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The Witch Caves of Zugarramurdi

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During one of the biggest witch trials in Spain, there was one place that was thought to be more filled with witchcraft than others. In the so-called Witch Caves of Zugarramurdi in the Basque country, it was said that witches gathered for sabbaths and akellares.

The witch hunt hit Europe hard, and Spain was no different. The Inquisition in Spain was brutal and perhaps one of the darkest chapters in the history of the country. The church and its helpers took everyone that the catholic deemed inappropriate, witches, heretics alike. 

In Navarre, north in the country close to the French border, the forest of the Pyrenees grew thick and legends, strange rites and rumors of witches were especially strong there. 

Read more: Check out all of our ghost stories from Spain

Especially in the deep darkness of the caves of Zugarramurdi the haunted legends from the past echoes throughout the walls of the cave. You can find them just 400 meters from the village through the woods. 

The Witch Caves of Zugarramurdi: These caves in Zugarramurdi in northern, Spain were long thought to be a popular place for witches to meet and conduct witchcraft and demonic sabbaths.

Inside of the 120 meters long cave that towers over 10 meters is the stream called Oblabidea that runs through it. The stream was also known as Infernuko Erreka, or the stream of hell and was a perfect place for the witches to hold their sabbats. 

The Magical and Mysterious Basque Country

Already in the 1100s, the Basque country was described as barbaric and mysterious from southern Spain’s perspective. The place was also a misty and heavily wooded terrain with few people that spoke a foreign and as they describe it, harsh sounding language. 

Belief in witches were actually quite low compared to the rest of Europe at that time, and the educated Spaniards saw witchcraft as a protestant superstition as well as something only the “uneducated” northerners believed in. Still, being accused as a witch was a very deadly thing as the people of Zugarramurdi would soon find out. 

The Tribunal of the Spanish Inquisition in Logrono received intel that there were witches and wizards in Zugarramurdi and became involved in one of the most brutal and biggest witch hunts in Spanish history with over 7000 investigated for witchcraft. 

In 1610 take came to Zugarramurdi that means the hill of elm trees to investigate the suspicions. The people of Zugarramurdi had long traditions of making creams and herbal medicine that were unknown to the rest of the country. There were also more women as the men were at sea for months on whaling boats, something that the authorities saw as unfortunate and suspicious with villagers filled with women going on about their days with the men away. 

There were also the strange things that the number of stillborns were abnormally higher than the rest of Spain. This has turned out to be because the Basques have a very high percentage of Rhesus Negative blood. Although we today have a scientific explanation on it, they used to think they were cursed. 

The Witch Trials of Zugarramurdi

It all started when a 20-year old girl came back to the town after living many years in France. For some reason she started to tell everyone that she had been one of those participating in Akelarres, or the witch sabbaths. 

Then she started to involve more people and claimed that a woman named Maria de Jureteguis had been involved as well. This is when things escalated and more and more of the locals started to accuse each other for witchcraft. 

Over 300 became involved in the investigation, almost the whole village. The witch hunters rounded up over 40 women and men that the neighbors had accused and brought them back to Logorno to await trial. 

Many of them repented and were let go in the end, but some of them were tortured for months and five died in prison. There were 7 that were burned at the stake. 

When the trial had ended all of them were dragged through the streets with no hair and big wax candles in their hands. A lot of them were wearing a tunic called sanbenitos to show people that they had sinned. Some had a rope around their necks to show they were about to be flogged. The remains of those that died were carried to the pyre and four women and two men were burned as they kept denying they were witches. 

Their names were Domingo de Subildegui, María de Echachute, Graciana Xarra, Maria Baztan de Borda, Maria de Arburu and Petri de Joangorena. Not all of them were from Zugarramurdi town, but were all condemned for participating in the witch sabbath there. 

It was the notorious Inquisitor Valle-Alvardo who came to town and rounded up everyone they thought looked and seemed out of sorts as a last effort to root out evil from Navarre in what became known as the Basque Witch Trials. 

A madness and witch fever because of what happened were getting out of hand and thousands upon thousands were accused of witchcraft all across the country. A man went back to Zugarramurdi and spent 18 months talking with them. It turned out that most of the accusations were false, but alas, for many it was already too late. 

Akelarre – the Spanish Witch Sabbath

Akelarre literally means the pasture of the he-goat in Basque, and according to the tribunal it was where the witches met up with Satan. Today the word is synonymous with Witch Sabbath in Spain. 

The Akelarre and the witch sabbath lore seems to have been the pagan remains of the rituals from before christianity. This type of female worship in groups has been done since the classical Greece times when worshiping Dionysus, perhaps even before. 

Witch Sabbaths: The painting Akelarre  from 1798, by Francisco Goya.

People over Europe were accused of these types of gatherings, but if there was actually anyone doing it is highly uncertain, even though pagan remains of the past have lasted for a much longer time in remote places than the church would have liked it to. 

Read more: Check out all of our ghost stories about: Witches

Some of the things the accused witches of Zugarramurdi werre thought to do was demonic possession, vampirism, celebrating black masses and causing storms, as well as cursing the fields and animals among other things. 

The Witches in the Caves

Why was it that there were so many accused of witchcraft right here in this quaint little village? Some of it had to do with the rumors of the caves nearby where people claimed to have seen big bonfires and pagan festivities by the locals, the witches. 

According to legend, the rest of the witches of Zugarramurdi went into hiding in some caves outside of the town after their time on trial. To get away from the town that wanted them dead and gone.  Perhaps it was to practice their rites and witchcraft in peace, far from the deadly hands of the inquisition?

The story goes that you can still hear the echoes of their magical chanting and dancing around the fires. 

Inside of it they have a throne room, where the devil himself would join the witches during the sabbath. 

The Witch Caves of Zugarramurdi Today

Today it is still an important place for the modern-day witches in Spain and they honor the reputation and the magical place of Zugarramurdi and the caves people once thought were a place for devil worship. 
The town of Zugarramurdi also established the witch museum to remember the town’s dark past and holds yearly fests in the famous cave. 

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References:

The Witches of Zugarramurdi – the scene was set!

Basque Fact of the Week: Zugarramurdi, the Town of Witches

Haunted Spain, stories for an All Hallows Eve – CaramelTrail

Ten paranormal places that you can actually visit in Spain

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Haunting Tales of Black Alice and John’s Bridge in Kilkenny

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In 1763, the John’s Bridge in Kilkenny collapsed and killed many people. People started to whisper about it being the curse from Black Alice that started many centuries ago in Ireland’s first recorded witch trial.

Kilkenny, Ireland, is a city steeped in history and folklore, where tales of the supernatural are as much a part of the landscape as its ancient architecture. The Marble city has even been called the most haunted city in the world. 

Read More: Check out all of the ghost stories from Ireland

The reason for its haunting is much blamed on the curse a supposed witch put on the city that convicted her for witchcraft and is the first recorded person that was condemned for this. This case set the precedent for how all following witchcraft and heresy cases would be executed. The act of burning witches in Ireland lasted until 1895 when the 28 year old Bridget Cleary was burnt as the last one. The legend of Black Alice and the eerie history of John’s Bridge and the ghost that are supposedly lingering.

Black Alice’s Mysterious Life

The year was 1280 when Dame Alice Kyteler was born into the Kyteler family, a clan of Flemish merchants who had made their home in Kilkenny.  She was born in Kyteler’s House, which has since 1639 been used as an inn and is today a restaurant.

Dame Alice Kyteler

As she grew older, Alice’s life took intriguing turns. She first married William Outlawe, a wealthy merchant and moneylender, and later, Adam le Blund of Callan, another prosperous moneylender. After Adam’s death, Alice’s fortune continued to rise as she married her third husband, Richard de Valle, a wealthy landowner, and subsequently, Sir John le Poer.

