What Could a Witch Do? | EP 4

In the winter of 1654, a young woman called Karen Jonsdatter is a long way from home, in a fishing village near Vardø. As well as working as a maid, she has a little business on the side, selling potions and charms to the men in the community.

But in these small villages, everyone is watching and listening, and for a woman, gossip and slander are a constant threat. Once she had been called a witch, what could she do to fight back? And when it came to it, would the men who bought her wares protect her?

Back in the archive with Professor Liv Helene Willumsen, we find Karen’s case in the court book. Professor Jennifer McNabb weighs in on the legal realities for women in the 17th century.

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Sound design by Craig Edmondson.

Featuring Professor Liv Helene Willumsen of UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Professor Jennifer McNabb of the University of Northern Iowa and historian Rune Blix Hagen of UiT The Arctic University of Norway.

The court records in this episode were transcribed by Professor Liv Helene Willumsen.

Voices by Klara Blooma Mohn, Anne Mali Sæther, Sven Conradi and Marianne Gathe.

Written, hosted and produced by Lisa Williams.