The Witch of l-Imsierah
Deep in Wied Għollieqa, right where the descent begins, there once lived a feared witch — a woman with a dark heart, especially toward the people of the area.
Those who knew her well said her name was Rita, although hardly anyone actually knew her real name, because she kept it secret. Rita was extremely cautious not to let the locals know anything personal about her. To most, she was known simply as:
“The Witch of l-Imsierah.”
Legend has it that Rita came to Malta aboard a pirate ship. Many stories surround her mysterious arrival. Some say her lover was one of the ship’s pirate captains — men who roamed the seas capturing people to sell as slaves aboard other pirate vessels.
One tale tells how her beloved was once caught and severely beaten, left on the verge of death. The shock of seeing him in that state affected Rita so deeply that she could no longer pronounce the letter “R” — not even her own name.
Rita the Witch from l-Imsierah
(A fun children’s poem)
In Wied Għollieqa, down the hill,
Lived a witch who gave some chills.
With a cloak and big black hat,
She’d wander ‘round — imagine that!
They called her Rita, but who could say?
She’d never speak her name that way.
She hid it well, and no one knew,
What secret things she used to do.
Some say she sailed across the seas,
With pirates wild and stormy breeze.
Her sweetheart was a pirate bold,
With shining eyes and chains of gold.
But one dark day he fell quite ill,
And Rita cried beside the hill.
From that day on, she couldn’t say,
The “R” in Rita went away!
Now children giggle when they hear,
The tale of Rita, far not near.
She’s not so mean, just shy, you see…
She makes her tea with sugar — three!
So if you walk near trees and flowers,
And feel a tingle in the hours,
Just smile and wave, don’t be afraid —
It might be Rita in the shade!