Alice Kyteler soon earned the moniker “Kilkenny’s merry widow” due to her remarkable run of good fortune – a fortune that, mysteriously, seemed to coincide with the untimely deaths of her spouses. 

The circumstances surrounding her fourth husband’s death were particularly disturbing, as he was found with his nails torn out, his body hair fallen off, and his will altered to benefit Alice and her son. Fearing foul play, the children of her former husbands accused her of witchcraft and that she had poisoned him, and perhaps the other husbands as well. 

The Seven Accusations

Seven grave charges were brought against Alice and her servants, accusing them of denying Christ and the Church, having dealings with a demon named Artis Filius and Robin Artisson for sorceress powers, practicing pagan rituals involving animal sacrifice and theft of church keys, crafting love potions and poisons from grisly ingredients, and using these concoctions to manipulate her husbands into giving away their wealth and ultimately killing them.

Read More: Check out all of the stories about Witches at the MoonMausoleum.

In a shocking turn of events, Alice Kyteler managed to escape to England, vanishing without a trace and we don’t really know what happened to her after this. Her son, however, faced a trial for witchcraft but was ultimately sentenced to penance, which he failed to uphold. Instead, he ended up in prison until he fulfilled a unique penance: covering the roof of the local cathedral with lead, a task he succeeded in but which ultimately led to the roof’s collapse.

Petronilla’s Grim Fate

Petronilla de Meath, Alice’s maid, was not as fortunate as her mistress. She was a young woman in her 20s and was her mistress maidservant. When her mistress was charged, it was her that suffered the gruesome consequences.

She endured torture, whippings, and finally, a gruesome end at the stake on 3rd of November in 1324. The Bishop wrote this about her confessions: 

‘On one of these occasions, by the crossroads outside the city, she had made an offering of three cocks to a certain demon whom she called Robert, son of Art (Robertum filium Artis), from the depths of the underworld. She had poured out the cocks’ blood, cut the animals into pieces and mixed the intestines with spiders and other black worms like scorpions, with a herb called milfoil as well as with other herbs and horrible worms. She had boiled this mixture in a pot with the brains and clothes of a boy who had died without baptism and with the head of a robber who had been decapitated … Petronilla said she had several times at Alice’s instigation and once in her presence, consulted demons and received answers. She had consented to a pact whereby she would be the medium between Alice and the said Robert, her friend. In public, she said that with her own eyes she had seen the aforesaid demon as three shapes (praedictus daemon tertius), in the form of three black men (aethiopum) each carrying an iron rod in the hand. This apparition happened by daylight (de die) before the said Dame Alice, and, while Petronilla herself was watching, the apparition had intercourse with Alice. After this disgraceful act, with her own hand she (Alice?) wiped clean the disgusting place with sheets (kanevacio) from her own bed.’

Legend has it that before her death, Petronilla vowed to exact revenge on the onlookers who had condemned her. Her vow would soon come to haunt the city. One can ask, who was really the one behind the legend of Black Alice? Is it the ghost and curse from Petronilla that continued to haunt the city, centuries after her death?

The Ghostly Legacy about John’s Bridge

Particularly in 1763, during a catastrophic flood that claimed sixteen lives when John’s Bridge collapsed. During the flood, the people gathered to see when the Green’s Bridge collapsed, not realizing that the bridge they were standing on would also meet the same fate until it was too late. 

But what does this have to do with the specters found after the collapse of one of the city’s bridges with the trial of Black Alice? Ever since these disturbing events, tales of strange occurrences and ghostly apparitions have persisted in and around Kilkenny, and it is said that it is the wrath of Black Alice that caused the accident in the first place. 

That day, 16 people died and reports of ghostly figures have multiplied, with witnesses describing spectral figures peering over the bridge or rising from the river below, especially in the eerie hours of the early morning.

The Remaining Whispers about Black Alice

As the eerie whispers of Black Alice continue to echo through the streets of Kilkenny, the city remains captivated by its rich supernatural history. The legend of Alice Kyteler and the tragic events surrounding John’s Bridge have left an indelible mark on the city’s consciousness, fueling both fascination and fear.

In the years that followed the collapse of John’s Bridge, the sightings of ghostly figures and strange occurrences persisted, casting an ethereal veil over the area. Locals and visitors alike would share tales of spectral figures peering over the bridge or rising from the depths of the river in the early hours of the morning. The apparitions served as a constant reminder of the long-standing curse that was said to haunt the bridge, a curse supposedly originating from the vengeful spirit of Petronella de Meath, Alice’s ill-fated maid. Or perhaps it was Black Alice herself?

As visitors walk across the bridge, feeling a chill in the air and catching fleeting glimpses of shadowy figures, they can’t help but wonder: are they merely witnessing tricks of the mind or is something more supernatural at play? Perhaps the echoes of the past, the whispers of those who have been wronged or lost, continue to resonate in the present, ensuring that the story of Black Alice and the haunted history of Kilkenny never fade away.

And so, the mystery remains, inviting new generations to delve into the depths of Kilkenny’s history, to unearth the untold secrets and unlock the truth behind the haunting tale of Black Alice and John’s Bridge.

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References:

Black Alice | Irish Ghost Stories from the Emerald Isle

John’s Bridge | Haunted Kilkenny, Ireland | Spirited Isle 

Ghost Stories ~ Sacred Sites of Ireland Alice Kyteler – Wikipedia

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The Dark Tale of Enriqueta Martí: The Infamous Vampire of El Raval in Barcelona

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For years children kept disappearing in the El Raval neighborhood in Barcelona. When the culprit finally was found it was Enriqueta Marti and her twisted crimes at fault. She was because of the darkness of her crimes called The Vampire of El Raval, and perhaps the scope of her crimes will never be revealed.


Step into the dark streets of El Raval, Barcelona, and immerse yourself in the chilling tale of Enriqueta Martí, the infamous vampire who haunted this neighborhood in the late 19th century. 

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Known for her macabre activities, Enriqueta Martí preyed on the most vulnerable members of society, luring innocent children into her clutches. This dark tale unravels the secrets behind her heinous crimes, revealing a web of deceit, manipulation, and unspeakable horrors that made people refuse to believe that she was actually human. 

The Dark and Scary Neighborhood: El Raval

The Raval neighborhood in Barcelona had a dark and sinister reputation in the years leading up to the first world war. This area, still commonly referred to as the Barri Xino or red light district, has a long history of criminal activity and poverty as well as the bohemian homes to artists, theaters, bars and cabarets. 

Its dimly lit streets and alleys have witnessed countless crimes, making it the perfect setting for the haunting tale of Enriqueta Martí. At the start of the 20th century it was the most densely populated district in Europe. The atmosphere of fear and unease that permeates the Raval adds an extra layer of dread to the story of the infamous vampire.

The Missing Children Nobody Looked For

In the late 19th century, Barcelona was a city plagued by poverty and social inequality where there was a big difference between the highs and lows of social status. It was in this environment of desperation that Enriqueta Martí found her victims. She preyed on the most vulnerable members of society: the poor children that no one really noticed. These innocent souls were often neglected and forgotten by society, making them easy targets for Martí’s twisted desires. 

The disappearances of these children went unnoticed for far too long, as their absence was overshadowed by the chaos and hardships of the time. Martí’s ability to operate in the shadows, unnoticed by the authorities, allowed her reign of terror to continue unchecked.

The Dark Legend of Enriqueta Martí as the Vampire of El Raval

Enriqueta Martí i Ripollés, a name that still sends chills down the spines of those who dare to speak it. Born in 1868, Martí would go on to become one of the most notorious figures in Barcelona’s history.

Enriqueta Martí i Ripollés: Photo of the alleged serial killer from Barcelona.

She was known by many names: “The Vampire of carrer Ponent”, “The Vampire of Barcelona,” and “The Vampire of the Raval.” The press sensationalized her crimes, perpetuating the image of a bloodthirsty monster who fed on the innocent. 

