The Girl's Home

The girl's home is located in the village, near the forest. She lives here with her mother, father, and siblings. On Christmas Eve, the girl becomes determined to leave home, despite the dusky hour, and visit her grandmother. Because her father is out collecting wood, the girl receives permission from her mother to make the journey. She then dons her cloak and wooden shoes, takes her basket and knife, and departs. She does not return home for the rest of the narrative.

The Forest

The forest surrounds the local villages, and promises danger and death to the local residents. Of all the terrors the forest contains, the narrator says that wolves, particularly hungry wolves and werewolves, are the most fearful. Everyone in the village knows that staying on the main path is necessary. No one would dare enter into the pines, for fear of being killed...