143 Items Tagged

Witchcraft

Kirkcudbright Tolbooth

Kirkcudbright, Scotland

Kirkcudbright Tolbooth

A 17th-century building that once served as the town's courthouse and jail is now a thriving art center.

In the late 16th century, the quaint coastal town of North Berwick, Scotland, depicted here in a 1591 print, became an early hotbed of witch accusations. Some 60 people were accused, both nobles and servants, and many were executed.

Why Is Scotland Apologizing Now for Witch Trials 300 Years Ago?

The gender politics of attempting to right a historic wrong.

Sarah Durn March 24, 2022

Even though Mexico's "Weeping Woman" is thought to be pre-Hispanic, today her sorry tale reflects the brutalities of colonialism.

6 Legends That Manifest Fears of Powerful Women

From German witches to vampiric Malaysian spirits to a real-life poisoner.

Sarah Durn April 11, 2024

One of the outer buildings

Lythe Mill

The ruins of a 19th-century corn mill are haunted by a malevolent cave-dwelling spirit.

Podcast: The Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft

Join us for a daily celebration of the world’s most wondrous, unexpected, even strange places.

The Podcast Team January 12, 2022

Bangoua Kouni, Comoros

Lac Salé

Legend says this remote, “bottomless” lake was created by a curse.

A witch cake from the village of Bempton, which collector William Clarke dated to 1850.

objects of intrigue

Remembering ‘Witch Cakes,’ the Evil-Fighting Baked Goods of the 1600s

Are these cakes weapons against dark forces or just “spiky bagels”?

Sam O'Brien October 21, 2021

A ghoulish 1915 poster from Jay's collection advertising a seance with the magician Howard Thurston.

For Sale: Ricky Jay's One-of-a-Kind Collection of Magic, Mystery, and Masterpieces

The late, legendary magician and actor always followed his curiosity.

Matthew Taub October 14, 2021

The Moll Dyer rock by the Old Jail.

Leonardtown, Maryland

Moll Dyer Rock

The rock on which Moll Dyer was found frozen to death is said to still bear her handprint.

Carreró de les Bruixes (Alley of Witches)

A signal indicates the entrance to this alley, rumored to be a meeting place for witches.

Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland

Carrickfergus Witches' Pillory

A replica memorializes the site where women were punished after the last witchcraft trial in Ireland.

The Felsted Hag and Boote House front beam.

Felsted, England

The Felsted Hag

This 400-year-old house tells a tale of witchcraft and woodwork.

Great Leighs, England

The Witch Stone of Great Leighs

Near this allegedly haunted pub, you can find strong spirits on the rocks.

The 15th C. north door with scorch marks, some say left by the Devil's hand, Holy Trinity Church, Blythburgh.

Blythburgh, England

The Devil's Fingerprints

A legendary ghostly hound supposedly left dark marks on a place of worship.

Catemaco, Mexico

Estatua del Pescador (The Fisherman's Statue)

This larger-than-life golden statue pays tribute to this town's old and new trades.

According to Inquisition records, men were often fearful that women would slip magic potions into their morning hot chocolate.

The Chocolate-Brewing Witches of Colonial Latin America

The Inquisition persecuted women who used cacao to entice lovers and spurn enemies.

Reina Gattuso January 27, 2020

Colchester, England

Essex Witch Hunt Victims Memorial

Centuries later, the victims of Great Britain's greatest hysteria are finally being remembered.

Statues on Lysa Hora

Lysa Hora (Bald Mountain)

This hill is known for its connection to the occult in Slavic tradition.