Read more: Check out the stories about Paris’ Haunted Père Lachaise Cemetery or Poveglia Island — The Most Haunted Place in the World for more stories about suspected vampires.

Martí’s macabre activities included kidnapping, murder, and even running a brothel that specialized in child prostitution. But what drove this woman to commit such heinous acts?

Before being renovated in 1923, the street was something else entirely than the home of a bar, pub and fancy shops. It used to be a brothel that Enriqueta owned.She was a simple country girl that moved to the city to earn her living. She started out as a nanny and a waitress, but soon ended up becoming a prostitute until she became a madam and opened her own brothel on Carrer Ponent. 

The Vampire’s Work as a Witch Doctor

One of her darker endeavors was her work as a witch doctor. She was said to sell miracle skin creams to rich ladies that promised them eternal beauty. 

Read more: Check out all of our ghost stories about: Witches

The only thing they didn’t know was that these supposed creams contained the blood and fat of children. Or perhaps they knew, but just didn’t care. 

She also claimed to have found a cure for tuberculosis that plagued the city at that time. She said that by drinking the blood of children, they would be cured. 

The Horrible Crimes

It is said that she dressed up as a poor woman and looked for children that had no grown ups watching them. She then took them and sold them in her brothel. 

She was arrested once in 1909 during the Tragic Week for selling children but was never convicted as she utilized her friends in high places that relied on her services. 

It was only when a particular girl went missing that the police really bothered to investigate properly as she was not a poor and orphaned child as many of her other victims had been. 

The Tragic Tale of Teresita Guitart Congost

Although Teresita Guitart Congost’s parents weren’t necessarily rich, they were popular and had a fair amount of influence to make this case matter compared to all the other cases. A neighbor saw the girl in Marti’s apartment on 29 Ponent Street or Carrer de Joaquin Costa as it is today, and notified the police. When they arrived they found both Teresita Guitart Congost and a girl called Angelita. Teresita Guitart Congost said that Marti had lured her there with sweets before locking them up in her apartment. 

Saved: Teresita Guitart Congost at 5 years old after she was found and rescued from the Vampire of El Raval.

No one knew who Angelita was, and even if Marti claimed it was her daughter, her ex husband said they never had any children. It was from this girl that harrowing details came into the light. According to this young girl, she had apparently seen Marti butcher a 5 year old in the kitchen table called Pepito that she had stolen from a single mother that was new to the city. 

The police also found bags filled with small and bloody human bones as well as dirty clothes as well as around 50 jars of fat, blood, hair and skeletons, some already mixed into an ointment, ready for sale. 

Although there was a filthy apartment with a horrible stench, there was one room where it was clean with expensive furniture and nice looking clothes for both girls and boys, most likely where her clients were taken. 

In her former apartments they found bones, in the yards, a skull of a child. They had no way of piecing all of them together, and the forensic could only identify twelve children. But how many it really was, is unknown. 

The Arrest and Trial of Enriqueta Martí

The police accused her of abducting and killing children, how many is unknown. She had 20 years to commit her crimes in peace. She never confessed to killing any of the children, but admitted that she had brought children to rich child molesters through her brothel. She never named her clients. 

Arrested: Enriqueta Martí was finally arrested after the discovery of two kidnapped children in her apartment that told the authorities about the killings. Although she was finally arrested for her crimes, she never had a proper trial and became convicted, and a lot of questions remain.

Martí was never convicted. Her fellow inmates took matters into their own hands and hung her in the prison yard in May 1913. In some versions she was beaten to death. The official death claims it was cancer. Rumors circulated that Martí’s wealthy patrons had paid for her murder to ensure that their dark dealings with her would never come to light. The official cause of death listed on her death certificate was uterine cancer, effectively closing the door on any further investigation into her crimes.

Was the Rumor False?

While Martí’s reign of terror came to an end with her death, questions still linger about the true extent of her crimes. Did she really kill them, or was she more of a scapegoat for the elite to throw away when the police came too close? 

They suggest that she can only be reliably linked to the abduction of one young girl, Teresita Guitart. These researchers contend that the black legend attributed to Martí cannot be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. 

However, the stories and legends surrounding her continue to haunt the dark corners of Barcelona, perpetuating her infamous reputation and for many years, there were countless of local Barcelonians that claimed that they had been tried or were kidnapped by her.

Enriqueta Martí’s Dark Tale Lives On

The tale of Enriqueta Martí, the infamous vampire of El Raval, is a chilling reminder of the darkness that can lurk in the human soul. Her crimes shocked a city and left scars that still remain to this day. While the truth may never be fully known, the legend of Martí continues to captivate and terrify those who dare to delve into the depths of her dark tale. 

As we walk through the streets of El Raval, it’s impossible not to feel a sense of unease, as if the echoes of her crimes still linger in the shadows. Enriqueta Martí may be gone, but her legacy as one of Barcelona’s most notorious figures lives on, reminding us of the thin line between good and evil, and the horrors that can lie hidden just beneath the surface.

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References:

Enriqueta Martí – Wikipedia

Enriqueta Martí – The Vampire of the Raval – Barcelona Lowdown

https://www.thepastworld.com/post/the-vampire-of-raval

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The Haunted Streets of Jagatpura of Witches and Ghosts

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Beyond the opulent palaces and majestic forts of Rajasthan lies a lesser-known, eerie corner of the state: Jagatpura, a residential area where witches as well as the starved ghosts from a famine lingers. 

This busy and seemingly normal residential area in the south eastern periphery of Jaipur, is infamous for its haunted vibes and spine-chilling legends among the local paranormal enthusiasts. 

Read more: Check out all of the ghost stories from India

Unlike many haunted places that are abandoned and desolate, Jagatpura is a living, breathing community where residents coexist with the supernatural, making it one of the most horrifying places in Rajasthan.

A Dark History of Hunger and Famine

The haunting of Jagatpura is rooted in a dark chapter of its history. Legend has it that the ruler of this area, known for his greed and arrogance, was responsible for the suffering of his people. 

As famine and starvation swept through the village, people died in masses. Which famine could it be? Rajasthan being much desert-like climate are perhaps more exposed to it and there have been several throughout the years. 

You have the Rajputana famine of 1869 that killed over 1.5 million people. The Indian famine of 1899 took between one to 4.5 million lives. These are just some of the most recent ones that affected cities like Jaipur and areas like Jagatpura.

Some of the afflicted villagers cursed the king with their dying breaths. They were witches, or perhaps the curses made them witches in their afterlife? These curses, steeped in sorrow and desperation, have seemingly bound their souls to this place, eternally seeking aid from the living.

An Encounter with the Ghosts and Witches in Jagatpura

The tormented souls of the villagers are said to wander the streets, their whispers of despair carried on the wind, calling out to those who pass by for help, begging for alms and food.

Residents and visitors alike have reported sightings of witches, eerily similar to those depicted in classic Indian horror tales or Bollywood movies. These apparitions are described as old women clad in white dresses, with long, grey hair hanging loosely over their faces as they appear on the roads.

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St. Katherine’s Abbey and Hauntings of the Black Hag

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In the ruins of an old Abbey in Ireland, the locals claim they can still hear the dying screams of a woman that was buried alive, as well as feel the dark forces from the Black Hag that were practicing dark magic in the St. Katherine’s Abbey.

In the picturesque landscapes of County Limerick, Ireland, amidst the serene countryside, lies a silent witness to centuries of history, both sacred and macabre — St. Katherine’s Abbey as it is officially consecrated as. 

The ruins of the once Augustinian abbey are known under many names though like Monasternagalliaghduff or Mainistir na gCailleach Dubh. It is also called the Abbey of St Catherine de O’Conyl or simply Old Abbey.

