A cauldron is a large, deep cooking pot, typically made of metal, used for boiling or cooking food over an open flame. Historically, cauldrons have been essential in kitchens and during outdoor cooking, especially in communal settings. They are often associated with traditional cooking methods and can hold a significant volume of liquid. In folklore and mythology, cauldrons are frequently depicted as magical vessels. They are commonly linked to witches and sorcery, as seen in stories involving Hecate, the goddess of witchcraft, and Baba Yaga, a famous witch in Slavic folklore. These associations contribute to the cauldron's symbolic representation of transformation and mystery.