THE WITCH (28)
by Andrew Lang · from The Yellow Fairy Book
Adapted Version
Tom and Lily live with their father. They are happy children. But then, Father has a new wife. She is not kind to them. She does not like them. She wants them to go away.
One day, the New Mother speaks to them. "Go visit an old woman," she says. "She lives far away in the wood. You must work for her." They feel scared.
They go to Grandma's house first. Grandma is very kind. "The old woman is not good," Grandma says. "Be kind to all. Do not touch food." Grandma gives them food.
Tom and Lily walk to the wood. They see a small house. A grumpy Old Woman is inside. "You must work," she growls. She gives Lily yarn to spin. She gives Tom a sieve for water. These are very hard tasks.
Lily sits and cries. She cannot spin the yarn. Small mice come out. Lily gives them bread. The mice spin the yarn for her. They are happy.
Tom cannot carry water. The water runs out of the sieve. Small wrens fly to him. Tom gives them bread. "Put clay in the holes," the wrens say. Tom puts clay in. The sieve holds water now.
Tom and Lily see a Cat. They give the Cat ham. The Cat is happy. "Take this cloth and comb," the Cat says. "They will help you."
The Old Woman comes back. She sees the work is done. "You must work again tomorrow," she says. She is still unhappy.
Tom and Lily run away. They see a Dog. They give the Dog bread. The Dog wags its tail. They see some Trees. Lily ties ribbon on them. The Trees let them pass.
The Old Woman comes home. She sees Tom and Lily are gone. She asks the Cat. "I will not help you," the Cat says. "You were not kind." She asks the Dog. "You were not kind," the Dog says. She asks the Trees. "You were not kind," the Trees say.
The Old Woman is angry. She gets on her broom. She flies fast to find Tom and Lily.
Tom and Lily hear her. Lily throws the cloth. A big river appears. The river stops the Old Woman. She takes a long time to cross.
They run more. Lily throws the comb. A thick forest grows. The forest blocks the Old Woman. She cannot go through. She must go home.
Tom and Lily run home. They tell Father everything. The New Mother leaves the house. Father is happy with Tom and Lily. They are safe. They are happy with Father. It is good to be kind. Kindness helps you.
Original Story
THE WITCH (28)
(28) From the Russian.
Once upon a time there was a peasant whose wife died, leaving him with two children—twins—a boy and a girl. For some years the poor man lived on alone with the children, caring for them as best he could; but everything in the house seemed to go wrong without a woman to look after it, and at last he made up his mind to marry again, feeling that a wife would bring peace and order to his household and take care of his motherless children. So he married, and in the following years several children were born to him; but peace and order did not come to the household. For the step-mother was very cruel to the twins, and beat them, and half-starved them, and constantly drove them out of the house; for her one idea was to get them out of the way. All day she thought of nothing but how she should get rid of them; and at last an evil idea came into her head, and she determined to send them out into the great gloomy wood where a wicked witch lived. And so one morning she spoke to them, saying:
‘You have been such good children that I am going to send you to visit my granny, who lives in a dear little hut in the wood. You will have to wait upon her and serve her, but you will be well rewarded, for she will give you the best of everything.’
So the children left the house together; and the little sister, who was very wise for her years, said to the brother:
‘We will first go and see our own dear grandmother, and tell her where our step-mother is sending us.’
And when the grandmother heard where they were going, she cried and said:
‘You poor motherless children! How I pity you; and yet I can do nothing to help you! Your step-mother is not sending you to her granny, but to a wicked witch who lives in that great gloomy wood. Now listen to me, children. You must be civil and kind to everyone, and never say a cross word to anyone, and never touch a crumb belonging to anyone else. Who knows if, after all, help may not be sent to you?’
And she gave her grandchildren a bottle of milk and a piece of ham and a loaf of bread, and they set out for the great gloomy wood. When they reached it they saw in front of them, in the thickest of the trees, a queer little hut, and when they looked into it, there lay the witch, with her head on the threshold of the door, with one foot in one corner and the other in the other corner, and her knees cocked up, almost touching the ceiling.
‘Who’s there?’ she snarled, in an awful voice, when she saw the children.
And they answered civilly, though they were so terrified that they hid behind one another, and said:
‘Good-morning, granny; our step-mother has sent us to wait upon you, and serve you.’
‘See that you do it well, then,’ growled the witch. ‘If I am pleased with you, I’ll reward you; but if I am not, I’ll put you in a pan and fry you in the oven—that’s what I’ll do with you, my pretty dears! You have been gently reared, but you’ll find my work hard enough. See if you don’t.’