Read More: Check out all of the ghost stories from Ireland

There are several legends from this place and it is said to be haunted to this day as the dark magic that once were cast still lingers.

The Timeless Convent of Monasternagalliaghduff

Dating back to the 13th century, the Abbey of the Black Hag is a weathered and abandoned convent that has witnessed the passage of time, preserving within its ancient stones the stories of the faithful, the echoes of prayer, and the secrets of its enigmatic past.

Read More: Check out more of haunted abbey’s like the Wessobrunn Abbey’s Ghosts, The History and Legends of the Haunted Abbaye De Mortemer, Dracula and Ghost Nuns in Whitby Abbey

St. Katherine’s Abbey is one of the earliest recorded nunneries in Ireland and was probably in operation until the 1500s until the Dissolution of the Monasteries during the Reformation in Ireland, or perhaps before this.

Monasternagalliaghduff: Only the few ruins are left fro the old abbey in the open field, now covered in grass. Many legends are tied to this place, and some claim St. Katherine’s Abbey is still haunted by them. //Source: JohnArmagh/wikimedia

The Countess Buried Alive in St. Katherine’s Abbey

But it is not the passage of time or the hallowed echoes of devotion that have etched St. Katherine’s Abbey into the annals of Irish folklore. Instead, it is the eerie legends and ghosts said to haunt the abbey, casting an ominous shadow over the abbey’s ruins no matter how much the sun is shining.

One of the legends comes from Countess Fitzgerald. She was the wife of The Earl of Desmond that had a bloody feud against the Butler family that was the Earls of Ormond during the 15th century. 

The Fitzgeral were attacked and the Earl was going to get his wife to safety. She was shot in the thigh by an arrow and throughout the night, she lost so much blood and the Earl thought she had died when they reached the abbey. 

She was buried underneath the altar of the abbey before he quickly rode on. But the nuns started to hear terrible screams coming from the grave during the night. In the end they chose to open the grave, but it was too late and they found the Countess dead, but with broken fingers and torn out nails. She had been buried alive and she had tried to claw her way out. 

Read Also: The Buried Alive Ghosts of Château de Trécesson in the Enchanted Forest, The Mausoleum of Rufina Cambacérès at Recoleta Cemetery — Buried Alive or The Mistletoe Bough – The Bride in the Chest

It is believed that she never found peace through and that she is still waiting for her husband to save her, still trying to claw her way out from her grave. 

The Tale of the Black Hag St. Katherine’s Abbey

As local lore has it, the last head nun or abbess of St. Katherine’s Abbey possessed knowledge of the dark arts and wielded them with terrifying skill. The Black Hag or the Black Nun as she was known as was actually a witch and Satanist according to the legends. 

Her mastery of these forbidden arts cast a long shadow of fear over the locals. Whispers of her malevolent practices spread like wildfire, shrouding the abbey in a sinister reputation.

Read More: Check out all of the stories about Witches at the MoonMausoleum.

According to the legends, the Black Nun wanted power, and to get it she sold her soul to get it. She was said to look gaunt with a skeletal figure wearing her all black robes. Even her face was said to darken, either from ashes or her dark magic. 

The Black Hag’s Cell

In the present day, the room within the abbey’s south end that once served as the abbess’s quarters has become infamous as the Black Hag’s Cell. It is in this chamber that the alleged witch’s spirit is said to linger, her spectral presence a chilling reminder of the darker chapters of the abbey’s history.

The Black Hag: Was she a witch? Did she practice dark arts? Or perhaps she was just the victim of terrible rumours? Was she real at all? One of the enduring legends from the former abbey is that of the Black Nun, or Black Hag, that were said to be the abbess of the abbey and a practitioner of the black arts.

It was in this cell that she performed Black Magic and worshiped Satan. Other nuns fled from the abbey according to legend when they found out what their abbess was up to, and she was left in the darkness. What happened to this supposed witch is uncertain.

The darkest rumor about the Black Nun is that she also sacrificed children during her dark rituals, taken from the nearby villagers, and there actually have been found bones of children on the grounds.

A Wicked End of the Black Hag

Where these legends come from though is uncertain. There certainly came some stories to justify the dissolutions of the nunneries in Ireland when the old Catholicism was seen as something filled with superstition and possible dark magic. 

Also, tales about single women living secluded have always had a trail of witch rumors following them. Because what in the world are unmarried single women up to if not worshiping Satan?

Haunting Echoes coming from the Old Abbey Ruins

Locals who live in the vicinity of St. Katherine’s Abbey speak in hushed tones of nights disturbed by blood-curdling screams that pierce the darkness. These ghostly wails, they claim, are the anguished cries of the Black Hag herself, echoing through the lonely hours of the night.

Or perhaps it is from the ghost of Countess Fitzgerald, who is still trying to let people know that she is alive, replaying her final hours trapped in the coffin. 

The Ruins of St. Katherine’s Abbey

As the moon cast an ethereal glow upon the ancient ruins of St. Katherine’s Abbey, the whispers of the past faded into the night. The haunting echoes of the Black Hag’s chilling cries and the anguished screams of Countess Fitzgerald began to dissipate, carried away by the gentle breeze.

And the Black Hag, a figure shrouded in mystery and fear, gradually faded into the realm of folklore. Her malevolence became a distant memory, forever entwined with the legends of the abbey.

The ruins of St. Katherine’s Abbey, now bathed in the light of a new day visitors wandered through the weathered stones, admiring the beauty of the landscape and contemplating the rich history that had unfolded within those crumbling walls.

As the sun set on St. Katherine’s Abbey, casting a golden hue over the landscape, a sense of tranquility and closure settled upon the abbey grounds. The tales of the Black Hag and the buried Countess became mere echoes, floating in the winds of time. Or do they?

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References:

IN THE ABBEY OF THE BLACK HAG – DARK EMERALD TALES 

Monasternagalliaghduff – Wikipedia 

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Manchac Swamp and the Haunted Louisiana’s Mysterious Waters

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In the haunted swamps of Louisiana, Manchac Swamp is said to be the home of the ghost of a voodoo priestess that once destroyed her town with her curses. It is also said that you can hear the howling cries of the Rougarou werewolf at night among the trees.

Beyond the vibrant streets and enchanting mystique of New Orleans lies a realm of shadow and intrigue—the Manchac Swamp and is also known as Ghost Swamp. Less than an hour from the bustling heart of the city, this labyrinthine wetland has become the canvas for chilling tales of curses, ghostly apparitions, and Cajun legends all while the alligator’s eyes light up red in the night. 

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As the Spanish moss hangs low and the murky waters ripple with secrets by the bald cypresses, the haunting aura of Manchac Swamp beckons those brave enough to delve into its enigmatic depths.

The Voodoo Princess and her Curses

One of the most haunting legends surrounding Manchac Swamp revolves around the voodoo princess Julia Brown, also called Julie White or Black by some. Her real name though seems to have been Julia Bernard and seems to have been born in Louisiana in 1845, and she certainly had an eerie end. 

As the tale goes, this supposed  once dwelled within the swamp’s shadows, wielding mystical powers to cast curses upon those who crossed her. 

She was said to have lived in the small town of Frenier in the midst of the swamp in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The town on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain grew out from German immigrants that farmed mostly. 

It was said that the little village had no doctors, and the locals would turn to her for help and she was the local traiteuse, or a faith healer. But in her later years she started to change and sat on her porch in her rocking chair as she played her guitar and sang:

When I die,
I take the whole town with me.
When I die,
I take the whole town.
— Julia Brown 

Why she changed to this ominous person is unknown. Were the villagers starting to take her for granted? Didn’t they treat her as well as she should have? Is this when they changed and called her a voodoo priestess and not a healer? She continued to foretell about the coming misfortunes of them all, until the greatest misfortune hit them all. 

