Witch Hunt Quarrels, Women and Bad Magic
Nov 21, 2019
Mickey Brock, a historian at Washington and Lee University, Julian Goodere from Edinburgh University, and Sierra Dye of Guelph University delve into the chilling history of witch hunts in Scotland. They discuss how women's verbal disputes often spiraled into accusations of witchcraft, revealing societal fears of outspoken women. The conversation touches on the significance of rituals and the psychological effects of curses, alongside the inherent gender dynamics that fueled these dark narratives. Together, they illuminate the intertwined fates of women and witchcraft in a turbulent era.
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Witch Hunt Triggers
- Quarrels, curses, and women were the main sparks of witch hunts.
- 84% of accused witches in Scotland were female, raising the question of why women were targeted.
Women's Reputations
- In close-knit communities, reputations mattered significantly, especially for women.
- Women with "unruly tongues" or those perceived as sexually promiscuous were often targets.
Verbal Disputes and Witchcraft
- Men's disputes often involved physical altercations, while women's disputes were verbal.
- Cursing and insults by women were associated with witchcraft, especially if misfortune followed.