And, so saying, she set the girl down to spin yarn, and she gave the boy a sieve in which to carry water from the well, and she herself went out into the wood. Now, as the girl was sitting at her distaff, weeping bitterly because she could not spin, she heard the sound of hundreds of little feet, and from every hole and corner in the hut mice came pattering along the floor, squeaking and saying:
And the girl gave them the bread that her grandmother had given her. Then the mice told her that the witch had a cat, and the cat was very fond of ham; if she would give the cat her ham, it would show her the way out of the wood, and in the meantime they would spin the yarn for her. So the girl set out to look for the cat, and, as she was hunting about, she met her brother, in great trouble because he could not carry water from the well in a sieve, as it came pouring out as fast as he put it in. And as she was trying to comfort him they heard a rustling of wings, and a flight of wrens alighted on the ground beside them. And the wrens said:
‘Give us some crumbs, then you need not grieve.
For you’ll find that water will stay in the sieve.’
Then the twins crumbled their bread on the ground, and the wrens pecked it, and chirruped and chirped. And when they had eaten the last crumb they told the boy to fill up the holes of the sieve with clay, and then to draw water from the well. So he did what they said, and carried the sieve full of water into the hut without spilling a drop. When they entered the hut the cat was curled up on the floor. So they stroked her, and fed her with ham, and said to her:
‘Pussy, grey pussy, tell us how we are to get away from the witch?’
Then the cat thanked them for the ham, and gave them a pocket-handkerchief and a comb, and told them that when the witch pursued them, as she certainly would, all they had to do was to throw the handkerchief on the ground and run as fast as they could. As soon as the handkerchief touched the ground a deep, broad river would spring up, which would hinder the witch’s progress. If she managed to get across it, they must throw the comb behind them and run for their lives, for where the comb fell a dense forest would start up, which would delay the witch so long that they would be able to get safely away.
The cat had scarcely finished speaking when the witch returned to see if the children had fulfilled their tasks.
‘Well, you have done well enough for to-day,’ she grumbled; ‘but to-morrow you’ll have something more difficult to do, and if you don’t do it well, you pampered brats, straight into the oven you go.’
Half-dead with fright, and trembling in every limb, the poor children lay down to sleep on a heap of straw in the corner of the hut; but they dared not close their eyes, and scarcely ventured to breathe. In the morning the witch gave the girl two pieces of linen to weave before night, and the boy a pile of wood to cut into chips. Then the witch left them to their tasks, and went out into the wood. As soon as she had gone out of sight the children took the comb and the handkerchief, and, taking one another by the hand, they started and ran, and ran, and ran. And first they met the watch-dog, who was going to leap on them and tear them to pieces; but they threw the remains of their bread to him, and he ate them and wagged his tail. Then they were hindered by the birch-trees, whose branches almost put their eyes out. But the little sister tied the twigs together with a piece of ribbon, and they got past safely, and, after running through the wood, came out on to the open fields.
In the meantime in the hut the cat was busy weaving the linen and tangling the threads as it wove. And the witch returned to see how the children were getting on; and she crept up to the window, and whispered:
‘Are you weaving, my little dear?’
‘Yes, granny, I am weaving,’ answered the cat.
When the witch saw that the children had escaped her, she was furious, and, hitting the cat with a porringer, she said: ‘Why did you let the children leave the hut? Why did you not scratch their eyes out?’
But the cat curled up its tail and put its back up, and answered: ‘I have served you all these years and you never even threw me a bone, but the dear children gave me their own piece of ham.’
Then the witch was furious with the watch-dog and with the birch-trees, because they had let the children pass. But the dog answered:
‘I have served you all these years and you never gave me so much as a hard crust, but the dear children gave me their own loaf of bread.’
And the birch rustled its leaves, and said: ‘I have served you longer than I can say, and you never tied a bit of twine even round my branches; and the dear children bound them up with their brightest ribbons.’
So the witch saw there was no help to be got from her old servants, and that the best thing she could do was to mount on her broom and set off in pursuit of the children. And as the children ran they heard the sound of the broom sweeping the ground close behind them, so instantly they threw the handkerchief down over their shoulder, and in a moment a deep, broad river flowed behind them.
When the witch came up to it, it took her a long time before she found a place which she could ford over on her broom-stick; but at last she got across, and continued the chase faster than before. And as the children ran they heard a sound, and the little sister put her ear to the ground, and heard the broom sweeping the earth close behind them; so, quick as thought, she threw the comb down on the ground, and in an instant, as the cat had said, a dense forest sprung up, in which the roots and branches were so closely intertwined, that it was impossible to force a way through it. So when the witch came up to it on her broom she found that there was nothing for it but to turn round and go back to her hut.
But the twins ran straight on till they reached their own home. Then they told their father all that they had suffered, and he was so angry with their step-mother that he drove her out of the house, and never let her return; but he and the children lived happily together; and he took care of them himself, and never let a stranger come near them.