Eventually she did and most of the village gathered for her funeral on September 29 in 1915. Around 4 there was a hurricane that came and nearly destroyed the town around Manchac Swamp. After the 13 feet hurricane howling at 125 miles per hour passed, it was estimated that it killed over 50 in Frenier alone and 275 people in Louisiana.

Today, it is said that Julie White’s ghost lingers among the cypress trees, forever haunting the green and murky Manchac Swamp that was once her domain. But one can wonder if it really was a curse she put on the village, or if it was meant to be warning of oncoming danger. Some even claim to hear the screams of those that died in the swamp during the hurricane.

Voodoo: also known as Vodou, is a spiritual and cultural practice that originated in West Africa and evolved in the Caribbean, particularly in Haiti. Combining elements of African folk religions with Catholicism, Voodoo is a belief system that encompasses a diverse array of rituals, ceremonies, and traditions. Contrary to popular misconceptions, Voodoo is not inherently associated with malevolent practices, as depicted in popular culture. Instead, it serves as a source of cultural identity, community, and spiritual expression for those who practice it.

The official writings doesn’t really mention her work as a voodoo priestess, but there are writings about one Julia Brown working in New Orleans in the 1860s before moving to Frenier according to a Mental Floss Article. The New Orleans Times-Picayune wrote this on October 2nd in 1915:

“Many pranks were played by wind and tide. Negroes had gathered for miles around to attend the funeral of ‘Aunt’ Julia Brown, an old negress who was well known in that section, and was a big property owner. The funeral was scheduled … and ‘Aunt’ Julia had been placed in her casket and the casket in turn had been placed in the customary wooden box and sealed. At 4 o’clock, however, the storm had become so violent that the negroes left the house in a stampede, abandoning the corpse. The corpse was found Thursday and so was the wooden box, but the casket never has been found.”

The Rougarou’s Howl in Manchac Swamp

In addition to the voodoo princess’s spectral presence, Manchac Swamp is also said to be home to the Rougarou, a creature akin to the Cajun werewolf. It comes from French communities in America and is said to be connected to the French loup-garou werewolf.

Tales of this mythical being prowling the Manchac Swamp add an extra layer of supernatural intrigue to the already haunted landscape. The Rougarou’s howls are said to pierce the stillness of the night, echoing through the ancient trees and instilling fear in those who dare to venture into the darkness.

It is said to be a creature with a human body and the head of a wolf or dog. Common legends say that the Rougarou is cursed for 101 days, often by a witch, and after this the curse is given to another person that the Rougarou draws blood from. 

Mostly it is used as a cautionary tale toward Cajun children, but like the French counterpart, the Rougarous has also said to haunt down Catholics that don’t follow Lent rules of fasting for seven consecutive years. 

Dangers and Hauntings in the Swampy Shadows

As if curses and Cajun legends weren’t enough, the very real presence of alligators in the swamp waters adds a tangible element of danger to the mystique of Manchac Swamp. The slithering reptiles, eyes glinting in the moonlight, serve as a reminder that, in this haunted realm, nature itself can be as formidable as the supernatural.

Or perhaps the red eyes in the swampy waters at night is not a gator, but a blood sucking Rougarou, or a vindictive voodoo priestess? 

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References:

Frenier, Louisiana – Wikipedia 

The Legend (and Truth) of the Voodoo Priestess Who Haunts a Louisiana Swamp 

Haunting of Manchac Swamp in Louisiana | Into Horror History | J.A. Hernandez

Rougarou – Wikipedia  

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The Cursed and Haunted Elfin Forest in California

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Amidst the haunted rumors about a white witch on the prowl, a native burial ground as well as an old gypsy curse on the land, the sunny Elfin Forest in California holds dark secrets.

Within the heart of North County San Diego close to Escondido, Elfin Forest remains a hidden gem, known for its picturesque landscapes and scenic trails through the shrub landscape. However, beneath the tranquil façade of this seemingly idyllic forest at the foot of the Santa Rosa Mountains lies a tapestry woven with eerie tales and haunted rumors that have captured the imaginations of locals and thrill-seekers alike. 

Read more: Check out all ghost stories and haunted places in the USA

Officially known as the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve, it encompasses over 700 acres of diverse ecosystems, including chaparral, woodland, and riparian habitats. It also used to go under the name Questhaven. There have been many tales about what you can find inside, everything from haunted asylums, strange creatures and ancient burial grounds. But how much of it is really true?

Elfin Forest: View of Escondido Creek inside of the forest which is located in the northern half of San Diego County. The forest is a popular hiking spot as well as thought to be haunted. Some go as far as saying it is cursed. // Source: Wikimedia

The area is a haven for hikers, birdwatchers, and nature enthusiasts who seek solace amidst the serene beauty of Southern California’s natural landscapes. The roads going through the area are curvy, full of twists and in some places the phone reception completely disappears.

Who knew that some of the darkest legends would be found in sunny California?

Gypsy Ghosts and Curses

There are stories that the area was inhabited by Romani people or something like them in the 19th century and well into the 20th century. There certainly is a spiritual community that has been there for a while called Harmony Grove.  

According to the local legends, the original spiritual romani settlers were chased away by their neighbors, killing those that refused to follow command. According to their neighboring communities they held rituals around the forest. 

Read more: Check out more stories about haunted forests

Because of how they were treated and as retribution, they cursed the land and the forest. Many of the urban legends and haunted rumors stem from this belief of a gypsy curse and gave rise to the paranormal rumors hovering over Elfin Forest ever since. 

The Urban Legend of the White Owl

One of the urban legends that came out of Elfin Forest is the one of the white owl. According to the stories, it is a ten-foot owl that comes out at nights, soaring above the trees and seeks those that dares enter the forest.

Giant Owls: There are many variants of urban legends concerning owls. One so is the tale of La Lechuza that comes from Mexico and has a heavy influence over California which used to be a part of it. According to the narrative, a lechuza, or owl, notably a white one, embodies a bruja, a witch transformed into this avian form. While smaller owls are associated with witches, La Lechuza stands out as a colossal owl in this folklore. Though some accounts describe it as a white owl, conflicting stories and reports also depict it as a mysterious black owl, adding an air of uncertainty to the haunting legend.

If you are in a car the owl is said to have landed on top of the car, causing it to crash and killing the passengers of the vehicle as it has the power to possess people. If you walk into the forest on foot the owl will come straight for you and kill you. 

The White Witch of Elfin Forest

One of the enduring legends found within the forest is the legend of the white witch that is supposedly haunting tha area still. In some variations of the legend, she is said to have haunted the place since the gypsies stayed in the area. According to the story she was once married to a man and had a son. 

The story tells that she once came home and found them both murdered. According to the legend she is still searching for their murderer. Was it when the gypsies were driven out?

In one version of the story the three of them entered the forest together to explore. The family didn’t return for three days and friends and neighbors started to become concerned. Just then, one of them returned from down the hill and it was the mother, her clothes ripped and her face covered in dirt. Total fear in her eyes.

According to her they had been attacked by a gang of men and only she had been able to escape their deadly attack. After this she was said to have started taking an interest in darker arts and planning for her revenge. One day she claimed she was ready and dressed in all white before entering the forest again. What happened after, is up to legends.

Read more: Check out more stories about witches

She is said to be one of the more dangerous spirits in the forests and rides a black stallion with a black cloak covering her. Some claiming to have seen her say they didn’t hear the horse galloping but was soaring through the air instead. 

When entering the forest, it is said she marks the person with a spiritual tag, and if you dare enter the forest again, you will face certain death. Also if you happen to see her eyes covered in the dark cloak, they are green and are said to kill you instantly. 

Tales of Witches: The many legends of owls, bruja’s white witches, ghosts and gypsy curses echoes from the trees of the forest. Some merge into the others, and one can perhaps never get to the bottom of what really happened inside of this forest.

