The Ranni the Witch Hag is a long-standing folklore character that has been passed down through generations in various cultures and regions. She is often depicted as an old crone with twisted features, dressed in tattered clothing and carrying a broomstick. In many tales, Ranni is associated with dark magic, curses, and misfortune. Legend has it that Ranni the Witch Hag lives deep in the forest, away from civilization. Her dwelling is said to be a dilapidated cottage, shrouded in darkness and surrounded by overgrown vegetation. It is believed that she spends her days concocting potions, casting spells, and communing with evil spirits.
It is believed that she spends her days concocting potions, casting spells, and communing with evil spirits. The stories surrounding Ranni the Witch Hag vary depending on the region, but one common theme is her ability to manipulate and control others. It is said that she can curse individuals, cause sickness, or bring about calamities with just a simple chant or a touch of her gnarled hand.
Dejected but are still keeping hopes alive: Bhopal’s LGBTQ+ community on SC verdict
By Alisha Ali
Bhopal: Tuesday’s dawn came with a glimmer of hope for 23-year-old Amarjeet Verma. His eyes were fixed on the TV screen for Supreme Court ’s verdict on same-sex marriages. Like many others in Bhopal and the country, he also seeks marriage equality in India.
However, the initial euphoria quickly turned into disappointment for the LGBTQIA+ community as the special bench of the SC didn’t grant legal recognition to same-sex marriages. Everything feels the same to him now. “Dukh is baat ka hai ki hume ek normal jeevan jeene k liye bhi permission chahiye (It is sad that we have to take permission to lead a normal life). Initially I was hopeful, but ultimately same-sex marriage has not been legalized and it feels like the fight was for nothing. But our fight remains, especially for those living in small towns,” says Verma.
He was not alone. Anger, dejection, shock and hope — these emotions were felt across the queer community in Bhopal. When the decision came, the Bhopal queer group started buzzing with messages. “I memorized today as the date of legalization of same-sex marriage, now I am trying to forget it,” wrote one member. “Apne haq ki Ladaai bohot lambi chalne wali hai (The fight for our rights is going to last a very long time), another member posted on the group.
For Amarjeet’s fellow community members, striking down regulation restricting queer and unmarried couples from adoption wasn’t enough. “Before adopting a child, I would want to marry my partner but that right has not been given to us,” says the 23-year-old Harshit, who lives with his 28-year-old partner and wishes to marry him someday.
Payal and Yashvika Batra, who tied the knot last year, were hoping to remarry if the same-sex marriage was legalised. But all their hopes are dashed. “For any parent, their child’s happiness is the most important thing. We accepted Yashu as our daughter-in-law and will support them both if they want to adopt,” says Payal’s mother. Preeti Bavisa, whose younger brother is openly gay, says a favourable verdict would have paved an easier way for the community in the future. “We live in a joint family and acceptance is difficult in such a case.” However, she will keep supporting her brother.
Not just queer people but allies also came in support. “I felt like there was a sense of passing the buck of responsibility as the decision-making has now been vested with the Parliament. But some decisions like protection against offenders who oppose or discriminate queer couple, right to privacy, taking home loans, living together as a union and adopting individually are a step towards betterment,” says the 21-year-old ally, Bhavya Manchanda.
Villagers live in fear of her and avoid venturing into the depths of the forest for fear of encountering her wrath. Some legends portray Ranni the Witch Hag as a tragic figure, often cursed herself by her own dark practices. In these versions, she is depicted as lonely and isolation, with her powers stemming from a deep-seated bitterness and desire for revenge. These tales often explore the consequences of her actions and the toll they have taken on her soul. Despite her malevolent reputation, there are instances where Ranni the Witch Hag is depicted as a helpful figure. In these stories, she is approached by desperate individuals seeking her assistance in love, healing, or protection. She may require a steep price for her aid, such as a sacrifice or a lifelong debt, but her powers prove invaluable in solving their problems. The character of Ranni the Witch Hag has fascinated and terrified people throughout history. Whether seen as a force of evil or a misunderstood loner, her presence in folklore continues to intrigue and captivate audiences. She serves as a cautionary tale, a reminder of the dangers of dabbling in darkness and the consequences that may follow..
Reviews for "Ranni the Witch Hag's Familiar: Stories of Animal Magic"
1. John - 1 star - I was extremely disappointed with "Ranni the Witch Hag". The story was confusing and all over the place, making it hard to follow along. The characters were poorly developed, and I couldn't connect with any of them. The writing style was also dull and lacked any creativity. Overall, I found this book to be a complete waste of time and would not recommend it to anyone.
2. Sarah - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Ranni the Witch Hag" based on the synopsis, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The pacing was slow, and there were too many unnecessary details that didn't contribute to the overall plot. The dialogue was also unrealistic and forced, making it difficult to become immersed in the story. Additionally, the ending felt rushed and unsatisfying. While the concept had potential, the execution was lacking, resulting in a mediocre read for me.
3. Michael - 2 stars - "Ranni the Witch Hag" had a promising premise, but it failed to deliver a captivating story. The writing felt amateurish, with awkward phrasing and repetitive descriptions. The plot lacked originality and seemed to rely heavily on clichés. I also found the characters to be one-dimensional and uninteresting. Overall, I felt let down by this book and wouldn't recommend it to others who are looking for a compelling and well-written fantasy novel.