The Hoodie-Crow
by Andrew Lang · from The Lilac Fairy Book
Adapted Version
Once, Father had three daughters.
One day, a magic crow came to them. 'Wilt thou wed me?' he asked. "No!" she said. "You are an ugly crow." He asked the second sister. She also said no. He asked the youngest sister, Anna. "Yes, I will wed thee," said Anna. A pretty creature is the crow.
They married. The crow was magic. 'Be a man by day?' he asked. "Yes," said Anna. "I want you as a man by day." He was man by day, crow by night. Anna loved them both.
They had three sons. One day, magic music played. All fell asleep. When they woke, the babies were gone. A safe house had them. This happened three times. Anna was very sad.
The crow wanted to move his people. "Did you forget something?" he asked. "My magic comb!" said Anna. Then the man became a crow again. He flew away. Anna followed him.
She saw him on a hill. She ran to the top. He was in the valley. She could not catch him. At night, she found a house with light. A kind woman and a boy lived there. "Come in and rest," they said. Anna ate and slept.
The next day, she followed the crow again. At night, she found the same house. "Try to catch him," said the kind woman. But Anna was too tired. She fell asleep. The crow came in. He put a ring on her hand. Anna woke up. She caught one feather.
'The crow went over poison hill,' she said. "You need iron shoes to cross it safe." "Learn to make them," she said. Anna learned to make iron shoes. She wore them on her hands and feet. She crossed the poison hill safe.
On the other side, she heard news. Her husband would marry a new woman that day. Anna went to the wedding place. The cook needed help. "Will you cook the feast?" he asked. "Yes," said Anna.
She cooked the food. She put the ring and feather in the soup. She served it to her husband. He found the ring. He found the feather. "Who cooked this?" he asked. Anna came to him. "That is my wife!" he said. The spell broke. He was a man always.
They crossed the poison hill safe, with Anna helping him. They were so happy. They went back with each other. They found their three sons at the houses. They took them home. They were all together again, smiling and happy.
Original Story
THE HOODIE-CROW
ONCE there lived a farmer who had three daughters, and good useful girls
they were, up with the sun, and doing all the work of the house. One
morning they all ran down to the river to wash their clothes, when a
hoodie came round and sat on a tree close by.
'Wilt thou wed me, thou farmer's daughter?' he said to the eldest.
'Indeed I won't wed thee,' she answered, 'an ugly brute is the hoodie.'
And the bird, much offended, spread his wings and flew away. But the
following day he came back again, and said to the second girl:
'Wilt thou wed me, farmer's daughter?'
'Indeed I will not,' answered she, 'an ugly brute is the hoodie.' And
the hoodie was more angry than before, and went away in a rage. However,
after a night's rest he was in a better temper, and thought that he
might be more lucky the third time, so back he went to the old place.
'Wilt thou wed me, farmer's daughter?' he said to the youngest.
'Indeed I will wed thee; a pretty creature is the hoodie,' answered she,
and on the morrow they were married.
* * * * *
'I have something to ask thee,' said the hoodie when they were far away
in his own house. 'Wouldst thou rather I should be a hoodie by day and a
man by night, or a man by day and a hoodie by night?'
[Illustration: INDEED I WILL WED THEE; A PRETTY CREATURE IS THE HOODIE]
The girl was surprised at his words, for she did not know that he could
be anything but a hoodie at all times.
Still she said nothing of this, and only replied, 'I would rather thou
wert a man by day and a hoodie by night.' And so he was; and a handsomer
man or a more beautiful hoodie never was seen. The girl loved them both,
and never wished for things to be different.
By and bye they had a son, and very pleased they both were. But in the
night soft music was heard stealing close towards the house, and every
man slept, and the mother slept also. When they woke again it was
morning, and the baby was gone. High and low they looked for it, but
nowhere could they find it, and the farmer, who had come to see his
daughter, was greatly grieved, as he feared it might be thought that he
had stolen it, because he did not want the hoodie for a son-in-law.
The next year the hoodie's wife had another son, and this time a watch
was set at every door. But it was no use. In vain they all determined
that, come what might, they would not close their eyes; at the first
note of music they all fell asleep, and when the farmer arrived in the
morning to see his grandson, he found them all weeping, for while they
had slept the baby had vanished.
Well, the next year it all happened again, and the hoodie's wife was so
unhappy that her husband resolved to take her away to another house he
had, and her sisters with her for company. So they set out in a coach
which was big enough to hold them, and had not gone very far when the
hoodie suddenly said:
'You are sure you have not forgotten anything?'
