Episode 116: Witches - From Salem To Witches In Horror Films

In this episode, Matt and Tara explore the fascinating and complex history of witches—from the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 to modern Wicca and paganism, then dive into witches in horror films and television.

HISTORY COVERED:

Salem Witch Trials 1692, Giles Corey pressed to death, torture methods (swimming a witch, the rack, Iron Maiden), Malleus Maleficarum witch hunting guide, 80,000 executed in Europe (1500-1660), modern Wicca founded by Gerald Gardner (1950s), contemporary persecution still happening worldwide

MOVIES & SHOWS DISCUSSED:

The Blair Witch Project, The Witch/VVitch, Lords of Salem, The Craft, Practical Magic, Witches of Eastwick, Hocus Pocus, American Horror Story: Coven, Sabrina the Teenage Witch vs Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Charmed, Supernatural, Bewitched

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• Time Life: Witches and Witchcraft

• Scott Cunningham Wicca books

• History.com: "Witches, Real Origins, Hunts and Trials" - https://www.history.com/topics/folklore/history-of-witches

• The Atlantic: "Inside Paganism" - https://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2014/10/inside-paganism/381764/

• Salem Witch Museum - https://salemwitchmuseum.com/

Special thanks to Megan Loney, Rachel Sullivan, Emily Cole, and Emily Fornof for research contributions.