Kort og sandfærdig Beretning om den vidtudraabte Besættelse udi Thisted

Description

En kort og sandfærdig Beretning om den vidtudraabte Besættelse udi Thisted by Arne Magnussen is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This work delves into the infamous witch trials in Thisted, Denmark, during the late 17th century, examining the bizarre events surrounding supposed possessions and witchcraft that captivated the local populace. The narrative highlights themes of superstition, societal fear, and the consequences of mass hysteria. The opening of the book lays the groundwork for the historical context, discussing the interplay between witchcraft beliefs and the justice system in Denmark, as well as the profound impact of fear on the community. It introduces the cases of two young women, Maren Spillemand and Kirsten Langgaard, who exhibit symptoms that lead to their being considered possessed by demons. The account traces how the local priest, Magister Oluf Bjørn, increasingly sees these outbursts as legitimate demonic possessions and invokes a series of events that escalate the panic, reflect societal tensions, and lead to accusations against several individuals. Through this rich narrative, the beginning encourages readers to contemplate the ramifications of fear, the influence of authority, and the fragility of reason in times of crisis. (This is an automatically generated summary.)