'I have forgotten my coarse comb,' answered the wife, feeling in her
pocket, and as she spoke the coach changed into a withered faggot, and
the man became a hoodie again, and flew away.
The two sisters returned home, but the wife followed the hoodie.
Sometimes she would see him on a hilltop, and then would hasten after
him, hoping to catch him. But by the time she had got to the top of the
hill, he would be in the valley on the other side. When night came, and
she was tired, she looked about for some place to rest, and glad she was
to see a little house full of light straight in front of her, and she
hurried towards it as fast as she could.
At the door stood a little boy, and the sight of him filled her heart
with pleasure, she did not know why. A woman came out, and bade her
welcome, and set before her food, and gave her a soft bed to lie on. And
the hoodie's wife lay down, and so tired was she, that it seemed to her
but a moment before the sun rose, and she awoke again. From hill to hill
she went after the hoodie, and sometimes she saw him on the top; but
when she got to the top, he had flown into the valley, and when she
reached the valley he was on the top of another hill--and so it happened
till night came round again. Then she looked round for some place to
rest in, and she beheld a little house of light before her, and fast she
hurried towards it. At the door stood a little boy, and her heart was
filled with pleasure at the sight of him, she did not know why. After
that a woman bade her enter, and set food before her, and gave her a
soft bed to lie in. And when the sun rose she got up, and left the
house, in search of the hoodie. This day everything befell as on the two
other days, but when she reached the small house, the woman bade her
keep awake, and if the hoodie flew into the room, to try to seize him.
But the wife had walked far, and was very tired, and strive as she
would, she fell sound asleep.
Many hours she slept, and the hoodie entered through a window, and let
fall a ring on her hand. The girl awoke with a start, and leant forward
to grasp him, but he was already flying off, and she only seized a
feather from his wing. And when dawn came, she got up and told the
woman.
'He has gone over the hill of poison,' said she, 'and there you cannot
follow him without horse-shoes on your hands and feet. But I will help
you. Put on this suit of men's clothes, and go down this road till you
come to the smithy, and there you can learn to make horse-shoes for
yourself.'
The girl thanked her, and put on the clothes and went down the road to
do her bidding. So hard did she work, that in a few days she was able to
make the horse-shoes. Early one morning she set out for the hill of
poison. On her hands and feet she went, but even with the horse-shoes on
she had to be very careful not to stumble, lest some poisoned thorns
should enter into her flesh, and she should die. But when at last she
was over, it was only to hear that her husband was to be married that
day to the daughter of a great lord.
* * * * *
Now there was to be a race in the town, and everyone meant to be there,
except the stranger who had come over the hill of poison--everyone, that
is, but the cook, who was to make the bridal supper. Greatly he loved
races, and sore was his heart to think that one should be run without
his seeing it, so when he beheld a woman whom he did not know coming
along the street, hope sprang up in him.
'Will you cook the wedding feast in place of me?' he said, 'and I will
pay you well when I return from the race.'
Gladly she agreed, and cooked the feast in a kitchen that looked into
the great hall, where the company were to eat it. After that she watched
the seat where the bridegroom was sitting, and taking a plateful of the
broth, she dropped the ring and the feather into it, and set it herself
before him.
With the first spoonful he took up the ring, and a thrill ran through
him; in the second he beheld the feather and rose from his chair.
'Who has cooked this feast?' asked he, and the real cook, who had come
back from the race, was brought before him.
'He may be the cook, but he did not cook this feast,' said the
bridegroom, and then inquiry was made, and the girl was summoned to the
great hall.
'That is my married wife,' he declared, 'and no one else will I have,'
and at that very moment the spells fell off him, and never more would he
be a hoodie. Happy indeed were they to be together again, and little did
they mind that the hill of poison took long to cross, for she had to go
some way forwards, and then throw the horse-shoes back for him to put on.
Still, at last they were over, and they went back the way she had come,
and stopped at the three houses in order to take their little sons to
their own home.
But the story never says who had stolen them, nor what the coarse comb
had to do with it.
From 'West Highland Tales.'
Story DNA
Moral
True love and unwavering loyalty can overcome enchantments and great obstacles.
Plot Summary
A hoodie-crow proposes to three sisters; the youngest accepts and marries him, discovering he is a man by day and crow by night. They have three sons, but each is mysteriously stolen. When the wife forgets a 'coarse comb', her husband transforms back into a crow and abandons her. She embarks on a perilous journey, learning to make horseshoes to cross a 'hill of poison', only to find her husband about to marry another. Disguised as a cook, she uses a ring and feather to reveal her identity, breaking the spell and reuniting her family.
