Werther & Gray: Will-o'-the-Wisp
Will-o'-the-Wisp
Collection: Signature Collection
Size purchased: 8 oz jar
Wax: Blend of paraffin, soy and other natural waxes
Throw: Medium-Strong
In folklore, a will-o'-the-wisp is a disembodied light, appearing to travelers lost in the marshes at night. The traveler, alone and disoriented, is unsure of their path through the fog when lo!- a light emerges. As the traveler hurries towards the flame and the promise of rescue, the light appears ever further. In their pursuit of the flame, the traveler has strayed from the beaten path, deeper and deeper into the swamp, until all hope of home and rescue is lost. Some say that the will-o'-the-wisp is a group of faeries with mischievous intent to befuddle mortals, some say that it represents the fool’s pursuit of the impossible dream. THIS IS LORE. AND I’M AARON MENKHE.
Forgive me for the wildly overly dramatic introduction to what is essentially a review of a fancy gothic candle, but I’ve always wanted to be the narrator from the Lore podcast. Sidenote- there is an incredible episode of Lore that features will-o’-the-wisps. No matter what the tales say about the origin of the Will-o'-the-Wisp, this candle from Werther & Gray will keep me chasing the light. If I wasn’t sold by the dark folklore inspiration, the red currant notes and woods-y scent would have me buying this candle, sight unseen (scent unsmelled?).
Scent Notes: Red Currant & Pine Needle
Will-o-the wisp smells like being deep in a pine forest, except you don’t have to worry about bugs or allergies. The pine needle notes are so crisp and capture the essence of a long, winter hike. Actually, this candle is what I wish hiking was actually like since I prefer the hiking aesthetic to the actual trekking. The red currant scent elevates this candle from being a seasonal Christmas type scent with a juicy pop of citrus. I’ve been reaching for this scent both as a boosting daytime candle and after work to create a cute, hygge cabin in the woods effect. The throw is on the stronger side but in NO way overwhelming. It kind of reminds me of the Anthropologie stores scent effect where you can immediately smell the candle when you walk in but you’re not really aware of it, you just know you feel happy and upbeat from the pleasant scent. Out of all of the Werther & Gray candles, I’ve tried, this has been my favorite by far and I plan to re-order it during my next exploratory shopping trip with the candle company. I’m happy to follow the faeries’ flames to their magic dimension- as long as it smells like this candle!
