Once Upon a Witch's Death: The Tale of the One Thousand Tears of Joy

• Author: Saka
• Genres: Light Novel, Fantasy Phương Tây, Đời Thường
• Status: Completed
• Chapters: 17
• Rating: ★ 4.0 / 5
• Published: 2026-10-05

Fated Journey of the Little witch

The story kicks off with a grim premise when Meg Raspberry, a seventeen-year-old apprentice witch, receives devastating news from her mentor. She has exactly one year left to live due to the crushing weight of a mysterious curse draining her life force.

To save her own life, she is forced to take on the seemingly impossible task of creating a Seed of Life. The only ingredient capable of sparking this miracle is one thousand genuine drops of tears of joy.

Note that this is not your typical flashy adventure about slaying dragons or saving the world. Instead, it is a ticking-clock journey for a young soul, where every single step is steeped in a profound appreciation for the value of life.

Portrait of Young Meg

Meg Raspberry is far from the picture-perfect protagonist you usually find in fantasy stories. She comes across as cheerful and kind-hearted, yet she can also be quite vulgar and mischievous in her words and actions.

Living in the peaceful countryside of England, she possesses supernatural golden eyes that allow her to see spiritual entities. This blend of an ordinary exterior and formidable spiritual energy gives her a very distinct charm.

Even while staring death in the face, she still chooses to help those around her to gather those precious tears. The way she uses magic to make everyday life easier often leads to some lighthearted and humorous situations.

Characters and Connections

Her mentor, Faust, is one of the renowned Seven Sages holding the title of Eternal Witch. She is not only a magic teacher but also a surrogate mother who has looked after her since she was little.

Their relationship carries a strong family bond, serving as a solid emotional anchor for Meg Raspberry. Alongside her is Inori, the Witch of Wisdom, who acts like a close older sister and always has her back.

Let's not forget friends like the gentle Fine Cavendish or Sophie Hayter, the youngest Witch of Blessing. These connections truly enrich her experiences during the final year of her life.

Magical World and Hierarchy

The world-building features a fairly clear power hierarchy ranging from bottom to top. It starts at the apprentice witch level like our main character, before progressing to a full-fledged witch with stable abilities.

At the absolute peak of magical prowess sits the title held by the Seven Sages. This group consists of the most powerful witch figures, wielding specialized abilities and playing vital roles in maintaining world order.

This classification isn't there to fuel intense, high-stakes power-leveling battles. Instead, it serves as a backdrop to highlight just how small yet fiercely determined this young girl is against her fate.

Notable Highlights

• A heartwarming and deeply human storytelling style that easily touches the reader's emotions through bite-sized vignettes.
• A peaceful rural setting that delivers a relaxing, cozy vibe reminiscent of classic fairy tales.
• A wonderfully unique protagonist who breaks away from the traditional witch mold.
• A deep exploration of joy and sharing through the concept of tears of joy.

Drawbacks to Consider

• The pacing is quite slow, heavily focusing on slice-of-life details which might test the patience of some readers.
• The overarching plot carries a melancholic and gloomy tone right from the start, making it a poor fit for anyone looking for pure, brainless entertainment.
• Magical twists and intellectual showdowns are not overly complex, as the narrative remains laser-focused on character psychological growth.

Community Reception

• Novel Updates: 4.1 / 5 (38 votes, checked October 5, 2026), with most praising the gentle and touching nature of the work.
• Goodreads: 3.62 / 5 (52 votes, checked October 5, 2026), Western readers responding positively to the atmosphere though a few found the pacing a bit steady.
• Raph's Cozy Musings: 7/10 (checked October 5, 2026), noting it as a worthwhile read for a change of pace away from heavy action-packed stories.

Final Thoughts on the Work

Clocking in at a modest 17 chapters in the Web Novel version, this is a concise and punchy read. The story avoids dragging things out with filler, focusing entirely on the character's internal journey instead.

Fair warning: you should definitely keep some tissues handy by the time you reach the final chapters. The truth behind the curse and how this tear-gathering journey wraps up will leave you with plenty to ponder regarding life and death.

To sum it up: A beautiful yet bittersweet tale about growth and compassion during one's final days. Perfect for souls seeking comfort and profound human values.

Tags: witch, curse, tears