Aesop's Fables · Chapter
The Witch explained
A Witch who claims to have the power to avert the anger of the gods through secret charms profits greatly from her trade.
What happens
A Witch who claims to have the power to avert the anger of the gods through secret charms profits greatly from her trade. However, she is accused of black magic and brought before the judges, who condemn her to death. As she leaves the dock, a judge points out the irony that she cannot avert the enmity of men despite her claimed power over the gods.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
The emotional and psychological peak occurs when the victor Cock, swollen with pride after his triumph, is sud…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Cunning and Deception
The Witch deceives others by claiming to have secret powers to avert divine anger, yet her own cunning fails to protect her from human judgment.
- Justice and Consequence
The Witch faces the consequences of her actions as she is judged and condemned, highlighting the theme of justice and the irony of her inability to escape human enmity.
Characters to notice
- The Old Man
The Witch is the central figure, though not explicitly named in the canonical list; the judge is the only named human character.
Key passages
“You say you can avert the anger of the gods. How comes it, then, that you have failed to disarm the enmity of men?”
If you truly have the power to calm the gods' wrath, why couldn't you avoid the hostility of people?
The judge's rhetorical question underscores the irony and hypocrisy of the Witch's claimed powers.
