Witches and Hags: Crash Course World Mythology #39

The video explores the portrayal of monstrous women in mythology, focusing on witches and hags. It discusses the patriarchal context and misogyny in these myths, highlighting figures like the cailleach, Baba Yaga, and Medusa. The cailleach story illustrates common tropes of dangerous witches, while Baba Yaga and Medusa show the complexity of these characters. The video concludes by reflecting on societal discomfort with old age and its power.

What is the primary focus of the episode discussed in the introduction?

• Monstrous human men

• Monstrous human women

• Patriarchal societies

• Mythical creatures

In Norse mythology, what is the term used for a hag?

• Medusa

• Baba Yaga

• Mare or Mara

• Cailleach

What does the cailleach steal from the McCarran family?

• A staff

• A horse

• A magic wand

• A leather bag of gold coins

How does Calyvorra differ from her sisters in the story?

• She shares her oatcake with her mother

• She refuses to leave home

• She does not find the gold

• She turns into stone

What unique feature does Baba Yaga's hut have?

• It floats on water

• It sits atop chicken legs

• It is made of gold

• It is invisible

What is one of the powers attributed to Medusa's blood?

• It can grant eternal youth

• It can bring a corpse back to life

• It can make people invisible

• It can turn people into gold

What societal discomfort might hags reflect according to the discussion?

• Fear of the supernatural

• Dislike of nature

• Discomfort with old age

• Distrust of strangers