THE WITCH [\[28\]](#Footnote2828)
by Unknown · from The Yellow Fairy Book
![Cover: THE WITCH [\[28\]](#Footnote2828)](/library-files/english/unknown/the_yellow_fairy_book/the_witch_28_footnote2828/images/cover/cover_001.png?v=1773764314204)
Adapted Version
Once, a Father lived with his two children. Their mother was gone. He married again. Step-mom was not kind. She wanted them to leave. She did not like them.
One day, Step-mom spoke to them. "Go to my granny," she said. "She lives in the wood." But Step-mom lied. It was not her granny. It was a mean Witch. The Witch lived in a dark wood.
The Girl and Boy went to their Grandma. Grandma was kind. She said, "That is not her granny. It is a Witch." Grandma was sad. "Be kind to all," she told them. "Do not be cross." She gave them milk. She gave them ham. She gave them bread.
The children went to the wood. They saw a small hut. The Witch was inside. She looked grumpy. "Who are you?" she asked. The children were scared. Step-mom sent them. Witch made them work. She gave them hard jobs.
The Girl had to spin yarn. She could not do it. Mice came. "Give us bread," they squeaked. The Girl gave them her bread. The mice helped her. They spun the yarn. "Feed the Cat ham," they said.
The Boy had to carry water. He had a sieve. Water went out. Wrens flew to him. "Give us crumbs," they chirped. The Boy gave them bread crumbs. "Use clay," they said. "Stop the holes." He filled the sieve.
The children saw the Cat. They gave it ham. The Cat was happy. "Thank you," it said. It gave them a cloth to help. It gave them a comb. "These are magic," it said. "They will help you run away."
The Witch came back. She saw their work. She was surprised. "You did well today," she grumbled. "Next day you will do more. Jobs harder. She went to sleep. The children were scared.
Next day, the children ran. They ran from the hut. They ran very fast.
The Cat stayed in the hut. It made the Witch's work messy. It tangled the threads. The Witch did not know. The children had time to run.
The Witch came back. She saw the children were gone. She was very angry. She hit the Cat. The Cat said, "You were not kind. The children were kind."
The Witch got on her broom. She flew fast. She chased the children. The Girl threw the magic cloth. A big river appeared. The river was wide. The Witch could not cross it fast.
The Witch crossed the river. She flew again. She chased them. The Boy threw the magic comb. A thick forest grew up. The trees were many. The Witch could not go through. She had to go back home.
The children ran home. They told Father all. Father was angry. He sent Step-mom away. She did not come back. Father loved his children. They lived happy. Being kind is good. It helps you.
Original Story
THE WITCH [28]
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:
‘Little girl, why are your eyes so red?
If you want help, then give us some bread.’
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.
The comb grows into a forest
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 to others, even those who seem insignificant, can lead to unexpected help and salvation.
Plot Summary
After their mother dies, twin children face the cruelty of their step-mother, who sends them to a wicked witch in the woods. Forewarned by their grandmother and armed with provisions, the children's kindness to various animals (mice, wrens, and the witch's cat) earns them help with impossible tasks and magical tools for escape. When the witch pursues them, they use a magical handkerchief to create a river and a comb to create a dense forest, successfully evading her. They return home, expose their step-mother's wickedness to their father, who banishes her, and they live happily ever after.
Themes
Emotional Arc
suffering to triumph
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
This story shares common motifs with other European fairy tales like 'Hansel and Gretel' (abandonment, witch, escape) and 'Vasilisa the Beautiful' (cruel stepmother, magical helpers, impossible tasks).
Plot Beats (14)
- A peasant's wife dies, leaving him with twins. He remarries, but the step-mother is cruel and wants to get rid of the children.
- The step-mother sends the twins to a 'granny' in the wood, who is actually a wicked witch.
- The children visit their true grandmother, who warns them about the witch, advises kindness, and gives them food.
- The twins arrive at the witch's hut, where she threatens to fry them if they fail her impossible tasks: spinning yarn and carrying water in a sieve.
- The girl gives bread to mice, who spin the yarn for her and tell her to feed the cat ham for escape advice.
- The boy gives bread crumbs to wrens, who tell him to plug the sieve with clay to carry water.
- The children feed the witch's cat their ham, and the cat gives them a magical handkerchief and comb for escape.