Story DNA
Moral
Kindness and generosity are rewarded, while cruelty and selfishness lead to isolation and downfall.
Plot Summary
A widower's new wife is cruel to his twin children and sends them to a wicked witch, disguised as her granny. Forewarned by their real grandmother and armed with provisions, the children use their kindness to gain the help of mice, wrens, and even the witch's own cat to complete impossible tasks and escape. During their flight, they use magical items given by the cat to create a river and a dense forest, thwarting the pursuing witch. The twins return home, reveal the step-mother's treachery, and their father banishes her, living happily ever after with his children.
Themes
Emotional Arc
suffering to triumph
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Reflects common folk tale motifs of orphaned children, cruel step-parents, and supernatural aid, prevalent in many European cultures.
Plot Beats (14)
- A peasant's wife dies, leaving him with twins; he remarries, but the step-mother is cruel to the twins.
- The step-mother decides to send the twins to a wicked witch, pretending it's her granny's house.
- The twins visit their real grandmother, who warns them about the witch, advises kindness, and gives them milk, ham, and bread.
- The children arrive at the witch's hut, where she assigns them impossible tasks: spinning yarn and carrying water in a sieve, threatening to fry them.
- The girl, unable to spin, shares bread with mice, who then spin the yarn for her.
- The boy, unable to carry water, shares bread with wrens, who advise him to use clay to seal the sieve.
- The twins feed the witch's cat ham, and the cat gives them a magical handkerchief and comb to use for escape.
- The witch returns, sees the tasks completed, and threatens them for the next day.
- The children escape the hut, sharing their remaining bread with the watch-dog and using ribbon to pass the birch-trees.
- The witch returns, discovers the children are gone, and her servants (cat, dog, birch) refuse to help her, citing her cruelty and the children's kindness.
- The witch pursues the children on her broom.
- The children throw the handkerchief, creating a deep river that delays the witch.
- The children throw the comb, creating a dense forest that completely blocks the witch's path, forcing her to return home.
- The twins reach home, tell their father the truth, and he banishes the step-mother, living happily with his children.
Characters
The Stepmother
Likely of average height and build, but her cruel nature might suggest a gauntness from her internal malice. Her features would be sharp and unwelcoming, perhaps with a perpetually sour expression.
Attire: Simple, practical, and worn Russian peasant clothing, but perhaps of a darker, drabber hue than others, reflecting her inner darkness. A dark linen sarafan over a plain white embroidered blouse, with a dark headscarf (platok) tightly tied, and sturdy leather bast shoes (lapti).
Wants: To get rid of her stepchildren, the twins, so that her own children receive all the attention and resources, and to establish herself as the sole matriarch of the household.
Flaw: Her overwhelming malice and short-sightedness, which prevent her from seeing the consequences of her actions or the loyalty of her own household animals.
She begins as a cruel stepmother and ends by being driven out of the house by her husband, never to return, facing the consequences of her wickedness.
Cruel, manipulative, jealous, selfish, resentful.
The Boy Twin
A young boy, likely thin due to the stepmother's neglect, with the typical build of a child from a Russian peasant family. His movements might be hesitant or fearful.
Attire: Simple, worn Russian peasant clothing suitable for a child. A loose-fitting linen rubakha (tunic) in a muted color, perhaps with some simple embroidery at the collar, and plain linen trousers, with simple bast shoes (lapti) or bare feet.
Wants: To survive the witch's tasks and escape her clutches, to return home to his father.
Flaw: His fear and initial helplessness when faced with impossible tasks.
He starts as a terrified and somewhat helpless child but learns resourcefulness and courage through his ordeal, ultimately escaping and reuniting with his father.
Fearful, obedient, reliant on his sister, resourceful when guided.
The Girl Twin
A young girl, likely thin from hardship, with a delicate but resilient build. Her movements are quick and thoughtful.
Attire: Simple, worn Russian peasant clothing. A plain linen sarafan in a muted color over a white embroidered blouse, with a simple headscarf (platok) or just braided hair, and sturdy bast shoes (lapti) or bare feet.
Wants: To protect her brother and herself from the witch, to escape and return to her father.
Flaw: Her initial fear and the emotional burden of her situation.
She develops from a wise but vulnerable child into a truly brave and resourceful heroine who saves herself and her brother, ultimately reuniting with her father.
Wise, resourceful, protective, brave, quick-thinking.
The Grandmother
An elderly woman, likely frail but with a kind demeanor. Her hands might be gnarled from years of work, but her embrace is warm.
Attire: Traditional, modest Russian peasant clothing, well-worn but clean. A dark, practical sarafan over a long-sleeved embroidered blouse, with a warm shawl draped over her shoulders and a simple headscarf (platok).
