The Water Witch by Madison Cawein
A huntsman, separated from his companions while pursuing a wounded doe, ventures deeper into the forest. He recalls legends of a golden-haired girl who transforms into a malevolent fairy at night and a lake inhabited by serpentine demons. As he navigates the woods, he is drawn to a mysterious water source that seems to beckon him with enchanting sounds. The atmosphere is thick with a sense of magic and danger as he follows the alluring murmurs of the water. He encounters visions of beauty and temptation, represented by a woman who emerges from the depths of the lake. Her ethereal appearance captivates him, yet her eyes reveal a profound sorrow and a hint of malevolence. The woman engages him in a dialogue about love and fear, enticing him with promises of a life beyond the ordinary. He is torn between his desire for her and the instinctive fear of the unknown. Ultimately, he surrenders to her allure, expressing his willingness to be hers completely. As she leads him to the water's edge, the atmosphere shifts ominously. The moment of passion culminates in a chilling transformation, as the water envelops him, suggesting a fate intertwined with the supernatural. The narrative explores themes of desire, temptation, and the perilous nature of surrendering to enchantment, leaving the reader with a sense of foreboding about the consequences of such choices.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1907 · Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Poetry · 1,233 words
First lines
See! the milk-white doe is wounded. He will follow as it bounds Through the woods. His horn has sounded. Echoing, for his men and hounds. But no answering bugle blew. He has lost his retinue For the shapely deer that bounded Past him when his bow he drew.
Not one hound or huntsman follows. Through the underbrush and moss Goes the slot; and in the hollows Of the hills, that he must cross, He has lost it. He must fare Over rocks where she-wolves lair; Wood-pools where the wild-boar wallows; So he leaves his good steed there.
What this Textopian page supports
The Water Witch is listed on Textopian as a short story by Madison Cawein, dated 1907 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Madison Cawein
- Date: 1907 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Poetry, Gothic, Adventure
- Length: 1,233 words
- Structure: 1 section, 14 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Water Witch by Madison Cawein
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Water Witch?
- How does this short story by Madison Cawein fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Were Wolf by Madison Cawein
- Elphin by Madison Cawein
- The Nixes Song by Madison Cawein
- Fairies by Madison Cawein
- The Dream Of Roderick by Madison Cawein
- Song Of The Faeries by W. B. Yeats
Genres
- Fantasy — The poem features supernatural elements, such as a water witch and mythical creatures, central to its plot and themes.
- Romance — The narrative explores themes of love and desire between the protagonist and the water witch.
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Gothic — The atmosphere includes dark, mysterious elements and themes of sorrow and danger.
Tags
Fiction · Poetry · Romance · Fantasy · Magic · Witchcraft · Love Story · Mythology · Symbolism · Nature · Imagination · Dreams