Who controlled the mice in the fairy tale? - briefly
In the story, a witch commands the mice through a magical spell. The enchantment forces the rodents to obey her instructions.
Who controlled the mice in the fairy tale? - in detail
In the narrative, the rodents are guided by a sorceress who possesses the ability to command them through a magical charm. The enchantress discovers the mice while wandering through a forest and decides to enlist them as messengers for her secretive plans. Her authority over the creatures stems from a spell woven into a silver amulet, which she wears at all times. When she speaks the incantation, the mice obey instantly, forming orderly lines and delivering letters to distant kingdoms.
The sorceress’s control operates on several principles:
- Enchantment source: The silver amulet contains a rune that binds the mice’s will to hers.
- Communication method: A whispered phrase activates the command, allowing instantaneous obedience.
- Purpose: She uses the rodents to gather intelligence, relay warnings, and transport small objects that would otherwise be impossible for a human courier.
- Limitations: The spell affects only the mice found in the forest; other animals remain unaffected.
The tale culminates when a brave youth discovers the amulet, removes it, and thereby liberates the rodents from the sorceress’s influence. The mice, freed from the enchantment, return to their natural behavior, and the sorceress loses her primary means of covert operation. This resolution underscores the central theme that magical domination over living beings is fragile and can be undone through courage and insight.