Mëlina and the Witch of the Forest – A Magical Folktale

Long ago, in the misty valleys near Dargavs, Russia, there lived a young woman named Mëlina. She was twenty-two years old, with black hair that shone like the night and eyes as blue as a summer sky. Mëlina was known in her village for her beautiful animal-shaped candles, which she carved with care and kindness, bringing warmth to homes during cold evenings.

Her father, Eryk, was an elderly man who had grown weak with age. He wished to build a strong table made from Hematite stone so that he could work and eat comfortably during the long winters. The strongest Hematite could be found in the deep forest, a place where the villagers rarely went, for it was said that a powerful witch lived there—Baba Yaga, the witch of the forest.

Winter was approaching, and Eryk’s need grew urgent. Seeing her father’s frailty, Mëlina tied her warmest cloak around her shoulders and prepared to journey into the forest, determined to help him.

The forest was thick and dark, filled with the scent of pine and the rustling of unseen creatures. Mëlina stepped carefully over twisting roots, following the path of the cold wind that seemed to guide her deeper into the trees. After many hours, she came upon a clearing where a strange hut stood on giant chicken legs, turning slowly as if it could see her approach.

Near the hut stood Baba Yaga, a tall, ancient woman with sharp eyes and a crooked staff. She was stirring a pot of herbs, and the air shimmered around her with magic.

Mëlina gathered her courage and stepped forward. “Grandmother of the forest,” she called respectfully, “my father is old and weak, and he wishes for a Hematite stone from your forest to build his table. Please, grant his request, and I shall pay whatever price you ask.”

Baba Yaga lifted her staff, and a large Hematite stone rose from the earth and flew through the trees, finding its way to Eryk’s home. The witch turned her eyes to Mëlina and said, “You are brave, my child, to come here with such honesty. The price is that you will serve me in this forest for three years. What is your name?”

“I am Mëlina,” she answered, her voice steady, “and I will serve you to keep my promise.”

From that day forward, Mëlina served Baba Yaga. She swept the floors of the magical hut, cooked simple meals, fetched water from the river, and gathered herbs in the forest. But Baba Yaga was not unkind. Seeing Mëlina’s willing heart, she taught her many secrets of the forest—how to heal the sick with herbs, how to call the wind to guide travelers, and how to protect homes from storms and sickness.

The years passed, and Mëlina learned much, her hands becoming skilled in spells of protection and healing. Though the forest was often dark and the nights cold, Mëlina’s courage and kindness brought light to the small hut, and even Baba Yaga found herself smiling at the girl’s gentle spirit.

At the end of three years, Baba Yaga called Mëlina to her and said, “Your service is complete, my child. Go now, and use the knowledge you have gained for good.”

Mëlina thanked Baba Yaga, who gave her a small wooden staff as a gift, carved with protective runes. With it, Mëlina could call upon the knowledge she had learned, using it to help others.

Mëlina returned to Dargavs, finding her father ill with a heavy cough that would not leave him. Gently, she brewed a tea of herbs, and with words of healing, she brought peace to her father’s breathing, restoring his strength so that he could once again walk to the garden and sit under the warm sun.

As Mëlina cared for her father, the people of Dargavs came to know her as Mëlina, the Healer. She helped the sick recover, guided lost travelers safely home, and ensured no family went hungry during harsh winters, sharing food and teaching others how to care for the land.

One day, a nobleman came to Mëlina’s door, carrying his elderly mother whose leg had grown weak and stiff with age. Mëlina prepared healing herbs and prayed for the woman’s health, massaging her leg with warm oils until she could walk again. Grateful, the nobleman returned often to help Mëlina with her work, bringing firewood and helping repair the cottage roof.

Over time, Mëlina and the nobleman grew to respect and care for each other, their hearts warmed by shared kindness. They were married in a simple ceremony under the tall trees, with the village gathered to wish them well.

Though Mëlina and her husband were never blessed with children, they found joy in caring for the people around them, treating each neighbor with kindness, and ensuring that none felt alone. They lived happily for many years, the cottage always filled with warmth, stories, and laughter.

When her husband passed away after a long, peaceful life, Mëlina decided to return to Belarus, the land of her birth. There, she continued to share her knowledge of healing and care, helping families and travelers who sought her wisdom.

She lived the remainder of her days surrounded by people who loved her for her kind heart, remembering always the lessons she had learned from the forest witch—courage, honesty, and the importance of using one’s gifts to help others.

And so, the story of Mëlina, the healer of the forest and the village, became a tale of hope and kindness, reminding all who heard it that courage and a willing heart can bring light even into the darkest places.

Moral of the Story

Courage, honesty, and kindness can transform challenges into blessings, and using your gifts to help others brings peace and purpose to your life.