece of art or sculpture. In this case, Onyx is described as an enchanting feline companion created by the Gothic brand Nemesis Now. Onyx is crafted from resin, hand-painted, and adorned with details like a silver pentagram medallion on a red collar. This Onyx is portrayed as a charming and bewitching addition to any collection, particularly appealing to those interested in witchcraft or magic.