A solitary monk encounters a terrifying supernatural entity while seeking shelter in a remote, desolate landscape. The protagonist, a weary traveler, seeks refuge in a lonely hut, only to discover that his host is a malevolent demon disguised as an elderly woman. The narrative follows his realization of the danger and his subsequent struggle to survive the night as the creature reveals its true, predatory nature. Hughes employs a rhythmic, visceral style to convey the mounting tension and the grotesque transformation of the antagonist within the confined, claustrophobic setting.

Readers and critics often note the stark, haunting quality of Hughes's adaptation, which strips the traditional legend down to its most primal elements. Discussion frequently centers on the poet's ability to evoke a sense of dread through sharp, economical language rather than elaborate exposition. Many highlight the effectiveness of the poem's pacing, which mirrors the slow, creeping realization of the monk's peril. The work is frequently cited as a prime example of how Hughes integrates international mythic structures into his own distinct, rugged poetic voice.