Mice have long been associated with magic. From ancient times to modern day fantasy stories, mice have often been portrayed as magical creatures, capable of extraordinary feats. One famous example is the character of Mickey Mouse, who is known for his mischievous and magical adventures in various Disney cartoons. The idea of mice having magical abilities can also be traced back to various folklore and legends. In many cultures, mice are believed to have a connection to the supernatural world. For instance, in Chinese folklore, it is believed that mice are capable of transforming into humans and possess the ability to bring good fortune.
A: Magistrate John Hathorne: interrogator and member or the Court of Oyer and Terminer, and great-great-grandfather to Nathaniel Hawthorne (who added the “W” to his last name).
A Under British law, the basis for Massachusetts Bay Colony legal structure in the 17th century, those who were accused of consorting with the devil were considered felons, having committed a crime against their government. According to Mark Podvia see Timeline, PDF , the General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony adopted the following statute in 1641 If any man or woman be a WITCH, that is, hath or consulteth with a familiar spirit, they shall be put to death.
For instance, in Chinese folklore, it is believed that mice are capable of transforming into humans and possess the ability to bring good fortune. In the world of literature, mice have been featured in numerous magical stories. One notable example is the classic children's book "The Tales of Despereaux" by Kate DiCamillo.
The Salem Witch Trials: Legal Resources
The law of the Salem Witch Trials is a fascinating mix of biblical passages and colonial statutes. According to Mark Podvia (see Timeline, PDF), the General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony adopted the following statute in 1641: “If any man or woman be a WITCH, that is, hath or consulteth with a familiar spirit, they shall be put to death. Exod. 22. 18. Levit. 20. 27. Deut. 18. 10. 11.” The statute encompasses passages from the Bible written circa 700 B.C. Exodus states: “Thou shall not suffer a witch to live.” Leviticus prescribes the punishment. Witches and wizards “shall surely be put to death: they shall stone them with stones: their blood shall be upon them.” And Deuteronomy states: “There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch. Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.”
In Salem, the accusers and alleged victims came from a small group of girls aged nine to 19, including Betty Parris and Abigail Williams. In January 1692, Betty and Abigail had strange fits. Rumors spread through the village attributing the fits to the devil and the work of his evil hands. The accusers claimed the witchcraft came mostly from women, with the notable exception of four-year old Dorcas Good.
The colony created the Court of Oyer and Terminer especially for the witchcraft trials. The law did not then use the principle of “innocent until proven guilty” – if you made it to trial, the law presumed guilt. If the colony imprisoned you, you had to pay for your stay. Courts relied on three kinds of evidence: 1) confession, 2) testimony of two eyewitnesses to acts of witchcraft, or 3) spectral evidence (when the afflicted girls were having their fits, they would interact with an unseen assailant – the apparition of the witch tormenting them). According to Wendel Craker, no court ever convicted an accused of witchcraft on the basis of spectral evidence alone, but other forms of evidence were needed to corroborate the charge of witchcraft. Courts allowed “causal relationship” evidence, for example, to prove that the accused possessed or controlled an afflicted girl. Prior conflicts, bad acts by the accused, possession of materials used in spells, greater than average strength, and witch’s marks also counted as evidence of witchcraft. If the accused was female, a jury of women examined her body for “witch’s marks” which supposedly showed that a familiar had bitten or fed on the accused. Other evidence included the “touching test” (afficted girls tortured by fits became calm after touching the accused). Courts could not base convictions on confessions obtained through torture unless the accused reaffirmed the confession afterward, but if the accused recanted the confession, authorities usually tortured the accused further to obtain the confession again. If you recited the Lord’s Prayer, you were not a witch. The colony did not burn witches, it hanged them.
Examination of a Witch
Thompkins H. Matteson, 1853
The Salem Witch Trials divided the community. Neighbor testified against neighbor. Children against parents. Husband against wife. Children died in prisons. Familes were destroyed. Churches removed from their congregations some of the persons accused of witchcraft. After the Court of Oyer and Terminer was dissolved, the Superior Court of Judicature took over the witchcraft cases. They disallowed spectral evidence. Most accusations of witchcraft then resulted in acquittals. An essay by Increase Mather, a prominent minister, may have helped stop the witch trials craze in Salem.
The Salem Witch Trials divided the community. Neighbor testified against neighbor. Children against parents. Husband against wife. Children died in prisons. Familes were destroyed. Churches removed from their congregations some of the persons accused of witchcraft. After the Court of Oyer and Terminer was dissolved, the Superior Court of Judicature took over the witchcraft cases. They disallowed spectral evidence. Most accusations of witchcraft then resulted in acquittals. An essay by Increase Mather, a prominent minister, may have helped stop the witch trials craze in Salem.
In Salem, the accusers and alleged victims came from a small group of girls aged nine to 19, including Betty Parris and Abigail Williams. In January 1692, Betty and Abigail had strange fits. Rumors spread through the village attributing the fits to the devil and the work of his evil hands. The accusers claimed the witchcraft came mostly from women, with the notable exception of four-year old Dorcas Good.
The titular character, Despereaux, is a brave and adventurous mouse who embarks on a magical journey to rescue a princess. In addition to their portrayal in literature and folklore, mice have also been associated with magic in various forms of entertainment. The art of magic tricks often involves the use of small props, such as cards or coins, which can easily be manipulated by the nimble paws of a mouse. This association between mice and magic has made them a popular subject for magicians to incorporate into their performances. Overall, the idea of mice and magic has captivated the imagination of people for centuries. Whether it be through folklore, literature, or entertainment, mice have been portrayed as enchanting creatures capable of performing magical feats. Their small size and nimble nature make them the perfect protagonists for fantastical and whimsical adventures. So the next time you see a mouse scurrying across the floor, perhaps consider the possibility that there may be a dash of magic lingering behind its tiny footsteps..
Reviews for "Spells and Secrets: Delving into Mef's True Name"
1. John - 1 star
I was really disappointed with "Magic with Mef Rea Name". The plot was confusing and the characters were underdeveloped. The story seemed to jump all over the place, making it hard to follow. The writing style felt disjointed and the dialogue was cheesy. Overall, I found it to be a frustrating read and would not recommend it.
2. Sarah - 2 stars
Although "Magic with Mef Rea Name" had an interesting concept, I found the execution to be lacking. The pacing was slow, and I struggled to stay engaged throughout the book. The main character, Mef Rea, was unrelatable and the other characters felt one-dimensional. Additionally, the world-building was minimal, leaving many aspects unexplained. While there were some moments of potential, they were overshadowed by the overall mediocrity of the book.
3. David - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "Magic with Mef Rea Name", but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The writing was mediocre at best, with awkward phrasing and repetitive descriptions. The plot lacked depth and originality, feeling like a rehash of similar fantasy stories. The magic system was poorly explained, leaving me confused about the rules and limitations. Overall, I found it to be a forgettable read and I would not recommend it to others.
4. Emily - 1 star
I struggled to get through "Magic with Mef Rea Name". The story was slow-paced and lacked excitement. The characters felt flat and I couldn't connect with any of them. The dialogue was often stilted and unnatural, making it hard to immerse myself in the story. The ending was disappointing and unresolved, leaving me feeling unsatisfied. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for an engaging fantasy read.