The Witch's Steed
Story Summary
In "The Witch's Steed," an entertaining moral story, a broomstick serving a witch feels degraded by its role and expresses dissatisfaction. The witch humorously offers to elevate its status by introducing it to a housewife, prompting the broomstick to question the intellectuality of her hands, only for the witch to clarify that she was referring to the intellect of the housewife's husband. This short moral tale highlights the lessons learned from stories about self-worth and perspective.
A broomstick, which had long served a witch as a steed, began to complain about the nature of its employment, believing it to be degrading.
"Very well," said the witch, "I will give you work where you will be associated with intellect—you will come into contact with brains. I shall present you to a housewife."
"What!" exclaimed the broomstick, "do you consider the hands of a housewife to be intellectual?"
"I was referring," replied the witch with a sly smile, "to the head of her good man."
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The story highlights the irony of misplaced pride, showing that true intellect may not always be where one expects it to be.
Historical Context
This story reflects the rich tradition of European folklore surrounding witches and their magical tools, particularly broomsticks, which are often depicted as symbols of domesticity and the supernatural. The narrative plays on the themes of gender roles and societal perceptions of intellect, echoing tales from sources like the Brothers Grimm and other fairy tales that explore the dynamics between witches, women, and domestic life, often with a satirical or humorous twist. Such stories frequently critique or subvert traditional gender expectations, revealing the underlying tensions between labor, intellect, and social status.
Our Editors Opinion
This story highlights the importance of valuing all forms of work, regardless of societal perceptions, and the often-overlooked intelligence behind everyday tasks. In modern life, a scenario could involve a stay-at-home parent who manages household responsibilities while their partner works outside, emphasizing that their work is equally critical and often requires significant problem-solving and emotional intelligence, challenging the notion that certain roles are more valuable than others.
You May Also Like
The Fisher
In this short story with moral, a Fisher uses his bagpipes in an attempt to attract fish, but initially fails until he captures them in a net. Once caught, the fish leap in response to his music, leading an old fish to remark that they only dance because they are now under the Fisher's control. This tale serves as a reminder of the power dynamics in folklore and moral stories, illustrating that when one is in another's power, compliance becomes necessary.
The Fowler and the Viper
In this engaging moral tale, a fowler intent on catching a thrush inadvertently steps on a sleeping viper, which stings him, leading to his downfall. As he falls into a swoon, he reflects on the irony of becoming ensnared in danger while trying to ensnare another. This short story serves as a poignant reminder that in our pursuit of unique moral stories, we must be wary of the dangers that may lurk beneath our focus.
Jupiter and the Baby Show
In "Jupiter and the Baby Show," a clever Monkey enters her unattractive cub in a competition hosted by Jupiter, who initially mocks the cub's appearance. However, the Monkey turns the tables by highlighting the flaws in Jupiter's own offspring depicted in antique sculptures, prompting Jupiter to award her the first prize to avoid embarrassment. This impactful moral story emphasizes the value of humility and the importance of recognizing one's own imperfections, making it a noteworthy addition to short story collections with moral lessons.
Other names for this story
Broomstick Blues, Enchanted Ride, Witch's Broom, The Broom's Complaint, Magical Steed, Sorceress' Ride, Broomstick Adventures, The Witch's Ride
Did You Know?
This story humorously highlights the irony of perceived intellect, suggesting that societal roles often dictate our understanding of intelligence, as the broomstick's disdain for its work reflects a broader commentary on the value placed on different types of labor, especially in domestic settings. The witch’s response cleverly critiques the notion that intellectual engagement is solely found in traditionally esteemed roles, pointing to the complexities of gender and societal expectations.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.