Themes
Emotional Arc
suffering to triumph
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Collected by Andrew Lang, part of a tradition of oral storytelling from the Scottish Highlands, often featuring elements of magic and perseverance.
Plot Beats (15)
- A hoodie-crow proposes marriage to three farmer's daughters; the first two refuse, but the youngest accepts.
- The youngest daughter marries the hoodie-crow and discovers he can be a man by day and a crow by night, choosing the former.
- They have three sons, but each is mysteriously stolen after soft music lulls everyone to sleep.
- The husband decides to move his family, but when his wife forgets her 'coarse comb', he transforms back into a crow and the coach into a faggot, separating them.
- The wife follows the crow, seeing him on hilltops but never catching him, until she finds a mysterious house where a woman and a boy offer her rest.
- This happens two more nights; on the third, the woman advises her to stay awake to catch the crow.
- The wife falls asleep, but the crow leaves a ring on her hand and she catches a feather from his wing as he flies away.
- The woman tells her the crow has gone over the 'hill of poison' and instructs her to wear men's clothes and learn to make horseshoes to follow.
- The wife learns blacksmithing and crosses the dangerous hill of poison on her hands and feet, wearing horseshoes.
- Upon crossing, she learns her husband is about to marry a lord's daughter.
- She takes the place of the cook for the wedding feast.
- She places the ring and feather in the groom's broth, which he finds, prompting him to ask who cooked the meal.
- The wife is summoned, and the groom recognizes her, declaring her his true wife, which breaks the spell permanently.
- They reunite, cross the hill of poison together (with her helping him), and retrieve their three sons from the mysterious houses.
- They return home as a complete family, with the mystery of the coarse comb and the baby-stealer unresolved.
Characters
Hoodie-Crow ★ protagonist
Initially an ugly hoodie-crow, later a handsome man
Attire: As a man: fine clothing befitting his station; as a hoodie-crow: feathers
Enchanted, conflicted, ultimately loving and redeemable
Image Prompt & Upload
A young teenage protagonist with sharp, intelligent eyes and slightly tousled dark hair, wearing a distinctive hoodie crafted from sleek, iridescent black feathers that shimmer with hints of deep blue and purple. The hoodie's hood is pulled up, framing a determined yet curious expression. They wear simple, durable trousers and sturdy boots, standing in a dynamic pose with one hand slightly extended as if about to touch a glowing, ethereal mushroom on a mossy log. The setting is a misty, ancient forest at dawn, with soft rays of light filtering through the gnarled trees. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Farmer's Youngest Daughter ★ protagonist
Not explicitly described, but implied to be fair/attractive
Attire: Simple peasant dress, apron, practical for housework
Kind, loyal, determined
Image Prompt & Upload
A young woman in her late teens with sun-kissed skin and a determined, hopeful expression. Her chestnut hair is braided simply with a few stray curls framing her face. She wears a practical but well-made dress of soft blue linen with a white apron, the sleeves rolled up to her elbows. Sturdy leather boots are on her feet. She stands straight, one hand resting on a woven basket at her hip, the other gently touching a small, glowing seed held in her palm. Her posture is confident and ready. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Farmer ◆ supporting
Strong, weathered from working the land
Attire: Homespun clothing, practical for farm work
Protective, worried, initially skeptical
Image Prompt & Upload
A middle-aged man with a kind, weathered face and a warm, welcoming smile. He has sun-tanned skin, laugh lines around his eyes, and short, neatly trimmed brown hair. He wears a pair of sturdy blue denim overalls over a simple white t-shirt, and heavy brown work boots. A well-worn straw hat rests on his head. He stands confidently, holding a wooden pitchfork upright in one hand, his posture relaxed and friendly. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Woman of the House ◆ supporting
Kind face, welcoming demeanor
Attire: Simple but clean and welcoming attire
Helpful, wise, magical
Image Prompt & Upload
A middle-aged woman with a kind, gentle expression and warm smile. She has soft brown hair neatly pinned up in a bun. She wears a modest, long-sleeved dress in a muted blue color with a clean white apron tied at the waist. Her posture is relaxed yet poised, one hand resting on her hip and the other holding a wooden spoon. She stands in a simple, homely kitchen. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Little Boy ○ minor
Pleasant, innocent
Attire: Simple child's clothing
Innocent, welcoming
Image Prompt & Upload
A young boy around 8 years old with tousled sandy brown hair, bright curious blue eyes, and a round cheerful face with rosy cheeks. He wears a simple cream-colored linen tunic with rolled-up sleeves, brown leather suspenders over the shoulders, knee-length brown trousers, and worn leather boots. He carries a small wooden stick over one shoulder with a red cloth bundle tied to the end. His expression is one of wide-eyed wonder and innocence, with a slight smile. He stands in a relaxed posture with one foot slightly forward as if beginning a journey. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature
Cook ○ minor
Eager, easily distracted
Attire: Cook's apron
Enthusiastic, easily bribed
Image Prompt & Upload
A young boy of about ten years old, with a round, cheerful face and messy brown hair peeking out from under a slightly-too-large white chef's hat. He wears a clean but oversized white apron over simple brown trousers and a tunic, the apron strings tied in a big bow at his back. He stands with a determined posture, holding a large wooden spoon as if stirring an invisible pot, his expression one of focused concentration with a hint of a smile. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Riverbank
A river where the farmer's daughters wash clothes, with a tree nearby for the hoodie-crow to perch.
