The Horrible Hags

We have taken care of the hags and any that have shown up since. That being said, we DO have a lot of children go missing... -Unknown

One of the few stories that is known and accepted by all cultures in Zeimia is that of the hags. While various hags do exist and are a threat, they are used in story form to keep children in line. If a child misbehaves, they might just attract a hag with more than just mischief on her mind.

Summary

The story may differ in a few minor details, but the theme remains the same. If a child misbehaves or tries to runaway from their parents, they may bring a hag to them. The hag could seem friendly at first and bribe the children with candy and toys before luring them away, or it could be an ugly old crone who throws kids into a bag and whisks them away. There are even tales of hags who can take children in their dreams.
Once the hag has a child in her dwelling, she eats them. The worse a child acts, the more delicious and desirable the child is to the hag. Some have been known to forgo taking a naughty child, and just eat them on the spot if they are particularly bad. Mothers all across the land tell their kids, "You better behave, or I'll give you to the old lady." Some might even imitate a witch's laugh when their child isn't looking to scare them.

Historical Basis

This myth is completed rooted in fact. Hags do exist in the world and they do, in fact, eat children. In reality, they don't care how good or bad a child is. They eat what they can get indiscriminately. However, they are not very common and are hunted down when they are found. Their lairs can often hold discarded toys, children's cloths, and small bones.

Spread

This myth is common knowledge in one form or another. Some areas have altered details, but the general story remains the same.