The Sanderson Sisters: The Witchy Family You Didn’t Know You Needed (and a 4th Sister?!)
Okay, so you’ve been binge-watching “Hocus Pocus” on repeat (who hasn’t, right?), and you’re wondering about the Sanderson sisters. You know the big three: Winifred, Sarah, and Mary. But what about that mythical fourth sister? Is there a secret Sanderson sister lurking in the shadows, waiting to cast a spell on our hearts? Well, buckle up, witches and wizards, because we’re about to delve into the magical world of the Sanderson sisters and their, well, “expanded” family.
The Sanderson Sisters: The OG Witchy Trio
Let’s rewind a bit. The Sanderson sisters, those deliciously wicked witches, were the main villains of the 1993 Disney classic “Hocus Pocus.” They were executed for practicing witchcraft in Salem, Massachusetts, and brought back to life on Halloween night, thanks to a virgin lighting a black flame candle.
They’re a trio of chaotic, hilarious, and, let’s be honest, slightly unhinged sisters. Winifred, the eldest, is the brains of the operation, a powerful witch with a penchant for mischief and a wicked sense of humor. Sarah, the middle sister, is the airhead of the group, obsessed with boys and all things sparkly. And then there’s Mary, the youngest, who’s got the voice of an angel (and a taste for children).
But wait, there’s more! The “Hocus Pocus” universe, while captivatingly wacky, doesn’t always follow the rules of the real world.
The Fourth Sanderson Sister: The Untold Story
Hold onto your broomsticks, because things are about to get seriously witchy. Brace yourself: there’s a fourth Sanderson sister, Elizabeth.
Now, this isn’t something you’ll find in the original movie. This secret sister is introduced in the “Hocus Pocus” sequel novel, “Hocus Pocus and The All-New Sequel.” And let me tell you, she’s a whole different breed of Sanderson. Unlike her sisters, Elizabeth is described as kind, gentle, and a bit of a goody-two-shoes. She was disgusted by her sisters’ evil deeds and even tried to stop them from using their magic for evil.
So, what happened to Elizabeth? Why didn’t she appear in the original movie? The novel doesn’t fully explain, but it suggests that she was banished from the family, or maybe she just chose to distance herself from her sisters’ wicked ways.
The Sanderson Family Tree: A Twisted Tale
Now, let’s talk about the ramifications of this fourth sister. In the sequel novel, we meet Isabella, a descendant of Elizabeth. Isabella is a magical girl who discovers her powers later in the book. This is significant because it means that the Sanderson legacy, even with its good and evil sides, lives on.
But here’s the kicker: “Hocus Pocus 2,” the recently released sequel, takes a slightly different approach to Elizabeth’s story. In the movie, Elizabeth is portrayed as a young woman who is brought back to life along with her sisters, but she’s more of a secondary character, not a fully developed sister. She’s more of a plot device, a way to introduce a new generation of witches and a new perspective on the Sanderson family.
The Sanderson Sisters: A Family of Contradictions
So, what can we learn from the Sanderson sisters, both the original trio and the newly added Elizabeth? Well, for starters, they are a testament to the complexities of family. They’re a family of contradictions: powerful and vulnerable, wicked and kind, chaotic and loving.
They’re also a reminder that even the most evil witches can have a good side, and even the most virtuous can have a dark streak. The Sanderson sisters might be a group of witches with a penchant for trouble, but they’re also a reminder that family is a powerful force, for good or for evil.
The Sanderson Sisters: A Legacy for the Ages
The Sanderson sisters have become cultural icons, a symbol of Halloween fun and mischief. They’re the witches we love to hate, and the witches we can’t help but be fascinated by. They’re a reminder that magic can be found in the most unexpected places, and that family, no matter how chaotic, is always there for you, in their own unique way.
So, next time you’re watching “Hocus Pocus,” take a moment to think about the Sanderson sisters’ family tree. It’s a twisted tale of good and evil, love and loss, and, ultimately, a reminder that even the most wicked witches can have a soft spot in their hearts.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to brew up a batch of cauldron stew. I have a feeling we haven’t seen the last of the Sanderson sisters, and their family, just yet!