The 16th and 17th century Benandanti from the Friuli district of Northeastern Italy were a group of individuals born with a caul, which is how they were marked from birth as Benandanti or good walkers. In my book, I keep this origin story. Cauls are part of the amniotic sac that covers the baby's face. It is harmless and easily removed by the doctor or midwife. Many cultures believe this is a sign of fortune.

In my Edwardian fantasy, Benandante, this symbol denotes that they were imparted direct knowledge from God while in the womb. They are his defenders against evil. This is also similar to the individuals from Italy. They were defenders of the harvest, defeating evil witches who might harm the crops.

Male Benandanti would have nocturnal battles in the sky while the women would feast and gain knowledge of villagers who would die in the coming year. My Benandanti are more equal, both fight and both attend feasts. The fighting is not done in the sky, but in a plane between ours and my version of Hell. The feasts also occur in this plane, called the Netherworld. The feasts occur in a sacred grove of sorts where there is no fear of evil witches coming to interrupt them. They learn about the history and use it as a way to connect and learn from others around the world.

My Benandanti are not localized to one area. There are Benandanti from Africa and Japan. Each one protects a specific territory. At the time of my story, there are two in England. One in London and one in Bath.