Wants: To protect and guide her grandchildren, even if she cannot physically intervene.
Flaw: Her inability to directly protect her grandchildren from the stepmother or the witch.
She remains a steadfast source of wisdom and comfort, her role is to set the children on the right path.
Kind, wise, compassionate, helpless in direct action but powerful in counsel.
The Witch
Grotesque and unnaturally proportioned. Her body is elongated and distorted, suggesting a non-human physiology. She is likely gaunt and sinewy, with an imposing, unsettling presence. Her skin would be sallow or greenish, with visible veins.
Attire: Ragged, dark, and ancient clothing, perhaps resembling a tattered Russian peasant dress but with a sinister twist. Dark, coarse linen or wool, patched and stained, possibly with strange amulets or bones sewn into it. No head covering, allowing her wild hair to show.
Wants: To consume the children, to maintain her power and isolation in the wood, to torment those who cross her path.
Flaw: Her reliance on her 'servants' (animals and trees) and her inability to overcome magical obstacles created by the children's items.
She remains a purely evil force, ultimately thwarted by the children's cleverness and the help of her disloyal servants, forced to retreat to her hut.
Cruel, sadistic, impatient, easily angered, cannibalistic (implied by 'fry you in the oven').
The Cat
A domestic cat, described as 'grey pussy'. It would be lean and perhaps a bit scruffy from living with the witch, but with soft fur. Its eyes would be intelligent and observant.
Attire: None, as it is an animal.
Wants: To receive kindness and food, to escape the witch's cruelty by helping the children.
Flaw: Its desire for food and affection, which makes it disloyal to the witch.
Changes allegiance from the witch to the children after receiving kindness, becoming a key helper in their escape.
Loyal to kindness, resentful of mistreatment, cunning, helpful when rewarded.
The Watch-dog
A sturdy, perhaps somewhat scruffy, watch-dog, likely a breed common in Russian peasant households, such as a husky or a shepherd-type dog. Its fur would be matted or unkempt from neglect.
Attire: None, as it is an animal.
Wants: To receive food and kindness, to escape the witch's cruelty.
Flaw: Its hunger and desire for affection, which makes it disloyal to the witch.
Changes allegiance from the witch to the children after receiving kindness, allowing them to pass.
Loyal to kindness, resentful of mistreatment, initially aggressive but easily appeased.
The Birch-trees
A cluster of slender birch trees, with their characteristic white bark and delicate, flexible branches. Their branches would be intertwined, forming a natural barrier.
Attire: None, as they are trees.
Wants: To receive kindness and recognition, to escape the witch's neglect.
Flaw: Their inability to move, making them dependent on others for interaction.
Changes allegiance from the witch to the children after receiving kindness, allowing them to pass.
Resentful of mistreatment, appreciative of kindness, capable of hindering or helping.
The Peasant Father
A hardworking man, likely strong from manual labor but perhaps worn by grief and worry. His build would be sturdy, typical of a Russian peasant.
Attire: Simple, practical Russian peasant clothing. A coarse linen rubakha (tunic) in a muted color, sturdy linen trousers, and bast shoes (lapti) or leather boots.
Wants: To provide a good home for his children, to maintain peace and order, to protect his children from harm.
Flaw: His initial misjudgment in marrying the cruel stepmother and his failure to recognize her true nature sooner.
He starts as a well-meaning but somewhat passive figure, then becomes an active protector of his children, driving out the wicked stepmother and ensuring their safety.
Caring (initially), somewhat naive (in marrying the stepmother), decisive, protective.
Locations
Peasant's House
A humble, probably wooden, peasant's house, likely a izba or similar traditional Russian dwelling, with a hearth or oven. It is initially unkempt after the mother's death, then becomes a place of cruelty under the step-mother.
Mood: Initially sorrowful and neglected, then oppressive and fearful due to the step-mother's cruelty, finally peaceful and happy.
The twins endure abuse from their step-mother, are sent away, and eventually return to tell their father, leading to the step-mother's expulsion.
The Great Gloomy Wood
A dense, dark, and foreboding forest, characteristic of a Russian taiga or mixed forest, with thick undergrowth and tall, closely packed trees like birch and pine. It is a place of danger and magic.
Mood: Foreboding, dangerous, mysterious, but also a path to escape.
The children travel through it to the witch's hut, and later escape through it, encountering magical obstacles and helpful creatures.
Witch's Hut
A queer, small, traditional Russian hut (izba or similar) located deep within the thickest part of the gloomy wood. It houses a grotesque witch and is filled with magical creatures like mice and a cat.
Mood: Terrifying, oppressive, magical, and dangerous.
The children are forced to perform impossible tasks, receive help from magical animals, and ultimately escape from the witch.