The pig’s wife is standing outside her house. Little does she know that my youngest son was killed by her husband, so I turned him into a pig. I put a spell on him that would last three years, and his term is nearly done. She calls me to come and speak with her,...
I sit on a shelf of books in a room that is off-limits to anyone but the old hill-man. I hold secret instructions for shape-shifting. Want to become a whale in the sea, or a deer running through the woods? Want to beguile or seduce others with your physical charms?...
I’m a famous witch. I live on an island in the center of a large lake. A golden lantern hangs outside my door, but no one comes here. I hear only the sweet tinkling bells on the golden horns of my goat who is feeding nearby. I am sitting by the fire, wrapped in...
I had three sons, and I raised them by myself for the most part. What a disappointment! They were idle and careless. The two eldest weren’t able to keep any sort of job. They kept coming home, expecting me to serve them hand and foot. My youngest was a bit more...
I meant to destroy that nephew of mine. It was either that, or he would destroy my son. When he had grown tall, strong, and handsome, I sent for my nephew. I said, “Manus, I know a bride who will suit you well. She is the daughter of a mighty earl.” I promised him the...
It was arranged that I should marry the king’s son, and he was truly handsome. But I was no match for him. I felt so ugly and wretched, I hid in my room. Then I had an idea. I would get Maleen, the scullery maid, to dress up in my wedding gown. She could go to...
I know what’s going on. The king’s daughter who is in my power is helping the drummer boy who has come to release her. That’s why he’s been able to do all my tasks. Well, this time I intend to throw him into the fire. If he’s afraid of...
I wanted my wife to do what the other women do: spin, but she wouldn’t. Whatever I gave her to spin, she never finished, and whatever she spun, she didn’t wind, but left it tangled on the bobbin. One day when I had gone into the forest to chop some wood to make her a...
One night, a stranger came riding to our castle. He asked if my brother and I would give him lodging for the night. We granted his request, and the man joined us for supper. He was certainly entertaining. He told amusing stories and my brother liked him so much that...
I met Faithful Ferdinand riding by on his white horse. When he told me his name, I said, “What do you know about that? I’m Ferdinand, too. Unfaithful Ferdinand.” We rode together to town. He was impressed by the fact I knew everything that people...
