Villages were strewn far apart across the island with members of the small communities working together in all aspects of society in order to survive. In a land of both beauty and brutality, belief in the supernatural and magic prevailed. The picturesque backdrop held the likes of trolls, elves, and other mischievous creatures that worked with the sometimes dangerously unpredictable elements to destroy crops, take loved ones, or demolish houses.
In an effort to combat perceived preternatural forces, Icelanders cast spells, runes, and charms in order to exert some level of control over their turbulent world. Black and white magic were both commonly utilized in pre-Christian society with lines between sorcery and religion blurring and intersecting as prayers for good fortune came just as easily as casting a spell for protection. In stark contrast, however, to the thousands of accused and executed women in parts of mainland Europe, or the predominantly female witch trials in parts of Colonial New England, witchcraft was almost exclusively a male-centric field.
Although spells and charms were common, the casting of runes for insight into situations and exploring potential outcomes was the most regularly practiced and established form of magic Lea, Runes have likely been in use by the Germanic and Nordic people as a means of divination and oracle reading long before their first documented appearance in the 3rd century CE. What made this form of sorcery unique was the requirement that the individual casting the runes be able to read and write.
Several centuries passed with Icelanders remaining independent and free to continue practicing magic unperturbed; even after the 13th century when the Kingdom of Norway gained control of the island. Geographical isolation meant that conversion to Christianity came much later and, even following Christian influence, paganism and magic continued to be practiced with little interference.
More drastic change did not come until the 17th century when, after over one hundred years of inherited ownership by the Kingdom of Denmark, the religious and magical divide became firm. During this time over people were charged with witchcraft crimes, formal trials took place, and 22 people were executed Tian, May 3, Thomas Fiske made his will April 24, , which was proved September 1, , by all three of the witnesses, viz.
Son Thomas Fiske had already received his double portion. The church in Boston to which he belonged was to have five pounds in money. Son-in-law John Perkins for his children should have two parcels in great meadow that he already occupied, estimated to be about six acres.
To Ann Perkins five pounds. Grandson Andrew Dodge to have twenty pounds when he became of age. Son-in-law John Dodge's four children, which he had by the testator's daughter, viz.
Daughters Sarah Dodge and Elizabeth Browne to have the residue according to the appraisal of three disinterested men chosen by sons-in-law Josiah Dodge and Nathaniel Browne. The executors of the will were Thomas Fiske and son-in-law Nathaniel Browne.
Thomas died August 15, in Wenham, Essex, Massachusetts. July 4th, They used to come among us? Thomas Fiske. Nurse, being informed of the use which had been made of her words, gave in a declaration to the court, that "when she said Hobbs and her daughter were of her company, she meant no more than that they were prisoners as well as herself; and that, being hard of hearing, she did not know what the foreman of the jury said.
The minister of Salem, Mr. Nicholas Noyes, was over zealous in these prosecutions. He excommunicated this honest old woman after her condemnation. One part of the form seems to have been unnecessary; delivering her over to Satan. He supposed she had delivered herself up to him long before. But her life and conversation had been such of which many testimonies were given, that the remembrance of it, as soon as the people returned to the use of their reason must have wiped off all the reproach which had been occasioned by the manner of her death.
County Court records, Salem. Fiske is sworne clerke of ye writts for Wenham as also clerk of ye band to ye company there. Court of Sessions. Thomas Jr. Licensed Retailer but not to sell after the manner of an Innholder.
June 25, Thomas Fisk of Wenham had his license renewed June 30, Fiske aged about 63 years June 26, Captain Thomas Fisk Sr. Foreman Fisk also oversaw one of the saddest moments of the witchcraft trials. Rebecca Nurse was originally found not guilty at her trial, a verdict announced by the foreman. Do you bring her? She is one of us. Foreman Fisk, after a court recess, asked Nurse what she meant by her statement.
I read the post and thought it was very well done and an interesting twist about the irony of the city of Salem. I have never been to Salem, but I really want to go there and see everything surrounding the Witch Trials. Tina and I are really thinking about going to Salem next Halloween. This year we have talked about going to several haunted houses with several of our friends and I'm hoping we can go to Salem, Ma on Halloween.
It is supposed to be crazy there then and I really want to see the Witch Trials museum. About 5 years ago I began a serious study on the Witch Trials because I began to write my vampire book.
Without divulging too much, the Witch Trials play a major role in the second book that is nearly complete in a rough draft form.
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