In the dark ages, witch hunts were a common occurrence, where women suspected of practicing witchcraft were hunted down by communities and subjected to cruel punishments. One of the most horrifying punishments was setting the accused witch on fire, a practice known as burning at the stake. During this gruesome spectacle, the accused witch would be tied to a stake in a public square or field. A large crowd would gather to witness the event, eagerly waiting to see the witch meet her fiery fate. The atmosphere would be charged with anticipation and fear, as the community believed that the witch's execution would cleanse them of her supposed evil spells and curses. As the executioners approached the stake, ready to spark the flames, the accused witch would often be wearing a "witch's crown," a metal headpiece adorned with spikes designed to inflict additional pain and humiliation.
From The Poulton Elk
Please note that these stories along with several others can be found in the print edition of The Origin of the Red Rose and other Native Stories by William Greenhalgh. Volume two in the series, Native Stories of Britain and Ireland, The Upside Down Witch is a collection of original and traditional British and Irish stories and myths, retold for children.
As the executioners approached the stake, ready to spark the flames, the accused witch would often be wearing a "witch's crown," a metal headpiece adorned with spikes designed to inflict additional pain and humiliation. It was a symbol of their supposed alliance with the devil and a visual reminder of the horrors that awaited them. Once the fire was ignited, the intense heat and smoke would quickly engulf the accused witch.
The Upside Down Witch and other Native Stories
Welcome to the land of wild witches and wild roses. The Island of the Dead. The home of the Gentleman Spy and countless forgotten gods.
Volume two in the series, Native Stories of Britain and Ireland, The Upside Down Witch is a collection of original and traditional British and Irish stories and myths, retold for children. Find out who Robin Hood really was. Say hello to Cú Chulainn, Ulster's greatest hero, without who there would be no sunset. Have a fight with King Arthur's knights if you dare. Whatever you do, don't annoy the druids.
'All this happened a long time ago. Before witches. Before anyone was ever hanged as a witch. Before roses were introduced to this land. Before anything else that anyone associates with this place. So long ago that some people don't even believe the world existed back then. Across this joyous desolation walked the elk.
The elk skeleton roared.
The sun roared,
in the silence of space.'
From The Poulton Elk
Sometimes gruesome, sometimes funny, sometimes even a little bit romantic, these traditional stories are intended to serve as an introduction to various British and Irish cultures that are long gone.
The stories in this The Upside Down Witch, The Poulton Elk, Robin Hood, A Fight at Glastonbury, The Valley of the Deaf, Peredur, The Castle of Wonders, The Gentleman Spy
Please note that these stories (along with several others) can be found in the print edition of The Origin of the Red Rose and other Native Stories by William Greenhalgh.
Sometimes gruesome, sometimes funny, sometimes even a little bit romantic, these traditional stories are intended to serve as an introduction to various British and Irish cultures that are long gone.
The flames would consume their body, causing excruciating pain and suffering. The crowd would watch in both fascination and horror as the witch's body writhed and contorted in the inferno. Superstitious onlookers believed that if the witch confessed her crimes or recanted her supposed pact with the devil before succumbing to the flames, she would be granted mercy through a quicker death by strangulation. This added an element of suspense and drama to the event as the community hoped to witness an act of contrition and ultimate redemption. For the accused witches, burning at the stake was a horrific and agonizing end to their lives. Many innocent women lost their lives in these witch hunts, victims of mass hysteria and prejudice. While the practice of burning witches is now seen as a dark chapter in history, it serves as a reminder of the dangers of scapegoating and the brutality that can unfold when fear and superstition reign over reason and compassion. The haunting image of the witch being set on fire serves as a powerful symbol of the violence and injustice that can result from a society's collective hysteria and belief in supernatural forces..
Reviews for "Burning Witches for Fun: The Morbid Spectacle of Public Executions"
1. John - 1 star
I found "See the witch being set on fire" distasteful and offensive. The theme of burning someone alive, regardless of whether it's a witch or not, is horrifying and should not be trivialized for entertainment purposes. It promotes violence and reinforces harmful stereotypes about witches. I was expecting a more thoughtful and respectful approach to this topic, but unfortunately, the show missed the mark entirely.
2. Sarah - 2 stars
I understand that "See the witch being set on fire" is meant to be a controversial and provocative performance, but I personally found it disrespectful and unnecessary. The graphic depiction of burning someone alive was too graphic and disturbing for my taste. While I can appreciate the artistic intentions behind the show, it failed to engage me emotionally or intellectually. I believe there are more constructive ways of addressing such sensitive historical events without resorting to shock value.
3. Michael - 1 star
I have to say, "See the witch being set on fire" left me feeling deeply uncomfortable and disturbed. The show seemed to glorify violence and perpetuate harmful stereotypes about witches. It failed to provide any meaningful context or insight into the historical events it aimed to portray. Instead, it sensationalized a brutal act for the sake of spectacle, leaving me with a bitter taste in my mouth. I do not recommend it to anyone who values sensitivity and respect when dealing with historical tragedies.
4. Emily - 2 stars
"See the witch being set on fire" was a highly anticipated performance for me, but it ultimately fell short of my expectations. While I acknowledge the efforts to create a visually striking show, the story lacked depth and failed to deliver a compelling narrative. The focus on the burning itself overshadowed any exploration of the underlying themes or the historical context. I was left underwhelmed and wished for a more thought-provoking and intellectually stimulating experience.