- The witch returns, grumbles that they did well enough for the day, and assigns harder tasks for tomorrow, threatening them again.
- The children escape the next morning, giving their remaining bread to the watch-dog and tying up birch branches with ribbon to pass safely.
- The cat deliberately tangles the witch's weaving, delaying her discovery of the children's escape.
- The witch discovers the escape, punishes the cat, dog, and birch trees, who all explain their loyalty to the children due to their kindness.
- The witch mounts her broom and pursues the children, who throw the handkerchief, creating a broad river that delays her.
- The witch crosses the river, continues the chase, and the children throw the comb, creating an impenetrable forest that forces her to turn back.
- The twins reach home, tell their father the truth, and he banishes the step-mother, living happily with his children.
Characters
The Stepmother
Likely a woman of average height and build for a peasant woman of the era, but with a harsh, unyielding demeanor that would show in her posture and facial expressions. Her features would be sharp, reflecting her cruel nature.
Attire: Practical, worn peasant clothing typical of a European village woman, perhaps a coarse linen shift, a dark wool skirt, and a simple apron. Her clothes would be clean but devoid of any ornamentation, reflecting her severe nature and lack of warmth.
Wants: To get rid of her stepchildren, whom she views as burdens and obstacles to her own children's well-being or her household's peace.
Flaw: Her cruelty and lack of empathy, which alienate even her own servants and ultimately lead to her downfall.
She remains consistently cruel and unrepentant, ultimately being driven out of the house by her husband when her wickedness is revealed.
Cruel, manipulative, resentful, selfish, determined.
The Twins' Father
A hardworking peasant man, likely of sturdy build from manual labor. His face would show the weariness of a widower trying to raise children alone, and later, the stress of a troubled household.
Attire: Simple, practical peasant attire: a coarse linen tunic, sturdy breeches, and worn leather boots. His clothes would be functional, showing signs of use and repair.
Wants: To provide a stable and peaceful home for his children after his first wife's death, and later, to protect his children from harm.
Flaw: His initial failure to recognize or address his second wife's cruelty towards his children.
He starts as a man seeking domestic peace, becomes somewhat blind to the suffering of his children, but ultimately learns the truth and becomes a protective, loving father, driving out his cruel wife.
Well-meaning, initially somewhat naive or trusting, loving towards his children, ultimately decisive and protective.
The Girl Twin
A small, slender child, likely appearing somewhat underfed due to her stepmother's neglect. Her movements would be cautious and quick.
Attire: Simple, worn peasant dress, likely made of coarse linen or homespun wool in muted colors like grey, brown, or faded blue. Her clothes would be patched but clean, reflecting her grandmother's care.
Wants: To survive the dangers posed by her stepmother and the witch, and to protect her brother.
Flaw: Her physical vulnerability as a child, and her initial fear.
She starts as a terrified but wise child and grows in courage and resourcefulness, actively leading her brother to safety and ultimately revealing the truth to her father.
Wise for her years, observant, compassionate, resourceful, brave.
The Boy Twin
A small, slender child, likely appearing somewhat underfed due to his stepmother's neglect. He would be slightly less quick-witted than his sister but equally resilient.
Attire: Simple, worn peasant tunic and breeches, likely made of coarse linen or homespun wool in muted colors like grey or brown. His clothes would be patched but clean.
Wants: To survive the dangers and escape the witch, following his sister's lead.
Flaw: His fear and lack of independent problem-solving skills, making him reliant on his sister.
He starts as a terrified child, dependent on his sister, and through their shared ordeal, he learns to trust her judgment and contributes to their escape, growing in quiet resilience.
Fearful, dependent on his sister, obedient, resilient, grateful.
The Grandmother
An elderly peasant woman, likely frail but with a strong, kind spirit. Her hands would be gnarled from years of work, and her back possibly stooped.
Attire: Traditional, modest peasant clothing: a dark, long-sleeved dress, a simple apron, and a headscarf or cap. Her clothes would be clean and well-maintained, reflecting her careful nature.
Wants: To offer comfort, guidance, and practical aid to her grandchildren in their time of need.
Flaw: Her inability to directly intervene and protect her grandchildren from the witch.
