Garlic has long been associated with warding off evil spirits, vampires, and witches. Its strong aroma and pungent taste have made it a popular ingredient in folklore and superstition. The belief in garlic's supernatural powers dates back centuries and is present in cultures around the world. In many ancient civilizations, garlic was believed to have protective qualities against supernatural beings. For example, in ancient Greece, it was used to ward off the evil eye and was often worn as a necklace or hung in doorways. Similarly, in ancient Egypt, garlic was believed to have protective qualities against demons and was used in rituals and spells.
Similarly, in ancient Egypt, garlic was believed to have protective qualities against demons and was used in rituals and spells. One of the most famous connections between garlic and witches can be found in European folklore. It was believed that witches detested the smell of garlic and would avoid anyone who carried it.
Garlic and the witch
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Garlic wakes one morning to a terrible shock. Her fingers have changed overnight. They even look almost… human?
She tells her friend Carrot, and they joke about her changing. Garlic knows they aren’t being mean, but she desperately needs some help on the matter. Carrot tells her that Witch Agnes has been really busy lately, and Garlic doesn’t want to interrupt her. She decides to see her vampire friend Count instead.
He is very helpful, talking things through and suggests that change is sometimes scary, but can be exciting at the same time. They decide to visit Witch Agnes together, and Garlic knows she’s lucky to have such a good friend.
What Witch Agnes tells Garlic surprises her greatly, but her worries are soon pushed aside by new ones. Both Count and Garlic are to go on a journey together to a special market. Count can fly as a bat, but how will Garlic travel so far? Witch Agnes has a solution, and again Garlic is worried about change in her life. But with Count by her side, she discovers a new strength within and a new life for herself and her friends ahead.
I loved this companion graphic novel as much as the first (see below). You do not have to read the first in this duology to enjoy this episode as the first chapter shows the reader what they need to know to understand the following story.
If you have been lucky enough to read the first, then Garlic & the Witch will have more meaning.
Again – I have never read a book with vegetables as main characters, but Garlic & the Witch shows them coming into being. A non-binary Carrot is also a lovely aspect, as is what Garlic learns about herself and her inner capabilities and courage.
The illustration design is in muted colours and the text clear. I really enjoyed the frames with no text, as these were so clear in meaning and emotion, and I could almost hear and feel what was happening in them.
Well worth a read and perfect for young readers with change in their lives as they grow.
Author / Illustrator – Bree Paulsen
Read a review for the first in this series. (Click on the Cover)
If you have been lucky enough to read the first, then Garlic & the Witch will have more meaning.
Garlic was often used as a protective charm during witch hunts and trials, and many people would wear garlic cloves or hang them in their homes to keep witches away. The association between garlic and vampires can also be traced back to European folklore. Vampires were believed to be repelled by garlic, and many vampire legends mention the use of garlic as a way to protect oneself. Garlic was often placed around windows and doorways or worn as a necklace to keep vampires at bay. While these beliefs may seem superstitious, there is some scientific basis for the association between garlic and its protective qualities. Garlic contains compounds like allicin, which have antimicrobial properties. These properties may have led people in ancient times to believe that garlic could protect against supernatural beings and evil spirits. Today, garlic is still commonly used in various cultures for its culinary and medicinal properties. It is believed to have numerous health benefits, including boosting the immune system and reducing the risk of certain diseases. While the belief in garlic's supernatural powers may have faded over time, its association with witches and vampires remains a popular part of folklore and pop culture. In conclusion, garlic has long been associated with warding off evil spirits, vampires, and witches. Its strong aroma and pungent taste have made it a popular ingredient in folklore and superstition. While the belief in garlic's supernatural powers may have faded over time, its association with witches and vampires remains a popular part of folklore and pop culture..
Reviews for "Garlic: A Powerful Talisman in Witchcraft"
1. David - 2/5 stars - I found "Garlic and the Witch" to be quite disappointing. The plot was weak and predictable, offering nothing new or exciting. The characters were also very one-dimensional, lacking depth and development. Additionally, the writing style felt amateurish, with clunky dialogue and a lack of descriptive language. Overall, I was not impressed with this book and would not recommend it.
2. Emily - 1/5 stars - "Garlic and the Witch" was a complete waste of time for me. The story was painfully slow-paced, and I found myself struggling to stay engaged throughout. The author's attempt at humor fell flat, and I didn't find any of the jokes or dialogue funny. The writing itself was also lacking, with choppy sentences and an overall lack of creativity. I was highly disappointed with this book and regret spending my money on it.
3. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I had high hopes for "Garlic and the Witch," but unfortunately, it did not live up to my expectations. The characters felt cliché and one-dimensional, making it difficult to form any emotional connection with them. The plot was also unremarkable, with predictable twists and a lack of originality. While the concept of the book had potential, it was poorly executed, leaving me feeling unsatisfied. I wouldn't recommend this book unless you're a die-hard fan of the genre.
4. Alex - 2/5 stars - "Garlic and the Witch" had an interesting premise but failed to deliver in terms of execution. The writing was lackluster, with clunky sentences and a lack of descriptive details. I also found the pacing to be inconsistent, dragging on in some parts while rushing through others. The characters lacked depth and often made decisions that seemed out of character or unrealistic. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and felt it could have been much better with stronger writing and more development.