Coven of the Eight

"When it comes to witches, they are the worst of the worst."

- Zelena to Regina and Robin

The Coven of the Eight is a group of characters featured on ABC's Once Upon a Time. It first appears in the twenty-first episode of the sixth season.

Trivia
On-Screen Notes=

On-Screen Notes
Set Notes=
 * Many Coven of the Eight members have a cursed name referencing plants:
 * Eloise Gardener's name comes from the word "gardener", which refers to a person who tends and cultivates a garden as a pastime or for a living. This is a not so subtle reference to Gothel's secret garden and phytokinetic abilities.
 * Ivy Belfrey's name is a reference to the ivy plant, which has to cling to something else, like trees or buildings, in order to survive; much like Drizella/Ivy does to her sister, then her mother, and then Eloise Gardener. Victoria makes a reference to this in "Eloise Gardener", where she compares Ivy to the plant and says that in order for it to grow, it has to cling to something else.
 * Doctor Sage's name comes from one sage species, white sage, which is often used in smudging and other ceremonies to purify the body. Smudge sticks made of white sage are often found in New Age shops and kits marketed to modern magical practitioners.
 * Hilda Braeburn's name comes from the word "braeburn", which is a cultivar of apple.

Props Notes

 * The Coven's symbol bears striking similarities to:
 * The vegvísir, a magical stave from Nordic folklore. The vegvísir is intended to help the bearer find their way through rough weather.
 * The Helm of Awe, from Nordic Folkore. The Helm of Awe is intended to confer invincibility in the wearer or instill fear in ones enemies.
 * Eight algiz runes combined. The algiz rune (ᛉ, which equals Z) is Elder Futhark for 'elk'. An elk symbolizes strength and stamina.
 * The symbol also represents Sam Ochotta's tattoo.