American Horror Story: Coven, the third season of the anthology series, delves into the lives of young witches residing at a modern-day boarding school in New Orleans, battling both external threats and internal power struggles stemming from their own complex relationships and conflicting desires. The season is a potent exploration of female power, oppression, racism, and the enduring legacy of witchcraft in American history.
The Core Narrative: Survival and Succession
Coven’s central narrative revolves around the precarious existence of the Cordelia Foxx’s Academy for Exceptional Young Ladies, a sanctuary for young witches striving to control their powers. The witches face several imminent dangers: a resurgence of voodoo queen Marie Laveau’s influence, the reawakening of the ruthless Madame Delphine LaLaurie, and the encroaching threat of witch hunters.
The season hinges on the concept of Supremacy, the ultimate power held by the reigning witch, known as the Supreme. With the current Supreme, Fiona Goode, weakening and seemingly dying, the younger witches must compete to inherit the title, engaging in trials of strength, skill, and ruthlessness. This power struggle is further complicated by hidden agendas, betrayals, and the dark secrets lurking within the coven itself.
Themes and Motifs
American Horror Story: Coven is rife with compelling themes, including:
Female Power and its Corruption
The season critically examines the nature of female power, exploring how it can be both empowering and destructive. Fiona Goode, brilliantly portrayed by Jessica Lange, embodies the corrupting influence of unchecked power, showcasing the lengths to which she’ll go to maintain her supremacy and prolong her life. The younger witches grapple with wielding their abilities responsibly, learning to navigate the temptations of absolute control.
Racial Tension and Historical Trauma
Coven doesn’t shy away from addressing the complexities of race relations, specifically the historical tensions between witches and voodoo practitioners. The conflict between Cordelia Foxx’s coven, predominantly white, and Marie Laveau’s voodoo empire, deeply rooted in African American heritage, underscores the legacy of slavery and oppression in New Orleans. Delphine LaLaurie’s brutal history as a slave owner serves as a stark reminder of the horrific injustices of the past.
Mother-Daughter Relationships
The fraught relationship between Fiona and Cordelia forms a central emotional core of the season. Cordelia’s desire for her mother’s approval clashes with Fiona’s narcissistic self-preservation, leading to resentment, manipulation, and ultimately, tragic consequences. This dynamic echoes throughout the season, highlighting the complexities and burdens of familial expectations within a powerful matriarchal lineage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: Who is the Supreme in Coven?
The position of Supreme changes throughout the season. Initially, it’s Fiona Goode, played by Jessica Lange. Her eventual successor is Cordelia Goode, her daughter. This succession is a major plot point and the culmination of the season’s central power struggle.
FAQ 2: What are the Seven Wonders?
The Seven Wonders are a series of incredibly difficult and dangerous magical trials that a witch must successfully complete to prove their worthiness to become the new Supreme. They include:
- Telekinesis: Moving objects with the mind.
- Concilium: Mind control.
- Transmutation: Teleportation.
- Pyrokinesis: Controlling fire.
- Divination: Gaining insight into the future.
- Vitalum Vitalis: Transferring life force.
- Descensum: Journeying to hell and back.
FAQ 3: How does immortality factor into the story?
Immortality is a recurring motif and a driving force behind Fiona’s actions. She is desperate to avoid aging and death, leading her to make morally questionable choices. Madame Delphine LaLaurie, cursed with immortality, also represents the burden and horrors of living forever with the weight of past sins.
FAQ 4: What is the significance of the Axeman?
The Axeman of New Orleans is a real-life serial killer from the early 20th century. In Coven, he is resurrected by Fiona Goode and becomes romantically involved with her. He serves as a symbol of the city’s dark history and adds a layer of danger and unpredictability to the coven’s already complicated lives.
FAQ 5: What role does voodoo play in Coven?
Voodoo is presented as a powerful and distinct form of magic, practiced by Marie Laveau and her followers. It highlights the cultural richness of New Orleans and offers a contrasting perspective to the European-derived witchcraft of Cordelia Foxx’s coven. The tension between witchcraft and voodoo explores themes of cultural appropriation and the clash of different spiritual traditions.
FAQ 6: What happens to Madison Montgomery?
Madison Montgomery, portrayed by Emma Roberts, is a young witch with a troubled past and a rebellious attitude. Her fate is complex and involves death, resurrection, and ultimately, a change of heart. She initially seems destined for Supremacy but ultimately finds her calling elsewhere, highlighting the possibility of redemption.
FAQ 7: Is there a connection between Coven and other AHS seasons?
Yes, Coven has connections to other seasons of American Horror Story. For example, the character Queenie from Coven reappears in Hotel and Apocalypse. The overarching theme of supernatural horror connecting all seasons helps create a shared universe.
FAQ 8: Who are the main antagonists in Coven?
While Fiona Goode could be considered an antagonist due to her ruthless pursuit of power, other significant antagonists include Delphine LaLaurie, whose racist atrocities haunt the present, and Marie Laveau, who initially opposes the coven. The witch hunters also pose a constant threat to the witches’ safety.
FAQ 9: What is the purpose of the academy?
The Academy for Exceptional Young Ladies serves as a sanctuary for young witches to learn to control their powers and protect themselves from the outside world. It also acts as a training ground for the next Supreme.
FAQ 10: How does Cordelia become the Supreme?
Cordelia becomes the Supreme by successfully completing the Seven Wonders and possessing the power and qualities necessary to lead the coven. She initially sacrifices her sight to gain second sight (clairvoyance), demonstrating her commitment to the coven’s well-being.
FAQ 11: What is the significance of the ending of Coven?
The ending of Coven offers a sense of hope and renewal. Cordelia, as the new Supreme, opens the coven to the public, embracing a new era of transparency and acceptance for witches. This signifies a shift from secrecy and fear to openness and empowerment.
FAQ 12: What is the overall message of American Horror Story: Coven?
American Horror Story: Coven offers a multi-layered message about female power, the enduring consequences of historical trauma, and the importance of community and acceptance. It suggests that true power lies not in dominance but in compassion and collaboration, and that facing the darkness of the past is crucial for building a better future.