Mood: peaceful, mundane
The hoodie-crow proposes to the farmer's daughters.
Image Prompt & Upload
Late afternoon sunlight filters through willow branches, casting long shadows across a clear, shallow river. Smooth, mossy stones line the riverbank where a weathered wooden washboard rests in the gentle current. On the opposite bank, a large, ancient oak tree with sprawling, gnarled branches stands sentinel. Its leaves shimmer in shades of emerald and gold. Wildflowers dot the grassy slope leading to the water, and the air is still and warm, filled with the soft sound of flowing water. In the distance, rolling hills fade into a hazy, golden sky. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Hoodie-Crow's House
A house far away, where the hoodie-crow lives with his wife. Later, the house is visited by soft music at night.
Mood: initially loving, later mysterious and sorrowful
The babies are stolen away by soft music.
Image Prompt & Upload
A remote, ancient timber house nestled deep within a moonlit forest clearing. The structure is crooked and charming, with a thatched roof, a smoking chimney, and warm, golden light glowing from small windows. Surrounding the house are towering, dark trees and overgrown ferns. A winding dirt path leads to its sturdy wooden door. The night sky is clear, filled with stars and a large, luminous moon. Ethereal, soft blue light, like visible musical notes or gentle fireflies, drifts peacefully through the air around the house, casting a magical, serene glow on the scene. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Little Houses of Light
Three identical small houses, each filled with light. Each has a little boy at the door and a welcoming woman inside.
Mood: safe, comforting, mysterious
The wife finds shelter and is warned about the hoodie-crow.
Image Prompt & Upload
Three identical small thatched-roof cottages stand in a row on a cobblestone path at twilight. Each cottage glows warmly from within, casting distinct pools of golden, amber, and soft rose light onto the surrounding mossy stones and blooming flower boxes. The evening sky is a deep blue, with the first stars appearing. A gentle mist hangs low over the quiet, magical village square, illuminated by the lantern-like windows. The atmosphere is serene and inviting, with a focus on the radiant, welcoming light emanating from each charming home. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration
Hill of Poison
A dangerous hill covered in poisoned thorns, requiring horse-shoes on hands and feet to cross.
Mood: treacherous, perilous
The wife crosses the hill to find her husband.
Image Prompt & Upload
A desolate, barren hill under a dim, overcast sky at dusk. The terrain is covered in twisted, thorny vines of sickly green and deep purple, their sharp points glistening with a toxic sheen. The ground is cracked, dry earth with patches of withered, blackened grass. A faint, poisonous haze clings to the low-lying areas, diffusing the weak, fading light. No trees, only the oppressive, grasping thorns that form dense, impenetrable thickets. The atmosphere is heavy, silent, and menacing, with a color palette of ashen grays, bruised purples, and venomous greens. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Wedding Feast Hall
A great hall where a wedding feast is prepared, with a kitchen looking into it.
Mood: festive, tense
The wife reveals her identity and breaks the spell on the hoodie-crow.
Image Prompt & Upload
Evening golden hour light streams through tall arched windows, illuminating a vast stone feast hall. Long wooden tables are draped with white linen, set with silver goblets and pewter plates. Giant candelabras with unlit beeswax candles stand ready. Through a wide archway, a bustling kitchen is visible: a great hearth with a crackling fire, hanging copper pots, and steaming platters on a massive oak sideboard. The high, timber-beamed ceiling is lost in shadow, while the air is still, filled with the scent of herbs and polished wood. Rich tapestries adorn the walls, depicting scenes of celebration. A single shaft of light falls across the empty head table, highlighting a intricate floral centerpiece of white roses and ivy. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration
