You're Wrong About: Alice Kyteler and the First Witchcraft Trial in Ireland

Host: Sarah Marshall
Guest: Molly Aitken, Author of "Bright Eye Burn"
Release Date: January 30, 2025

Introduction

In this riveting episode of You're Wrong About, host Sarah Marshall delves deep into the enigmatic story of Alice Kyteler, the first woman accused of witchcraft in Ireland. Joined by Molly Aitken, author of the novel Bright Eye Burn, the conversation navigates the murky waters of medieval witch trials, gender dynamics, and the enduring legacy of misogyny. This episode not only unpacks the historical events surrounding Alice Kyteler but also draws poignant parallels to contemporary issues surrounding witch hunts and the persecution of women.

The Life of Alice Kyteler

Alice Kyteler emerges from history as a wealthy and influential woman in medieval Ireland. Born into a family of merchants and moneylenders, Alice leveraged her stature by marrying four times, each time increasing her wealth and influence. Molly Aitken highlights, “Every time one of her husbands died, she became much richer. So the landscape at that time in Ireland... she kind of flipped it somehow and found her way with it” (05:00).

The Witchcraft Trial

The trial of Alice Kyteler stands as a landmark event in Irish history, marking the first recorded case of witchcraft prosecution in the country. It unfolded in a period marked by tension between the native Gaelic population and the Anglo-Norman settlers. As tensions simmered, Alice's accumulation of wealth through successive marriages aroused suspicion and envy, particularly among her stepchildren who were marginalized by her gains.

Charges Against Alice Kyteler

Molly Aitken outlines the seven grotesque charges leveled against Alice, all stemming from the accusations orchestrated by Bishop La Dread:

1. Denying Christ’s Power: Alice was accused of being a heretic who did not attend mass, undermining the church’s authority.
2. Animal Sacrifices: She allegedly sacrificed living animals to demons, scattering their remains at crossroads, symbolic liminal spaces.
3. Demonic Guidance: Alice was said to seek advice from demons on witchcraft practices.
4. Carnal Relations with Demons: This unprecedented charge accused her of sexual relations with a demon named Robin Artisan.
5. Nocturnal Meetings: She was implicated in holding unauthorized nightly gatherings in the church.
6. Potion Mixology: Using the skull of a robber and other macabre ingredients, Alice was accused of concocting potions to corrupt her husbands.
7. Murder for Wealth: The most tangible charge was that she poisoned her husbands to secure her and her son's financial future.

A notable quote from Molly summarizes the fantastical nature of these charges: “They were wildly fantastical... her, like, really the prime one” (25:00).

The Accuser: Bishop La Dread

Bishop La Dread, a pivotal figure in Alice's downfall, brought a fervent zeal to his accusations. His motivations appear intertwined with personal animosities and a broader agenda to exert church authority. Molly remarks, “He was really creative, almost poetic in his descriptions... it feels like a fantasy” (51:08). La Dread’s manipulative tactics and eventual downfall, marked by the collapse of the cathedral he helped renovate, underscore the volatile interplay between ecclesiastical power and personal vendettas.

Gender Dynamics and Misogyny

The trial of Alice Kyteler is deeply rooted in misogyny. Alice, a powerful and wealthy woman, became a target in a society that sought to suppress female autonomy and control over property. Molly observes, “The way she is remembered in Ireland still has that flavor of misogyny” (24:37). The charges, particularly those involving her sexuality, reflect societal fears and the weaponization of witchcraft accusations to subjugate women.

Historical Context: Church and Witchcraft

During Alice's time, the Church's stance on witchcraft was transitioning. Initially viewing witchcraft as benign unless it involved maleficium—intent to cause harm—the Church under leaders like the Pope in Avignon began to conflate all witchcraft with heresy. This shift provided the theological backing necessary for trials like Alice's. Molly explains, “They decided that all witchcraft was a heresy” (11:08).

Aftermath of the Trial

Alice Kyteler managed to escape the immediate consequences of the trial by fleeing to Dublin with her servant’s daughter. However, her son, William Outlaw, faced imprisonment and was coerced into penance. The execution of her servant, Petronella, marked a grim milestone as the first recorded execution for witchcraft in Ireland. Despite Alice's escape, the trial set a precedent that influenced subsequent witch hunts across Europe.

Modern Reflections and Parallels

Sarah Marshall draws compelling connections between Alice Kyteler's trial and contemporary "witch hunts," highlighting how accusations often serve to dehumanize and control women. “It feels like a way to tarnish somebody's name in a way that can't be disproven” (14:41). The episode underscores the persistent use of witchcraft accusations as a tool for persecution, reflecting ongoing struggles against misogyny and the suppression of female agency.

Conclusion

You're Wrong About offers an insightful exploration of Alice Kyteler's trial, shedding light on the historical underpinnings of witch hunts and their enduring implications. Through the expert analysis of Molly Aitken, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of how fear, power, and misogyny converge to shape narratives that condemn women unjustly. This episode serves as both a historical lesson and a cautionary tale about the mechanisms of persecution that persist to this day.

Notable Quotes

• Sarah Marshall: “This is an episode for you if you are a witchy person, if you are supportive of the witches in your life...” 00:01

• Molly Aitken: “She's one of the few women who we actually do talk about, and it's a very, like, negative portrayal.” 05:15

• Molly Aitken: “...she was the prime one. They were just marginally involved.” 24:37

• Molly Aitken: “He was really creative, almost poetic in his descriptions... it feels like a fantasy.” 51:08

Further Information

Books Mentioned:

• Bright Eye Burn by Molly Aitken
• The Island Child by Molly Aitken
• Fires of Sex in the Middle Ages by Katherine Harvey (Recommended by Molly Aitken)

Additional Resources:

Listeners are encouraged to explore Molly Aitken's works available in bookstores and check out her research recommendations for a deeper understanding of medieval witchcraft and gender dynamics.

Credits:

• Guest: Molly Aitken
• Editing Help: Taj Easton
• Producer: Carolyn Kendrick

Thank you to Molly Aitken for sharing her expertise and to all who continue to support You're Wrong About. Join us in two weeks for another enlightening episode.