She provides crucial advice and provisions at the beginning of the story, setting the children on their path to survival, but does not appear again.
Wise, compassionate, helpless (in terms of direct action), loving, traditional.
The Witch
Grotesque and unnaturally proportioned. She is described as lying with her head on the threshold, one foot in one corner and the other in the other, and knees touching the ceiling, implying an extremely elongated or distorted body. Her skin would be sallow or greenish, with sharp, bony features.
Attire: Dark, tattered, and ancient robes, possibly made of coarse, dark fabric that seems to cling to her unnaturally long limbs. No specific details are given, but it would be practical for her magical activities and reflect her sinister nature.
Wants: To consume or harm children, and to maintain her power and control over her domain.
Flaw: Her overconfidence and reliance on her magical items, which can be circumvented by cleverness and the help of others.
She remains consistently evil, attempting to trap and harm the children, but is ultimately thwarted by their resourcefulness and the help of her disloyal servants.
Cruel, predatory, impatient, easily angered, vengeful.
The Cat
A grey cat, likely sleek and agile, but perhaps a bit scruffy from neglect by the witch. Its eyes would be intelligent and observant.
Attire: None, as it is an animal.
Wants: To escape the witch's cruelty and to repay the children's kindness.
Flaw: Its loyalty is easily swayed by kindness and food.
Initially a servant of the witch, it becomes an ally to the children due to their kindness, actively helping them escape and defying the witch.
Intelligent, observant, resentful (towards the witch), grateful (towards the children), helpful, cunning.
The Watch-Dog
A large, powerful dog, likely a guard dog breed, with a strong build. Its fur would be rough, and it would appear formidable.
Attire: None, as it is an animal.
Wants: To fulfill its role as a guard, but also to seek sustenance and kindness.
Flaw: Its loyalty is easily bought with food, overriding its duty to the witch.
Initially an obstacle to the children, it becomes an unwitting ally when they feed it, allowing them to pass and later defying the witch.
Loyal (to kindness), aggressive (when hungry or commanded), grateful, easily swayed by food.
The Birch-Trees
A cluster of birch trees, characterized by their slender white trunks and delicate, flexible branches. Their branches would be dense and interwoven, capable of hindering passage.
Attire: Not applicable.
Wants: To seek kindness and recognition, and to repay the children's thoughtful gesture.
Flaw: Their branches can be tied, and their loyalty is swayed by simple acts of care.
Initially an obstacle to the children, they become an unwitting ally when the children show them kindness, allowing them to pass and later defying the witch.
Resentful (towards the witch), grateful (towards the children), cooperative.
Locations
Peasant's House
A humble peasant's home, likely a simple, functional dwelling. Initially, it was a place of care, but after the step-mother arrived, it became a harsh environment for the twins, characterized by neglect and cruelty.
Mood: Initially somber and struggling, then oppressive and cruel due to the step-mother's presence, finally becoming happy and safe.
The twins endure cruelty from their step-mother, are sent away, and eventually return to find safety and happiness.
The Great Gloomy Wood
A dense, dark forest, described as 'gloomy' and 'thickest of the trees'. It is the domain of the wicked witch and a place of danger and magical transformations.
Mood: Eerie, foreboding, dangerous, but also holds hidden helpers and magical escape routes.
The twins journey through this wood, encounter obstacles, and eventually escape the witch's pursuit.
Witch's Hut
A 'queer little hut' located deep within the gloomy wood. It is the witch's dwelling, characterized by its unusual layout (witch's head on threshold, feet in corners, knees touching ceiling) and the presence of helpful animals.
Mood: Initially terrifying and threatening, but becomes a place of unexpected aid and strategic planning for the children.
The twins are forced to perform tasks for the witch, receive crucial help from animals, and plan their escape.
Magical River
A 'deep, broad river' that magically springs up when the handkerchief is thrown. It serves as a significant barrier to the witch's pursuit.
Mood: Miraculous, a sudden relief and obstacle.
The first magical obstacle created by the children to escape the witch, successfully delaying her.
Magical Forest
A 'dense forest' that instantly grows from the comb, with roots and branches so intertwined that it's impossible to force a way through.
Mood: Impenetrable, a final, insurmountable barrier.
The second and final magical obstacle, completely stopping the witch's pursuit and ensuring the children's escape.