Friday Fictioneers – The Limits of Spells

~ neilmacdon
PHOTO PROMPT © Dale Rogerson

When you have caught your bear, let her be sequestered in a cave. It is important she see no sunlight. Also, that she eat only garlic and mugwort. After twenty one days and nights, the bear will transform into a woman.

Take heed—she will be sad and lonely as the sole human. You will likely have to take her to wife, and, in this way, you will father a people.  The tending of nations is a topic beyond the scope of this spell.

This story is based on a Korean creation myth. Friday fictioneers is a weekly challenge set by Rochelle Wisoff Fields to write a 100-word story in response to a photo prompt. You can find other stories here

85 thoughts on “Friday Fictioneers – The Limits of Spells”

  6. I loved the disclaimer at the end. In fact I loved it all, though I couldn’t fail to observe that having been fed on nothing but garlic and mugwort for 21 days she’s bound to be a tad lonely…

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  11. Great short, Neil! We’ve been delving into creation myths in my ancient lit class. I only wish the module lasted longer; there are so many compelling tales to read! I’ve added the Korean myths to my materials.

    Wow! Five more days until your book release. Thrilling.

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  15. So it’s easier creating a woman out of a bear than getting nations to stop exterminating each other. Yeah, I can see that. Now I just want to go and sing, “What’s it all about, Alfie?”😂

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      1. That may be true, in a way … but I think some of it has to do with how one defines happiness – does it mean getting everything you wanted or having no challenges or does it mean feeling loved or knowing good or seeing beauty or a job well done … all of which can be happiness. …

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  26. Lovely use of a folk tale and what’s not to like in a spell recipe that begins with catching a bear? Poor thing must be heartily relieved when the transformation’s complete, and so must any companions since they would be on the receiving end of the creature’s malodorous digestive system.

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