Linda the sweet witch is a beloved character in children's literature. She is a magical being with a heart full of kindness and a passion for helping others. Despite her magical powers, Linda's main goal is to bring joy and happiness to the world rather than using her abilities for personal gain. She is often seen in her quirky striped hat and flowing cloak, spreading her magic wherever she goes. Linda the sweet witch is known for her incredible abilities to make people smile and laugh. She has a knack for turning ordinary objects into something extraordinary, like a pumpkin into a carriage or a broomstick into a magical flying device.
There was an old lady who swallowed a horse -
She's dead, of course.
In this retelling by Steven Kellogg published in 1974, the old woman is a wretched narcissist named Rosebud MacMurfanoony who eats the fly after trying to shoot it when her husband, Waldo, wants her to eat a pie. Beginning in the 17th century, accounts of witches using broomsticks to fly up and out of chimneys became more commonplace, even as women became more closely associated with the household and domestic sphere than ever before.
She has a knack for turning ordinary objects into something extraordinary, like a pumpkin into a carriage or a broomstick into a magical flying device. Children adore her for her mischievous yet endearing moments, such as turning a pet cat into a talking creature or conjuring up a shower of candy. But what truly sets Linda apart is her sincere and caring nature.
Why Do Witches Ride Brooms? The History Behind the Legend
From pagan fertility rituals to hallucinogenic herbs, the story of witches and brooms is a wild ride.
Updated: August 9, 2023 | Original: October 19, 2020
Universal History Archive/Getty ImagesThe evil green-skinned witch flying on her magic broomstick may be a Halloween icon—and a well-worn stereotype. But the actual history behind how witches came to be associated with such an everyday household object is anything but dull.
It’s not clear exactly when the broom itself was first invented, but the act of sweeping goes back to ancient times when people likely used bunches of thin sticks, reeds and other natural fibers to sweep aside dust or ash from a fire or hearth. As J. Bryan Lowder writes, this household task even shows up in the New Testament, which dates to the first and second centuries A.D.
Haunted History of HalloweenThe word broom comes from the actual plant, or shrub, that was used to make many early sweeping devices. It gradually replaced the Old English word besom, though both terms appear to have been used until at least the 18th century. From the beginning, brooms and besoms were associated primarily with women, and this ubiquitous household object became a powerful symbol of female domesticity.
Despite this, the first witch to confess to riding a broom or besom was a man: Guillaume Edelin. Edelin was a priest from Saint-Germain-en-Laye, near Paris. He was arrested in 1453 and tried for witchcraft after publicly criticizing the church’s warnings about witches. His confession came under torture, and he eventually repented but was still imprisoned for life.
By the time of Edelin’s “confession,” the idea of witches riding around on broomsticks was already well established. The earliest known image of witches on brooms dates to 1451, when two illustrations appeared in the French poet Martin Le Franc’s manuscript Le Champion des Dames (The Defender of Ladies). In the two drawings, one woman soars through the air on a broom; the other flies aboard a plain white stick. Both wear headscarves that identify them as Waldensians, members of a Christian sect founded in the 12th century who were branded as heretics by the Catholic Church, partly because they allowed women to become priests.
Anthologist Robin Skelton suggests the association between witches and brooms may have roots in a pagan fertility ritual, in which rural farmers would leap and dance astride poles, pitchforks or brooms in the light of the full moon to encourage the growth of their crops. This “broomstick dance,” she writes, became confused with common accounts of witches flying through the night on their way to orgies and other illicit meetings.
She goes out of her way to help anyone in need, whether it's lending a hand to a lost child or using her powers to aid a struggling community. Linda's magic is not just about spells and potions; it's about the magic of love, compassion, and friendship that she brings into the lives of those around her. One of Linda's most memorable adventures was when she used her magic to save an enchanted forest from destruction. The forest was home to various magical creatures, and Linda couldn't bear to see their homes destroyed. She rallied the community, both magical and non-magical beings, to work together to preserve the forest and create a harmonious environment for everyone. Linda's story teaches children valuable lessons about the power of kindness, empathy, and the impact one person can make. It emphasizes the importance of using one's talents and abilities for the greater good and making a positive difference in the world. In a world often dominated by negativity and self-centeredness, Linda the sweet witch serves as a reminder that there is always room for kindness and compassion. Her magical adventures entertain and inspire young readers while leaving them with a lasting impression of the importance of spreading love and joy. Linda's character continues to enchant generations of children and reminds them that even a small act of kindness can have a magical effect on others..
Reviews for "Linda's Sweet Witch Spells: Enchanting Desserts and Delights"
1. Jake - 2 stars
I found "Linda the sweet witch" to be quite dull and uninteresting. The plot lacked depth, and the characters felt one-dimensional. Additionally, the writing style was not engaging, and the dialogue felt forced and unnatural. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and did not find it enjoyable to read.
2. Sarah - 1 star
I really didn't like "Linda the sweet witch." The story was incredibly predictable, and there were no surprises or twists to keep me engaged. The characters were also very uninspiring, and I couldn't connect with any of them. The writing was bland, lacking any descriptive language or vivid imagery. I would not recommend this book to others looking for an exciting and captivating read.
3. Emily - 2 stars
"Linda the sweet witch" failed to capture my attention. The pacing was slow, and the plot was unoriginal. The main character, Linda, lacked depth and development, which left me feeling disconnected from her journey. The magic system in the book was poorly explained and inconsistent, which made it hard to fully immerse myself in the story. Overall, this book didn't live up to my expectations, and I wouldn't recommend it to fellow fantasy lovers.
4. Michael - 1 star
I found "Linda the sweet witch" to be a complete waste of time. The story was overly simplistic, with no real depth or complexity. It felt like it was written for a much younger audience, and I couldn't see any appeal for adult readers. The characters were poorly developed, and their actions often felt illogical and unrealistic. The writing style was also lackluster, with repetitive phrases and minimal creativity. I regret picking up this book and do not recommend it to anyone looking for a captivating fantasy read.