The roads are said to be dangerous as it is said this is where she rides her stallion. She has also been accused of causing accidents when cars crash after falling into a trance causing them to drive off the road and into the shadows were she leads them. 

Whether she is still haunting the forest here or not is up for debate. The Harmony Grove Spiritual Center is a psychic village found close by and were used to see her from time to time. According to them, she found peace a long time ago and she no longer makes an appearance in the forest.

Native American Ghosts

Before the Europeans took over, this land used to belong to the Northern Diegueño Natives and there is archeological evidence for their presence dating back thousands of years, with their language even dating back 9000 years.

According to the legends and speculations, they believe that Elfin Forest was a sort of meeting place for the different tribes in the area with a good energy. However, as time passed it is said that the energy lingering in the forest turned bad for some reason. 

The stories concerning the Native American are many, but vague. There are as always rumors that there are ancient Native American burial grounds in the area and that a lot of the paranormal activity stems from this. It has been reported on several occasions that people have seen their spirits hanging from trees.

The reporting of these stories were told from the Harmony Grove Spiritualists. One of the members, like Corinne Pleasant (1897-1984) was a resident and told the San Diego Union paper about how they would try to come into contact with them. According to her, they could see the children of these native people running around at night. 

The Lady in White

Another well-known tale centers around the “Lady in White” who is said to wander the trails of Elfin Forest. Described as a spectral figure dressed in a flowing white gown, she is believed to be the ghost of a woman who met a tragic fate in the forest. Some versions of the story suggest a love affair gone awry, while others allude to more sinister circumstances. 

She is said to be following hikers inside of the forest. Encounter stories range from fleeting glimpses to chilling apparitions that vanish without a trace.

A Walk Through the Trees

Elfin Forest, with its lush landscapes and bewitching trails, captivates the hearts and minds of those who seek both natural beauty and a touch of the mysterious with its tales of ghosts, legends and spiritual communities. 

Perhaps the tales are simply echoes of the past, carried through time by the rustling leaves and winding trails of this magical woodland. As visitors tread lightly through its paths, they may find themselves wondering if the whispers in the wind are just that or something more otherworldly, weaving the tales of Elfin Forest into the fabric of California’s haunted lore.

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References:

The Mystery of Questhaven: Exploring the Rumors of Hauntings in the Elfin Forest | Encinitas, CA Patch 

Elfin Forest | Hidden San Diego 

The Terrifying Mysteries of the Elfin Forest. | by Stefan Georgeta | Medium 

Elfin Forest Ghost Haunted Legends and the Paranormal – San Diego Haunted Locations 

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The Ghosts of The Ancient Ram Inn: Exploring a Haunted History

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The Ancient Ram Inn in England is said to be one of the most haunted places in the country as well as a quaint little resting place for travellers dating back centuries. Located in Gloucestershire, it is said to house the restless spirits of both witches, demons, ghosts and ghouls all gathered under the same roof. 

The Ancient Ram Inn is a notoriously haunted building located in the small village of Wotton-Under-Edge, Gloucestershire. Dating back to 1145 to house the workers and slaves building the church nearby, this centuries old inn and former pub has been the focus of hauntings, poltergeists and strange occurrences throughout its mysterious history.

There are many stories told about why the place is so haunted, is it because it is built at the intersection of 2 Ley Lines? Because it is built on a Pagan burial ground? After all this time it is difficult to pinpoint to just one thing, but the haunted rumors and ghosts roaming inside of the walls keep piling up as the history of the building just keeps getting longer. 

The History of the Ancient Ram Inn

The Ancient Ram Inn has a long history that dates back to 1145, and it is believed that the building was originally constructed on the site of a pagan burial ground according to the legends. 

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During its 600 year lifespan, this inn has been home to several owners and been frequented by travelers, locals and untold numbers of supernatural beings. Once serving as a monastery and later as a pub, this building has seen much tragedy in its time.

Ancient Ram Inn: The old and historic building is said to house more than just travelling guests. People that have stayed there, visited when it was a pub as well as the owners claim that as many as 20 ghosts is haunting the building. //Source: Brian Robert Marshall / Ram Inn, Potters Pond, Wotton under Edge / CC BY-SA 2.0

Wotton-under-Edge, in Gloucestershire UK, is an ancient market town and one of the primary locations in which The Ancient Ram Inn still stands even after most of it is built anew. As part of the Cotswolds, Wotton-under-Edge has a long and storied history – having been mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086! 

Pagan Burial Ground and Ley Lines through the Ancient Ram Inn

Over the years many strange occurrences have occurred at The Ancient Ram Inn, stories of haunting and screaming in the night. Visitors have reported hearing children playing on the stairs while others have seen eerie shadows lurking in the corners. The room called the Men’s Kitchen is said to have been built on top of the pagan burial ground and the staircase is a place where people have claimed to have felt a push.

© Copyright Ray Bird

As with many haunted buildings in the UK, there are also talk about the Ancient Ram Inn being built on top of 2 ley lines, one of them coming directly from Stonehenge and the other from Glastonbury Tor. These types of lines are drawn between sites of spiritual importance like churches, burial grounds and the likes. Ley lines are thought by spiritualist to fuel paranormal sites like this one with some sort of energy.

The Owner Looking for Demonic Energy

One of the owners, John Humphries, who bought The Ancient Ram Inn in the late 1960s to save it from demolition after it closed down as a pub in 1968. Humphries was very interested in the haunted history of the Inn, or he certainly became a believer after staying there for many years. Already at the first day at his new home he claimed to have been thrown out from the bed by an unseen force.

This didn’t deter him from his mission though, and even when his wife and daughter left the place, he stayed on to preserve his life work.

He claimed to have found evidence that some were worshiping the Devil. He owned and lived in the building until his death in 2017 and many of the ghost stories comes from him when he run it as a guesthouse. Once he found the skeletal remains of children under the staircase he believed to have been stabbed with daggers and that they were actually ritual sacrifices. 

The current owner, his daughter Caroline Humphries says that the place is now a haunting ground for paranormal investigators and that there is as many as 20 ghosts lingering in the little inn. With such a lengthy history, it’s no surprise that this mysterious inn continues to be surrounded by ghostly tales.

The Witch’s Room

One popular legend about The Ancient Ram Inn is the story about the supposed witch that was burned at the stake in the 1500s. The witch panic had taken England  and she was fleeing from the mob that were after her to have her killed because of it.

Read more: Check out all of our stories concerning Witches

Many believe that it is the spirit of the woman that is haunting the place and people have claimed to have seen the ghost of a girl in the window, waving to the people passing by. According to the legend she was hiding in one of the rooms at the inn before getting caught and killed. Today the room is known as The Witch’s Room.

© Copyright Ray Bird

One detail about this legend though is that witches weren’t actually burned in England, they were hanged. So if there really was an alleged witch fleeing prosecution at the inn, her death would have been hanging, not burning. 

There is also said that there is a black cat haunting the room, said to be the spirit of a 500 year old mummified cat John Humphries found in the wall. It is said they put animals in the walls as a sort of good luck charm.

The Incubus and Succubus at the Ancient Ram Inn

Although with a long story as an inn or a guesthouse, it seems to be a problem with the rooms and how private it is. People seem to not have a great night sleep and complain about succubus and incubus in several of the rooms at the Inn.

The latin word of Incubus means a nightmare induced by a demon. This is a female and male demon often said to seducing people in their sleep, disturbing them. There are parallels of this type of demon found in every religion and culture across the world. Today we often explain this type of demon as night terrors, or simply a disturbing erotic dream.

Humphries is said to have shared his bedroom at The Ancient Ram Inn with this type of demon until his death. This bedroom was called the Bishop’s Room and said to be one of the most haunted places in the inn.

