What role does gretel play to save her brother and herself from the witch?

Gretel frees Hansel from the cage and the pair discovers a vase full of treasure and precious stones. Putting the jewels into their clothing, the children set off for home. But once Gretel was inside, the witch intended to close the door, and bake her in the hot oven, and eat her as well. That is what the wicked witch was thinking, and that is why she called Gretel. And when Gretel was inside, she intended to close the oven, and bake her, and eat her as well. To allow her powers to grow, the witch intends on cooking and feeding Hansel to Gretel. ... However, right after this, Gretel's fingers turn black, just like Holda's. The mark of evil tells Gretel her choice to use her powers solely for good may be harder than she expects. The True Story Behind Hansel And Gretel. CommonsThe origin of Hansel and Gretel is perhaps darker than the story itself. The true story of Hansel and Gretel goes back to a cohort of tales that originated in the Baltic regions during the Great Famine of 1314 to 1322. Throughout Hansel and Gretel the moral of the story is don't trust strangers and don't disobey your parents. The witch in the story tries to lure the children into her home - “Do come in, and stay with me.