Morrigan is the daughter of Flemeth, the legendary Witch of the Wilds who has reputedly given birth to scores of daughters and has lived for centuries, though Morrigan is unwilling or unable to confirm Flemeth's true origins. Whatever Flemeth's history, Morrigan was raised by her in isolation from civilization. Flemeth instilled a distrust of humankind in Morrigan, strictly forbidding her from venturing out into settlements. As such, Morrigan sought solace among nature and the animals of the Korcari Wilds, into whose forms she would often shapeshift.
Starting in 9:20 Dragon, when she was seen observing a group of Avvar hunters from afar, Morrigan was spotted several times in the towns and villages near the Korcari Wilds; she would pick out a local who drew her interest and then question them until she drew too much attention or lost interest. Although Morrigan is adept at using her wiles to manipulate people, due to her isolated upbringing she is unfamiliar with some of the nuances of human interactions. Morrigan would sometimes use her exploration of civilization to learn about social etiquette but was inundated by the subject and eventually lost interest. After giving up on trying to understand human society, Morrigan returned to the Wilds and swore to Flemeth that she was never leaving again.
When she reached a sufficient age, Morrigan would occasionally assist Flemeth in eliminating threats to them. If templars hunted the pair, Morrigan would often play the part of the innocent girl in fear for her life, while in reality leading the men to her mother, and thus to their doom.
It is implied that Morrigan's father, who is unknown, was likely of Chasind origin.
Morrigan first encounters The Warden in the Korcari Wilds, following them in animal form and later leading them to Flemeth, who held ancient Grey Warden documents necessary for the completion of their Joining. Following the Battle of Ostagar, Morrigan helped nurse The Warden and Alistair back to health, later accompanying them on their quest at the behest of Flemeth. While Morrigan had always intended to leave the Korcari Wilds to see the world, Flemeth insisting that she leave to aid the Grey Wardens end the Fifth Blight was not the manner in which she had expected it to happen.
As a child, Morrigan once saw a traveling noblewoman by her carriage and was enthralled by the wealth and beauty she exuded. Morrigan stole a lavish hand mirror from the noblewoman's carriage and Morrigan went on to treasure her bauble after bringing it back to the Korcari Wilds. When Flemeth found out about Morrigan's thievery and that she risked discovery for a pretty bauble, Flemeth smashed the hand mirror to teach her daughter a lesson. Although heartbroken, Morrigan learned a valuable lesson that day: love and beauty are fleeting and meaningless, while survival and power are important and sensible.
Flemeth's harsh lessons has engendered in Morrigan a self-serving attitude. She can be callous to those she has little respect for and will encourage the Warden to acquire power even if it comes at the expense of others. Although her agenda remains a mystery, she has a fascination with ancient magic and power and also sympathizes with fellow Apostates considered to be Maleficars.