After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal
The Real Origins of Witches
Nov 27, 2023
Historian Ronald Hutton discusses the ancient origins of witchcraft, the evolution of witches throughout history, and debunking myths about witches. Topics include the influence of climate change, religious shifts, misconceptions about Malefus Maleficarum, and the lack of evidence linking ergot poisoning to the Salem witch trials.
34:34
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Quick takeaways
- Historical roots link witch persecution to societal unrest, portraying women as scapegoats for societal problems.
- Evolution of witch stereotypes from malevolent magic users to healers, influenced by cultural representations over centuries.
Deep dives
The Origins of Witch Hunting
Witch hunting in Europe traces back to ancient times, driven by fears and superstitions surrounding magic. The podcast delves into how societal unrest during the year 1080 in Denmark escalated the persecution of women as witches, illustrating the historical roots behind blaming women for societal ills. Despite interventions like a papal decree condemning the practice, witch trials persisted, with beliefs in witches being persecuted for malevolent magic prevailing.
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