Anyone know this short story?

[ozmosis7]

When I was younger I read this short story about a witch's house that could move on chicken legs. I thought the teacher said something about it being a story that had been retold several times throughout history, but I am not sure. I was looking to find this for some research, but cannot seem to locate anything on the internet. Does anyone know anything that might help me in my search?

[srboone]

Sounds like Baba Yaga, a Russian folktale, Ken.

[ozmosis7]

That's it! Thank you!

[srboone]

My pleasure; it's good to know that my arcane knowledge of obsure literature can come in handy once in a while (other than in Trivial Pursuit games!)

[srboone]

What are you researching, Ken? Just out of curiosity...

[ozmosis7]

Well, I have to check, but I remember something about many generations retelling this story over time, each generation changing it. I had this dream about the story the other night and figured I might have a go at it at some point.

I have to check, but I'd love to pay homage to one of the first stories I ever read. Reading the wiki about it I see I am not alone and that several have done similar things. I was hoping to take mine in a different direction, though...so we will see.

[TerryE]

The Hut of Baba Yaga has been interpreted many ways. Including a part of "Pictures at an Exhibition". Was that Mussorgsky? I'm much more familiar with the Emerson, Lake, and Palmer version. I don't remember the evolution of the tale, but I think Baba Yaga and the Gingerbread House witch come from a common ancestor tale or archetype.

[Antmusic]

I love Joanna Cole's re-telling called "Bony-Legs" illustrated by Dirk Zimmer.
tumblr_ky41w5ACJ21qzbp96o1_400.jpg

[ozmosis7]

That is the exact version I was looking for Ant. Thanks! My own version (at least in this dream) was more of a sic-fi version, so when I get time I will have to see how it pans out.

[ozmosis7]

Hmm...guess that isn't it with it being published in '04. Can't find the specific one I am looking for. I wanted to share it with the kids. It would have been available back right when the hostages were released from Iran years ago. Like mid-seventies.

[Antmusic]

It was first published in the 80s... 1983 in hardcover... around 1986 in paperback.

[ozmosis7]

Hmm..I'll have to check it out more thoroughly. That picture sure does look familiar. Thanks!

[Antmusic]

Dirk Zimmer also illustrated "In a Dark, Dark Room and Other Scary Stories" by Alvin Scwartz (which scared the poop out of me when I was younger... It has "The Green Ribbon" on it.