Show Notes
The Real Witch Trial History in the Film “The Witch”
The Witch (2015) and Real New England Witch Trial Records
Robert Eggers’ 2015 horror film “The Witch: A New England Folktale” draws directly from historic witchcraft beliefs, journals, diaries, and witch trial court records. We compare the scenes in the movie to their real-life counterparts.
Based on our experience interviewing experts in witch trials and witchcraft belief, we analyze the movie’s ominous forest, the vanished infant, the blighted crops, the blood in the goat’s milk, the devil’s book, familiars, and afflictions to documented accusations from Salem and beyond.
In the film, the devil promises Thomas fine things, butter, and living deliciously. We present what people really said in court about the devil’s promises.
In our discussion, we cover key scenes involving Thomasin, Caleb, Mercy and Jonas, the rabbit, and Black Philip, while noting the film’s major departure from history. In the film, the witch is a monster who lives in the woods. In real trials, accusations were leveled at neighbors and even kin.
We invite listeners to continue the discussion on our Salem Witch Hunt Facebook page at facebook.com/salemwitchhunt.
Chapters:
- 00:00 Halloween Setup
- 00:27 Film Premise
- 01:12 History Sources
- 02:36 Ominous Forest
- 05:42 Baby Vanishes
- 06:55 Witch Beliefs
- 09:43 Woodpile Symbolism
- 11:53 Devils Book Play
- 14:15 Missing Children
- 17:24 Black Philip Songs
- 20:04 Caleb And Rabbit
- 22:01 No Cat Choice
- 23:13 Devil Revealed
- 24:53 Witch Looks Explained
- 26:25 Devil Promises In Trials
- 28:32 Black Philip Undercover
- 29:22 Caleb Seduced And Drained
- 30:19 Afflictions From Records
- 32:34 Folklore Versus History
- 35:30 Protective Magic Missing
- 37:05 Illusions And Familiars
- 38:54 Puritan Doubt And Prayer
- 42:26 Could Story Work Without Witch
- 45:28 Thomasin Joins Sabbat
- 47:10 Favorites And Final Thoughts
Links:
Salem Witch-Hunt Facebook Page
Salem Witch Trials History YouTube
