Mountain Moggy: The Stoning of the Witch

by William Henry Giles Kingston

"Mountain Moggy: The Stoning of the Witch" by William Henry Giles Kingston is a novel written in the late 19th century. This narrative explores themes of forgiveness and the consequences of cruelty, centered around an old woman, referred to as Mountain Moggy, who is unjustly believed to be a witch by the local children. The story follows the young midshipman who stumbles upon her in a moment of need and ultimately connects with the villagers to address the injustices she faces. At the start of the book, readers meet the picturesque and rugged Welsh landscape, setting the scene for the bleak existence of Old Moggy as she endures the torment of local children who throw stones at her, believing her to be a witch. One evening, a boy’s mischief leads to a disastrous fire, and a young midshipman comes to her rescue, risking his own safety to save her life. As the narrative unfolds, it delves into the old woman’s backstory and the impact of the community’s ignorance on her life, ultimately illustrating the transformative power of compassion and understanding. The opening segments foreshadow a deeper exploration of the characters’ moral dilemmas and the potential for redemption through empathy.