The First Part: Of the House of Captivity
The witch who stole Birdalone and kept her captive on the island.
I: Catch at Utterhay
Introduced as a tall, black-haired, hook-nosed woman who lures a poor mother with gold and steals her child, fleeing into Evilshaw.
II: Now Shall Be Told of the House by the Waterside
The witch-wife who stole Birdalone; she feeds and sometimes caresses the child, and leads them to her house by the lakeside.
III: Of Skin-Changing
She changes her skin for journeys and explains this to Birdalone, showing her magical nature.
IV: Of the Waxing of the Stolen Child
The witch who keeps Birdalone isolated, feeding her well but rarely speaking, and later teaching her through punishment.
Of Birdalone, and How She Is Grown Into Maidenhood
Birdalone's mistress, who uses her as a thrall and plans to make her a thing accursed. She makes secret nocturnal journeys, leaving Birdalone in sickening dread.
VI: Herein Is Told of Birdalone’s Raiment
The witch-wife initially scolds Birdalone for her request but provides materials for shoes and a gown after seeing her embroidery. She grows gloomy and suspicious, accusing Birdalone of wanting to flee, and warns her that escape is impossible and would be punished lifelong.
VII: Birdalone Hath an Adventure in the Wood
Birdalone initially fears the witch wife has come to fetch her, and later recalls the witch's harsh words about her appearance.
VIII: Of Birdalone and the Witch-Wife
Scowls and questions Birdalone suspiciously, but eventually softens and promises her rest after the hay harvest.
IX: Of Birdalone’s Swimming
The witch observes Birdalone from the house but gives no sign, allowing her holiday.
X: Birdalone Comes on New Tidings
Referenced as Birdalone's mistress, who told tales of a serpent and is impatient with questions.
XI: Of Birdalone’s Guilt and the Chastisement Thereof
The witch flies into a murderous rage when Birdalone mentions the lake and the boat, but then pardons her and administers a potion as a 'correction' to make her invisible and voiceless.
XII: The Words of the Witch-Wife to Birdalone
Delivers a lengthy monologue warning Birdalone, promising future joys if obedient, and threatening death or misery if she disobeys or flees.
XIII: Birdalone Meeteth the Wood-Woman Again
Rouses Birdalone roughly, keeps her at work, but does not mishandle her; her earlier fury has subsided into surliness.
XIV: Of Birdalone's Fishing
The witch-wife sends Birdalone fishing, searches her clothes, and watches her suspiciously.
XV: Birdalone Weareth Her Serpent-Ring
The witch wife performs a blood ritual on the Sending Boat, animating it with her own blood and a song.
XVI: Birdalone Meeteth Habundia Again; and Learneth Her First Wisdom of Her
Returns in a blithe mood, grants Birdalone leave to go to the wood, and later remarks on Birdalone's changed, more womanly appearance.
XVII: The Passing of the Year Into Winter
Grows fearful of Birdalone, restrains from punishing her, and becomes restless and fierce, though she refrains from open conflict.
XVIII: Of Spring-Tide and the Mind of Birdalone
The witch-wife is mentioned as the one Birdalone has been deceiving and now intends to confront openly; she is feared but Birdalone believes she may have some love for her.
XX: Of Birdalone and the Sending Boat
The witch-wife steals Birdalone's clothes, pursues her to the creek, attempts to command the boat, and hurls a sword after her in fury.
The Second Part: Of the Wondrous Isles
Antagonistic witch figure.
I: The First Isle
The witch from whom Birdalone escapes, mentioned as the source of her thraldom.
III: Birdalone Is Brought Before the Witch-Wife’s Sister
Mentioned as the sister of the lady-witch; Birdalone fled from her and is now accused of being a stolen thrall.
IV: Of the Witch’s Prison in the Wailing-Tower
The witch orders Birdalone's imprisonment but is expected to forget by morning; her memory is easily confused.
V: They Feast in the Witch’s Prison
Referenced as the cruel mistress who sent Atra and Viridis to torment Birdalone with words, but whose plan is being subverted by the sisters' kindness.
VI: Atra Tells of How They Three Came Unto the Isle of Increase Unsought
The witch who lured the three ladies into the Sending Boat and brought them to the Isle of Increase Unsought.
VII: The Three Damsels Take Birdalone Out of the Witch’s Prison
The witch who imprisons Birdalone and has destroyed other visitors to the isle.
IV: Of Birdalone’s Faring Abroad
Mentioned in Birdalone's self-rebuke as a past tormentor she compares her current state to.
V: Sir Aymeris Showeth Birdalone the Mountains Afar Off
The witch appears in Birdalone's nightmare, coming from the Sending Boat to fetch her and torment her.
IX: Hugh Tells the Story of the Quest's Ending
The witch on the Isle of Increase Unsought is encountered, then destroyed, leading to the palace's collapse.
X: How It Fared with the Three Ladies After the Escape of Birdalone
The witch wife suspects the ladies, receives the doves' messages, and chains them as punishment for their betrayal.
V: Of the Death of Audrey, Mother to Birdalone. She Is Warned in a Dream to Seek the Black Squire, and Is Minded to Depart the City of the Five Crafts, and Seek Again the Castle of the Quest
Appears in Birdalone's dream, speaking in friendly fashion and taunting her about the Black Squire.
VIII: Birdalone Cometh to the Castle of the Quest, Heareth the Tale Thereof from Leonard, and Departeth Thence by the Sending Boat
Her malice is behind the fetches that haunt the castle; Birdalone believes she may be dead if the fetches cease.
XI: Coming to the Isle of Kings Birdalone Findeth There a Score and Two of Fair Damsels Who Would Fain Have Her Company
Birdalone suspects the damsels might be a show sent by her old mistress the witch for her undoing.
XVI: Birdalone Findeth Her Witch-Mistress Dead
Found dead on the bench outside her dwelling, with staring eyes and cold skin; Birdalone buries her.
XVII: Birdalone Layeth to Earth the Body of the Witch, and Findeth the Sending Boat Broken Up
The witch is buried by Birdalone in a grave she dug.
