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Morbid

Episode 496: Half-Hanged Mary

Sep 21, 2023
Explore witchcraft laws and accusations in colonial times, including the trial and execution of Margaret Jones. Uncover false accusations and pettiness in the trials of Mary Parsons. Witness the brutal treatment of Mary Webster and her survival against all odds. Reflect on the injustice of witch trials and express gratitude towards all witches.
01:08:16

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Mary Webster was falsely accused of witchcraft and subjected to harassment and violence by her community.
  • Mary Webster's trial reflects the deep superstitions and religious beliefs of the time, where any unusual behavior was seen as proof of witchcraft.

Deep dives

Mary Webster faces accusations of witchcraft

Mary Webster, a woman living in Hadley, Massachusetts, is accused of being a witch and practicing witchcraft. Rumors and gossip circulate about her, claiming that she has familiarities with the devil and engages in witchcraft. The community targets her with harassment and violence. Mary's unpleasant demeanor and hardship have caused her to be ostracized and treated poorly. She is subjected to beatings, false accusations, and witch disturbances by her neighbors. Eventually, Mary is arrested and imprisoned while awaiting trial for witchcraft.

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