The Incubus: In Mesopotamian history, dating back to 2400 BC, demons with incubus-like qualities were mentioned, such as Lilu, who disturbed and seduced women in their sleep. In Western Christian literature, Incubi were believed to engage in sexual relations with women to father children, as seen in the legend of Merlin, making it one of the earliest examples of demonic parentage. The Incubus is said to have been inspired by the feeling of sleep paralysis. Some authors speculate that rapists may have attributed the rapes of sleeping men and women to demons to escape punishment. // Source: The dream of Countess Marguerite of Flanders. Illustration after the ballet pantomime “Riccardo Cuor di Leone” by Salvatore Viganò.

The Bishop’s Inn

The room where most guests complained about in The Ancient Ram Inn something paranormal happening in there was in a room on the first floor called The Bishop’s Inn where as many as 9 ghosts are said to reside in. Even a roman centurion has been spotted riding his horse through the walls by some plumbers doing their work.

According to one story there once was a medium investigating the place and opened up the door. The medium was lifted off the floor and flung across the hallway, giving only bad energy from inside. 

It is said that a ghost of a monk or in some versions, two, is haunting the place and that the ghost has scared more than one guest that fled in the night after being woken up.

By the door there have been more than one guests claiming to have seen a man that look like a shepherd with a dog. There have also been heard screams from a man that was murdered by someone casting his head into the fire. 

Ghost Stories: The owners of the Inn has never shied away from the haunted rumours of the building. Here from the inside of the Ancient Ram Inn. There are several newspaper cuttings to be seen, mostly focusing on the various ghosts that reportedly inhabit the place. The owner was, it has been stated, yanked out of bed on his first night in residence by one of the incumbents wishing to make his or her presence known.//Source: Brian Robert Marshall / Ram Inn interior, Potter’s Pond, Wotton under Edge / CC BY-SA 2.0

The Innkeeper’s Daughter in the Attic

If you make your way up to the attic of The Ancient Ram Inn, it is said the room is filled with an intense feeling of sadness lingering in the old room that has become so unstable you can almost not walk all the way to the back because of the dangerous floor. 

In the early 1500s, the innkeeper had a daughter working there with him at the inn. One night, she was lured up to the attic where she was killed. People that have been directly under the room have said to have heard the sound of something heavy being dragged over the floor. 

There is also said to be a murdered woman named Elizabeth that were buried underneath the bar. She is often seen wandering the house together with all of her fellow spirits of the house.

The Ancient Ram Today

Today as the many years the Ancient Ram Inn has been operating, the Inn will house its ghosts for many years to come as well. After her father died, Caroline Humphries picked up her father’s legacy and continue to keep the old building standing and taking care of its spirits.

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References:

Ancient Ram Inn – Wikipedia 

Ancient Ram Inn Ghost Hunts, Wotton under Edge, Gloucestershire | Haunted Rooms®

The Ancient Ram Inn – Wotton-Under-Edge, Gloucestershire.

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Agnes Sampson — The Wise Wife of Keith

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The story of the ghost of Agnes Sampson, known as The Wise Wife of Keith in Scotland is a story where a simple midwife was accused of witchcraft so powerful she caused a storm trying to kill her own queen. 

Agnes Sampson was a Scottish healer and a purported witch. Sampson was born in the village of Kirktoun, East Lothian in Scotland and worked as a midwife. She was believed to have healing powers long before she was accused of being a witch. 

She became known as the Wise Wife of Keith and was involved in the North Berwick trials that happened during the 16th century, one of Scotland’s most notorious witchcraft trials. Agnes Sampson is also known for being one of the main accused at this trial. 

There were and still are many tales about who Agnes Sampson really was. Some of them are true tales, some tall tales. She is said to have been married three times, once to William Keith with whom she had two children. She is also said to have been married to two other men and had 14 children with each man. 

So how did this simple midwife become the center of a conspiracy of witches trying to sink the ships belonging to their new queen and threatening her own King? To find out we have to travel across the pond to the court in Denmark-Norway and their fear of black magic and a series of unfortunate events on the sea. 

The King as the Judge: Suspected witches with Agnes Sampson kneeling before King James VI from the book Daemonologie (1597). He himself oversaw the trial and ended up sentencing many to be burnt as witches.

The Storm of Contrary Winds

By the autumn of 1590, Scotland was deep into witch hunts, and many of those sent to trial were questioned by the King himself. Today, the city of Edinburgh and the rest of the country is riddled with the memory of those who were burnt at the stake as a witch. King James VI, the son of Mary, Queen of Scots had just returned from Denmark-Norway where he had married Anne of Denmark who was only 14 at their wedding. 

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Witches, dragons and ghosts, Edinburgh castle are said to have it all. The sound of bagpipe and drummers can be heard without anyone playing, and those accused for witchcraft as well as prisoners of wars are said to haunt the old castle.

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The Danish court at this time was extremely wary of all things black magic and witchcraft. The fear of demons and witches had tightened the European continent and it was probably a fear that the Scottish King James adapted and brought back as well after spending time there. 

The King of Scotland was impatient awaiting his bride from Denmark to cross the seas after the wedding to stay by his side, but on her voyage to Scotland the fleet experienced heavy storms and ended up starting not only one, but two major witch trials that ended in several executions.  

A Series of Unfortunate Events

So how did a simple midwife like Agnes Sampson get accused of something that happened all the way over in Denmark? To this we have to go through the Danish court and the witch trials that happened there before it started in Scotland. 

Peder Munk of Estvadgård was a Danish navigator, politician and ambassador and in charge of carrying the fleet of 18 ships with Anne of Denmark to Scotland to bring her to her throne by her King. They set out on their voyage in 1589 from Copenhagen and were riddled with bad fortune, taking years to reach their final destination.

First they had to stop in a port in Norway to repair a leaking ship and had to stay there for a very long time, on their way to a very impatient king. When they reached The River Forth in central Scotland a ferry boat collided with one of the vessels in a storm and all of the passengers drowned. This was all attributed to witchcraft. 

Back in Denmark, the navigator Peder Munk blamed it all on witchcraft, especially on a certain woman whom he had insulted and believed to be the main witch behind the storms. This became the beginning of the Copenhagen witch trials, which ended in executing 17 people by burning. 

This inspired the King to hold his own trials, and it would be known as the North Berwick Witch Trials, and Agnes SAmpson was one of the main accused. 

Accused of Witchcraft

More than a hundred suspects were arrested in North Berwick, several of them confessed during torture and named other people. Agnes Sampson was accused by Gillis Duncan, another one of the accused. 

Duncan was really the one that linked the other accused of causing the storms that ended up sinking the Queens ships. She worked as a servant and confessed after torture that she was a witch and there were several more. The reason she was accused herself was that she was far too skilled of a healer in her master David Seton’s mind who also thought that Duncan had been sneaking out at night. 

Agnes Sampson ended up being one of the more significant accused persons, as an elderly and respected woman that had healed more than one in the local area. Many attributed their good health to her good work. Now, they all turned on her because of the rumors and her unfortunate circumstances. The fact that she was a widow with children and acted as an independent woman and educated midwife was a part of the indictment against her. She had also been accused of witchcraft and investigated before. 

Witches Sabbath: According to the accusers, Agnes Keith and the rest of her witch coven had met up and created a storm to keep a ship from Denmark arriving to Scotland, carrying Anne of Denmark.

The Wise Wife of Keith was imprisoned and put to torture for a long time before saying anything. She started off refusing to confess at first, but after a long time in the dark and in pain, she as the rest of the accused gave up. 

In the end she was brought before King James VI himself and a council of nobles at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Sampson denied all the charges, but they kept torturing her until she said otherwise. Her head and body hair were shaved and she was pinned to the wall of her cell with a witches bridle. This was a torture instrument with four sharp prongs pressed into the mouth, meant to humiliate as well as hurt the ones wearing them. 

