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The Spinning of Tales


The Spinning of Tales
by Glenda Rynn

Dear Cousin Beauty,

Yesterday when I was looking for herbs deep in the woods, I saw an old, old woman spinning wool on a wheel in front of her cottage. Although she seemed to smile at me, I was afraid and stayed off at a distance.

Our village priest says witches used to live in villages but gradually moved away into the dark forests so they could work their wicked spells and eat babies and children. (You heard about Hansel and Grethel, didn't you?)

But today when I told Grandmother about the Old Spinner, she looked around uneasily and spoke in a low voice. She said the ones the priests call witches are really just persons who practice the old religion that everyone used to before the priests came. To make people change to the new religion from Rome, the priests said all the old practices are evil and the work of devils.

Beauty, I'm all mixed up. I love Granny, but, yet, the priest is so sure he's right! He also talks about a terrible place of punishment where people go who do not follow what he says.

I look forward to seeing you soon. If you have the courage, we can explore the woods and look for flowers and mushrooms. But don't you even think of going near that spinning wheel if we see it!

Love,
Rose Red