The Witchcraft Trial in Doruchów in 1775 Fact or Myth?
The Witchcraft Trial in Doruchów in 1775 Fact or Myth?

Summary/Abstract: In this article, the author summarized the discussion on the theme emerging in the subject literature on Doruchów witchcraft trial of 1775. Except for the anonymous eyewitness account [Relacya], published in 1835 in the column of the “Przyjaciel Ludu” [Friend of the People] and a survey of 1828, there is no definite indication that such trial actually took place, and that up to fourteen women lost their lives after having been sentenced to death. The author of this article maintains that the trial is a myth, and the author of Relacya set it in Doruchów in that particular year for the reasons known only to himself. With all certainty, the only witchcraft trial confirmed by sources took place in Doruchów in 1762.

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