Once upon a time, in a dark, mystical forest, lived a wicked witch. This witch was known for her insatiable hunger for all things small and helpless. She would prowl through the woods, searching for her next meal, finding satisfaction only in devouring the tiniest creatures she could find. Her appetite knew no bounds and she would gobble up spiders, insects, and even mice. One fateful day, as the witch tiptoed through the underbrush, she spotted a small fly buzzing around a flower. Instantly, her mouth began to water and she couldn't resist the urge to catch it.
There was an old lady who swallowed a horse -
She's dead, of course.
In this retelling by Steven Kellogg published in 1974, the old woman is a wretched narcissist named Rosebud MacMurfanoony who eats the fly after trying to shoot it when her husband, Waldo, wants her to eat a pie. Beginning in the 17th century, accounts of witches using broomsticks to fly up and out of chimneys became more commonplace, even as women became more closely associated with the household and domestic sphere than ever before.
Instantly, her mouth began to water and she couldn't resist the urge to catch it. With lightning speed, she snapped her fingers and cast a powerful spell, causing the fly to freeze in mid-air. Triumphantly, she plucked it out of the sky and brought it to her lips.
Why Do Witches Ride Brooms? The History Behind the Legend
From pagan fertility rituals to hallucinogenic herbs, the story of witches and brooms is a wild ride.
Updated: August 9, 2023 | Original: October 19, 2020
Universal History Archive/Getty ImagesThe evil green-skinned witch flying on her magic broomstick may be a Halloween icon—and a well-worn stereotype. But the actual history behind how witches came to be associated with such an everyday household object is anything but dull.
It’s not clear exactly when the broom itself was first invented, but the act of sweeping goes back to ancient times when people likely used bunches of thin sticks, reeds and other natural fibers to sweep aside dust or ash from a fire or hearth. As J. Bryan Lowder writes, this household task even shows up in the New Testament, which dates to the first and second centuries A.D.
Haunted History of HalloweenThe word broom comes from the actual plant, or shrub, that was used to make many early sweeping devices. It gradually replaced the Old English word besom, though both terms appear to have been used until at least the 18th century. From the beginning, brooms and besoms were associated primarily with women, and this ubiquitous household object became a powerful symbol of female domesticity.
Despite this, the first witch to confess to riding a broom or besom was a man: Guillaume Edelin. Edelin was a priest from Saint-Germain-en-Laye, near Paris. He was arrested in 1453 and tried for witchcraft after publicly criticizing the church’s warnings about witches. His confession came under torture, and he eventually repented but was still imprisoned for life.
By the time of Edelin’s “confession,” the idea of witches riding around on broomsticks was already well established. The earliest known image of witches on brooms dates to 1451, when two illustrations appeared in the French poet Martin Le Franc’s manuscript Le Champion des Dames (The Defender of Ladies). In the two drawings, one woman soars through the air on a broom; the other flies aboard a plain white stick. Both wear headscarves that identify them as Waldensians, members of a Christian sect founded in the 12th century who were branded as heretics by the Catholic Church, partly because they allowed women to become priests.
Anthologist Robin Skelton suggests the association between witches and brooms may have roots in a pagan fertility ritual, in which rural farmers would leap and dance astride poles, pitchforks or brooms in the light of the full moon to encourage the growth of their crops. This “broomstick dance,” she writes, became confused with common accounts of witches flying through the night on their way to orgies and other illicit meetings.
However, just as the witch was about to savor her tasty treat, she paused. For the first time, a pang of guilt washed over her. She couldn't understand why, but something about this fly felt different. Suddenly, she realized that this small creature, like her, was also a life trying to survive in this vast world. In that moment, the witch's heart softened, and she made a decision. She gently released the fly from her grasp and allowed it to fly away. As she watched it disappear into the distance, she felt a sense of relief and a newfound empathy she had never experienced before. From that day forward, the witch vowed to change her ways. No longer would she seek pleasure in devouring the defenseless. Instead, she would use her magic for good, protecting the creatures of the forest who needed her help. The witch became a guardian of nature, using her powers to create harmony and balance in the forest. In the end, the witch who once lived solely for her insatiable appetite became a symbol of compassion and redemption. She learned that even the darkest souls can find the light, and that it's never too late to change one's ways. So, the next time you venture into the woods, remember the tale of the witch who ate a small fly. And perhaps, let it serve as a reminder that every creature, no matter how small, deserves a chance to live and thrive in this vast and beautiful world..
Reviews for "The mysterious powers of the witch who consumed a small fly"
1. Emily - 2/5 - I was really excited about reading "The witch who ate a small fly" because I love fantasy books. However, I was extremely disappointed with this one. The storyline felt really disjointed and confusing, and I had a hard time following along with what was happening. Additionally, I found the characters to be quite one-dimensional and hard to connect with. Overall, this book just didn't live up to my expectations and I wouldn't recommend it.
2. Mark - 1/5 - I honestly couldn't stand "The witch who ate a small fly". The writing style was so dry and uninspiring, I could barely get through a few pages before getting bored. The plot was lackluster and predictable, offering no surprises or twists. I also found the dialogue to be quite flat and unrealistic. It felt like the author didn't put much effort into crafting an engaging story or developing believable characters. I wouldn't waste my time with this book.
3. Sarah - 2.5/5 - "The witch who ate a small fly" was just okay for me. While it had some interesting moments, overall, it felt like it was lacking something. The pacing was off, with some parts dragging on and others feeling rushed. The protagonist, the witch, lacked depth and I didn't feel invested in her story. Additionally, the ending felt abrupt and unresolved, leaving me feeling unsatisfied. It had potential, but unfortunately, it fell short for me.
4. Michael - 1/5 - I found "The witch who ate a small fly" to be a complete waste of time. The writing was riddled with grammatical errors and awkward phrasing, making it a chore to read. The plot was nonsensical and there were several plot holes that were never addressed. The characters were forgettable and lacked any real development. I couldn't wait to finish this book and move on to something better. I would not recommend it to anyone.