Podcast Episode Summary: "How to Kill a Scottish Witch"
Podcast Information
- Title: Not Just the Tudors
- Host: Professor Suzannah Lipscomb
- Episode: How to Kill a Scottish Witch
- Release Date: May 19, 2025
Introduction: Unveiling Scotland's Witch Trials
In the episode titled "How to Kill a Scottish Witch," Professor Suzannah Lipscomb delves into the lesser-known history of witch trials in Scotland, contrasting them with the more infamous Salem witch trials. Joined by Claire Mitchell and Zoe Vendettosi, the conversation explores the societal, legal, and cultural factors that led to the accusation, conviction, and execution of nearly 4,000 individuals in Scotland between 1563 and 1736.
The Mechanics of Witchcraft Accusations
Professor Lipscomb outlines the eight critical factors that fueled witchcraft convictions in Scotland:
- Belief in Magic: A widespread acceptance of magic as a real and present force.
- Fear of Witchcraft: The conviction that witches possessed the power to cause significant harm.
- Community Accusations: Neighbors felt both fear and disdain, creating a precarious social balance.
- Legislative Support: Laws were established to eradicate witchcraft, backed by societal elites.
- Evidence Gathering: A system reliant on willing interrogators to extract confessions.
- Judicial Processes: Courts that took witchcraft accusations seriously, ensuring convictions.
- Execution by Death: A common belief that guilty witches deserved execution.
- Gender Bias: Predominantly women, especially older and poorer ones, were accused, reflecting deep-seated patriarchal and misogynistic views.
Individual Stories: Bringing History to Life
Elspeth Riosh ([06:31] - [08:49])
Claire Mitchell introduces Elspeth Riosh, whose tragic story encapsulates the brutality of witchcraft accusations. Elspeth, likely a teenager, was groomed by two men who promised her the ability to tell the future. Her subsequent unwed pregnancy and maltreatment by her father led to her being accused of witchcraft. Mitchell poignantly remarks, “Elspeth's story... sounds a lot like a little girl... she... was horribly abused.”
Impact of Trauma and Abuse
Elspeth's case highlights the intersection of trauma-informed perspectives and historical witch trials. Her experiences mirror modern understandings of abuse and manipulation, making her story resonate deeply with contemporary audiences.
Influence of Political Power and Legislation
King James VI and Demonology ([14:07] - [15:43])
Zoe Vendettosi discusses King James VI's pivotal role in perpetuating witch hunts. His book, Demonology, served as a guide for identifying and prosecuting witches, reinforcing the legitimacy of such trials. James’s assertion, “this isn't for vanity, ... something that I want you to use,” underscores his vested interest in using witch hunts to consolidate power and unify the crowns under a perceived divine mission.
Changing Definitions of Witchcraft ([08:49] - [09:09])
The shift from everyday magic to demonized witchcraft was influenced by religious transformations and imported ideas from Denmark and Germany. Vendettosi explains, “Scotland was apparently at that time, proudly leading the way, saying, we've decided not to torture people anymore, when in fact, what they were doing was still very much torture.”
Judicial Processes and Torture Methods
The Role of Witch Prickers ([53:22] - [57:23])
Claire Mitchell provides an in-depth look at the role of witch prickers—individuals tasked with identifying the devil’s mark on accused witches. Using instruments like bodkins, they would test for sensitivity, deeming unresponsive marks as proof of witchcraft. The economic incentive for witch prickers is highlighted: “They always got paid... treated you with great respect and reverence.”
Trial Proceedings ([51:32] - [57:23])
Zoe Vendettosi emphasizes the sophistication of Scottish trial processes, noting, “the trial system was incredibly sophisticated and modern.” Accusations often stemmed from personal grievances, economic desperation, or societal biases, creating a hostile environment where escape from wrongful convictions was nearly impossible.
Gender Dynamics and Societal Perceptions
Predominance of Female Accusations ([22:53] - [25:20])
The witch trials disproportionately targeted women, driven by deeply ingrained misogynistic beliefs. Claire Mitchell states, “They were very strongly held societal views... that women were weaker... intellectually, spiritually, morally.” This bias made women easy targets for accusations of witchcraft, reinforcing their marginalized status in society.
Sexual Violence and Power Dynamics ([43:39] - [51:32])
The confessions often included accounts of sexual encounters with the devil, reflecting fears surrounding female sexuality. Mitchell observes, “this shows the fear of female sexuality... the devil's semen being cold,” illustrating the symbolic representation of female agency and the attempt to control it through witchcraft narratives.
Modern Reclamation and Calls for Justice
Witches of Scotland Campaign ([59:51] - [65:30])
Claire Mitchell and Zoe Vendettosi discuss their campaign aimed at seeking justice for those wrongfully accused of witchcraft. Highlighting milestones like Nicola Sturgeon's formal apology in 2022, they advocate for continued efforts to pardon the convicted and memorialize the victims. Vendettosi shares, “the national memorial was something which plagued us for a long time,” emphasizing the importance of remembrance in combating historical injustices.
Challenges in Achieving Pardons ([60:53] - [62:10])
Despite overwhelming public support, legislative hurdles have delayed further pardons. The duo explains, “We did the public consultation...it was very supportive,” yet political shifts have stalled progress, underscoring the ongoing struggle to fully rectify past wrongs.
Conclusion: Lessons from the Past
Professor Lipscomb wraps up the episode by reflecting on the pervasive fear and societal pressures that fueled the witch hunts. She poignantly remarks, “Once they'd got their hands on you, they're going to get you to confess,” highlighting the relentless nature of these trials and the desperate measures taken by victims to survive.
The episode serves as a compelling examination of Scotland's witch trials, shedding light on the complex interplay of power, fear, and prejudice. Through personal stories and expert insights, it underscores the enduring relevance of understanding and acknowledging historical injustices to prevent their recurrence.
Notable Quotes:
- Claire Mitchell ([06:31]): “Elspeth's story... sounds a lot like a little girl... she... was horribly abused.”
- Zoe Vendettosi ([09:09]): “Scotland was apparently at that time, proudly leading the way, saying, we've decided not to torture people anymore, when in fact, what they were doing was still very much torture.”
- Zoe Vendettosi ([15:59]): “People were living really difficult lives... James was saying... look for them [witches].”
- Professor Suzannah Lipscomb ([19:14]): “They never have to really take themselves to task. They never have to analyze their own motives.”
- Claire Mitchell ([25:40]): “It's oh, no, I'm a witch” and similar reflections on societal pressures.
- Zoe Vendettosi ([35:04]): “We think James might have had a hand in it himself... presenting a very godly picture of James.”
- Claire Mitchell ([53:22]): “The witch pricker would jab them into these marks and if they didn’t bleed, it was proof they were witches.”
This summary encapsulates the essence of the episode, providing a comprehensive overview of Scotland's witch trials, the societal and legal mechanisms that sustained them, and the modern efforts to seek justice for the wrongly accused. Through engaging narratives and authoritative insights, listeners gain a profound understanding of this dark chapter in history.