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Finding Baba Yaga: A Short Novel in Verse

Yukio Mishima

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In the heart of a dark and ancient forest, where shadows danced and secrets whispered, there lived a young woman named Anya. Anya had always been fascinated by the tales of Baba Yaga, the legendary witch who lived in a house that stood on chicken legs and who could grant wishes to those who sought her out.

One day, Anya decided to set out on a journey to find Baba Yaga. She packed her meager belongings and set off into the forest, her heart filled with both excitement and trepidation.

Finding Baba Yaga: A Short Novel in Verse

by Jane Yolen

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3213 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	230 pages

As Anya walked deeper into the forest, the trees grew taller and the shadows grew thicker. She began to hear strange noises all around her, and she felt a growing sense of unease. But she pressed on, driven by her desire to find Baba Yaga.

Finally, after days of travel, Anya came to a clearing. In the center of the clearing was a small hut, perched on top of two giant chicken legs. Anya knew that she had finally found Baba Yaga's house.

Anya approached the hut cautiously. She knocked on the door, and a moment later, it creaked open. Anya stepped inside, and the door slammed shut behind her.

The hut was dark and smoky, and the air was thick with the smell of herbs and spices. Anya could see a figure sitting in a rocking chair in the corner of the room. The figure was old and wrinkled, with long white hair and piercing blue eyes.

"Baba Yaga," Anya said. "I have come to seek your wisdom."

Baba Yaga smiled. "I have been expecting you, child," she said. "What is it that you seek?"

Anya told Baba Yaga about her life and her journey to find her. She told her about her dreams and her fears, and about her longing to find her true self.

Baba Yaga listened patiently to Anya's story. When Anya was finished, Baba Yaga said, "I can grant you your wish, child. But first, you must pass a test."

Baba Yaga told Anya that she must spend the next three days and nights in the forest, alone. During that time, she must face her fears and learn to trust herself. If she could do that, then Baba Yaga would grant her wish.

Anya agreed to Baba Yaga's test. She went back into the forest and found a secluded spot where she could camp. She spent the next three days and nights in the forest, facing her fears and learning to trust herself.

On the third night, Anya had a dream. In her dream, she saw Baba Yaga standing in the center of a clearing. Baba Yaga was holding a staff in her hand, and she was surrounded by animals. Anya knew that this was a vision of Baba Yaga's true self.

When Anya woke up, she knew that she had passed Baba Yaga's test. She had faced her fears and learned to trust herself. She had found her true self.

Anya returned to Baba Yaga's hut and told her about her dream. Baba Yaga smiled and said, "You have passed my test, child. Now, I will grant you your wish."

Baba Yaga waved her staff, and a bright light filled the room. When the light faded, Anya was standing in a beautiful meadow. The sun was shining and the birds were singing. Anya felt a sense of peace and contentment that she had never felt before.

Anya knew that she had found what she was looking for. She had found Baba Yaga, and she had found herself.

Finding Baba Yaga: A Short Novel in Verse

by Jane Yolen

4.4 out of 5