Once upon a time, in a dark and enchanted forest, there existed a wretched witch. This witch was known for her malevolent spells and mischievous tricks, wreaking havoc on those who crossed her path. However, due to a curse placed upon her by a powerful sorcerer, she had fallen into a deep slumber, trapped within her own twisted dreams. The witch's slumbering state was a haunting sight to behold. Her body lay motionless, covered in a thick layer of dust and cobwebs. Her once vibrant green skin now appeared ashen and lifeless, with a sickly pallor that seemed to sink into her very bones.

What Charms Did Witches Use In Their Magic Spells?

Charms and rhymes characterise our memories of witchcraft from fairy tales, classic literature, and fantasy films. Do “Mirror, mirror, on the wall” or “Hubble bubble, boil and trouble” ring a bell?

Many of these famous examples are invented for the purposes of fiction. But charms occupy a real place in the historical record, used as proof of witchcraft during trials.

According to a short article in the Newcastle Daily Chronicle, a woman believed an imp plagued the tenement where her husband lay in his sick bed. She bought a charm to chase the imp away but “[t]he charm did not work as was predicted. It was not in nature to suppose that a sixpenny charm could suffice in such a serious case. A change in the form of incantation was characterised by a considerable rise in the price of charms” (1869: 2).

As with everything else, you get what you pay for!

Charms are often short rhyming verses, recited to accompany an action or in the making of a talisman. You might think they sound similar to spells, and in some ways they are. Spells tend to refer to the overall piece of magic, whereas the charm refers to a smaller part of it.

But we’ll be looking at the shorter, less complex charms in this post. Let’s explore some charms from the historical record!

Her once vibrant green skin now appeared ashen and lifeless, with a sickly pallor that seemed to sink into her very bones. Her long, tangled hair cascaded around her like a dark waterfall, entangled with thorns and brambles that seemed to grow from her very scalp. As she slept, the witch's mind was tormented by vivid nightmares and fragmented memories.

Charms to Steal Milk

In Scotland, some people accused witches of stealing milk from their cattle. Robert Chambers, quoted in an 1890 edition of the Newcastle Courant, explained that the witch made a rope from hair plucked from cows’ tails.

She tied a knot in this rope for each cow. The witch apparently held the rope above a bucket, using it to mime the act of milking. While doing so, she would recite:

“Meare’s milk and deer’s milk
And every beast that bears milk,
Between St. Johnston and Dundee,
Come a’ to me, come a’ to me.”

This would apparently cause the milk to appear in the bucket of its own accord. Some cows apparently knew when this was going on and alerted their owners by lowing. According to Chambers, “[a]n acute old woman could easily distinguish this low from any other, as it bore a peculiar expression of pain” (1890).

Laying rowan twigs, bound together with red thread, across the door to the barn could stop the witch’s power. In Aberdeenshire, farmers tied a red thread around the tails of their cows.

The curse had trapped her within a never-ending cycle of fear and despair, reliving the darkest moments of her past. Specters of her victims taunted her, their voices echoing in her ears as she tossed and turned on her makeshift bed of decaying leaves. Yet, hidden beneath the layers of darkness and despair, there remained a glimmer of hope. Legends spoke of a hero who would venture into the heart of the forest and break the curse, freeing the witch from her eternal slumber. The hero, it was said, would have to face grave dangers and overcome treacherous obstacles. Only then would they be able to reach the witch's inner sanctum and awaken her from her nightmarish prison. This legend had spread far and wide, reaching the ears of many brave souls. Some attempted to journey into the forest, seeking to be the one who would save the witch from her cursed sleep. But none were successful, for the forest was an unforgiving place, full of hidden traps and elusive illusions. Many would-be heroes lost their way, swallowed by the darkness that consumed the witch's domain. And so, the wretched witch remained trapped in her slumber, yearning for liberation from her cursed existence. She awaited the arrival of the one destined to break her chains, the hero who would brave the perils of the enchanted forest and awaken her from her twisted dreams. Only then could she break free from the shackles of her torment and embrace a new chapter in her life. As the years passed, the legend of the wretched witch in her slumbering state continued to captivate the hearts and minds of those who heard it. Stories were passed down from generation to generation, instilling a sense of awe and wonder in the hearts of all who heard them. The legend served as a reminder that even the most wretched beings can find redemption, if only someone is willing to believe in their potential for change. And so, the wretched witch in her slumbering state remained an enduring symbol of hope and transformation, a beacon for all those who dared to venture into the depths of their own fears and darkest desires. The legend lived on, weaving its magic into the fabric of the enchanted forest, waiting for the day when the hero would emerge, unlocking the power of redemption and setting the wretched witch free..

Reviews for "The Wretched Witch's Slumber: A Battle of Good vs. Evil"

- Jack - 1 star - The book "Wretched witch in slumbering state" was a complete disappointment. The characters were flat and lacked any depth, making it hard for me to connect with their struggles. Furthermore, the plot was predictable and unoriginal, leaving me bored and uninterested. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for an engaging and captivating read.

- Sarah - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Wretched witch in slumbering state," but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The writing style felt disjointed and confusing at times, making it difficult to follow the story. Additionally, the pacing was off, with slow and dragging moments that outweighed any exciting bits. The potential for a fascinating plot was there, but it ultimately didn't deliver. I wouldn't recommend this book to others seeking a captivating fantasy read.

- Alex - 2 stars - I found "Wretched witch in slumbering state" to be a lackluster read. The world-building was weak and underdeveloped, leaving me with more questions than answers. The characters felt one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it hard to invest in their journeys. The writing style was also a letdown, with clumsy dialogue and repetitive descriptions. Overall, this book failed to hold my attention and left me wishing for more substance.

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