She was forced to stay awake with no sleep in her cell with a rope around her head, always reminded just how close to death she really was. And in the end, how freeing that prospect must have seen compared to the torture she went through. 

Finally, after all that torture, Agnes Sampson confessed to whatever they asked of her in front of her own king who oversaw the trial. In all she confessed to 53 indictments against her, including attending a Sabbat she led and that she was indeed a witch with supernatural power she used to harm others with. 

According to her testimony, she ended up saying she made a charm that caused a storm that ended up drowning Jane Kennedy. She sank a dead cat with parts of a dead man into the sea near Leith. The same charm she used to threaten the King and his wife on her voyage. 

In League with the Devil: Depiction of the Devil giving magic puppets to witches, from Agnes Sampson trial and North Berwick Witch Trials where she and many others ended up being burnt as witches in 1591.

It was her last testimony that was her downfall in the King’s eyes. In it, she disclosed things he and his wife had on their wedding night in Oslo. A conversation she had no way of knowing:

“Item, the said Agnes Sampson confessed before the Kings Majesty sundry things which were so miraculous and strange, as that his Majesty said they were all extreme liars, whereat she answered, she would not wish his Majesty to suppose her words to be false, but rather to believe them, in that she would discover such matter unto him as his majesty should not any way doubt of. And thereupon taking his Majesty a little aside, she declared unto him the very words which passed between the Kings Majesty and his Queen at Oslo in Norway the first night of their marriage, with their answer each to other: whereat the Kings Majesty wondered greatly, and swore by the living God, that he believed that all the Devils in hell could not have discovered the same: acknowledging her words to be most true, and therefore gave the more credit to the rest which is before declared.”

— News from Scotland

Execution and Haunting

King James was allegedly not completely convinced of Agnes Sampson guilt until her last confession. After it however he changed his mind and sent her to be burned. On 28th of January 1591 she was taken to the scaffold on Castlehill where she was garroted before being burnt at the stake. 

Although the exact numbers of the executions are hard to be certain of, it is estimated that around 1500 people were killed as witches by the state of Scotland during this time. 

Agnes Sampson’s naked ghost is said to roam the castle grounds, bald headed roaming around the Palace of Holyroodhouse. 

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The Haunting Santuario de la Virgen de Balma in the Mountain Rocks

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Up in the mountain there is a sanctuary carved out from the rocks. The Santuario de la Virgen de Balma or Sanctuary of the Virgin of Balma has had strange legends from the start, from a place where the Virgin Mary showed herself, a place for exorcisms and a strange witch cult. 

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the captivating history of the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Balma. Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Catalonia, this hidden gem of religious significance has stood the test of time, captivating visitors with its enchanting beauty and rich historical heritage. 

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Dating back to the 13th century, the sanctuary holds a special place in the hearts of locals and pilgrims alike, serving as a sacred haven of peace and spirituality. From the moment you set foot on its hallowed grounds, you will be transported to a bygone era, where tales of miracles and divine intervention intertwine. 

Historical Significance of the Sanctuary

The Sanctuary of the Virgin of Balma holds immense historical significance, playing a vital role in the religious and cultural fabric of the place and is an important pilgrimage center for the nearest towns. This is a small sanctuary carved out in the rocks near Zorita del Maestrazgo village in the Province of Castellon in Spain. 

Read more: Check out all of our stories from Haunted Monasteries and Churches from all around the world.

Santuario de la Virgen de Balma origins date back to the 13th century when it was built as a place of worship for the local community. Over the centuries, it has become a place of pilgrimage, drawing people from far and wide. The sanctuary witnessed various historical events and has been a witness to the changing times. It has survived wars, political unrest, and natural disasters, making it a symbol of resilience and faith.

The Strange Place where it is Built

Balma is a Celtic name that refers to a cave underground and this is exactly what this is. Santuario de la Virgen de Balma is embedded into the very rock of the mountain and you have to walk through the cave to get there. It is almost half a building, the rest of the half is a natural shelter of caves. 

Carved into the Mountain: Santuario de la Virgen de Balma is carved into the rocks of the mountains in Catalonia, Spain.Source//Millars/Wikimedia

To reach the place you have to trek up a steep slope until you reach a little chapel of the Virgen de la Balma next to a river. Then you begin the climb up the sacred mountain until you reach the sanctuary.

Religious Importance of Santuario de la Virgen de Balma

The role of the Sanctuary in local religious practices is of great importance. Santuario de la Virgen de Balma has been a place of worship and pilgrimage for centuries, attracting believers seeking solace, healing, and spiritual guidance. The sanctuary holds regular religious services, attracting both locals and visitors alike. It serves as a place of reflection and introspection, where individuals can connect with their faith and find inner peace. The serene ambiance and breathtaking beauty of the surroundings make it a perfect setting for prayer and contemplation.

Santuario de la Virgen de Balma used to be the ultimate destination for those possessed by the Devil and people would come to the sanctuary in search of divine healing and holy treatments. 

Many of these possessions today have a name, like epilepsy, and many exorcisms were performed on those visiting. 

Legend of the Virgin Mary in the Caves

The Sanctuary of the Virgin of Balma is not just a place of historical and religious significance; it is also steeped in legends and myths that have been passed down through generations. But what was the origin story behind this so-called sacred place?
One such legend tells the story of a poor shepherd who witnessed the apparition of the Virgin Mary at the site where the sanctuary now stands in the 14th century. The Virgin Mary said to the shepherd that she was going to become a protector of this region and she wanted a temple in her name at this place. 

The Virgin Mary in the Cave: The Santuario de la Virgen de Balma is said to have been placed in these caves after a shepherd met the Virgin Mary that told him to build a temple for her in this place. Source//Wikimedia

According to the legend, she performed a miracle to prove who she was. She cured his arms. In some versions his arm was paralyzed in other it was amputated. In any case, she cured him of his affliction and he decided to make her temple happen. 
He also found a sculpture of the Virgin and went back to town to tell the local priest all about it. Together they went back to the cave and found the sculpture. They brought it back to their local church, but it wouldn’t stay. The next morning it had disappeared and was back in its original spot in the cave. So the Santuario de la Virgen de Balma was built there instead. 

According to the legend, the shepherd was guided by a bright light to a cave, where he saw the Virgin Mary, who spoke to him and performed miracles. This event marked the beginning of the sanctuary’s spiritual journey, and the shepherd became a devout follower, spreading the word of the miracles he had witnessed.

The Witch Cult of Women

Another fascinating aspect of the sanctuary’s history is its association with a strange 18th-century sect of women that started to take more place than the usual pilgrim. These women believed that they were possessed by the Devil, so called Endemoniadas and sought refuge and exorcism at the Santuario de la Virgen de Balma. The sanctuary became a destination for those possessed, and many exorcisms were performed on those visiting. These events added to the mystical aura surrounding the sanctuary and its reputation as a place of divine intervention.

In truth, a lot of these Els Malignes, or conditions were epilepsy or other mental illnesses. According to the stories though, it started with being controlled by the parish priest, but somewhere along the lines, it shifted.  It is said that it then was a council of three witches from the Aragonese town of Caspe, called the Caspolinas, that oversaw the exorcisms at Santuario de la Virgen de Balma.

The Witch Cult: The people that were said to have done the exorcisms of those coming to Santuario de la Virgen de Balma were described as a coven of witches.

It was said that witches, spiritists and others that wanted to make money from exorcism took over the place. The so-called healings took three days and the sick were placed in the caves where they were tied with ribbons. The ribbons on their fingers and toes would make the demon leave their body. Ribbons on their eyes, ears and mouth made the demon blind, deaf and mute. Together the group chanted psalms and the demon supposedly left their body. 

This cult in Santuario de la Virgen de Balma existed all up to the 20th century and in 1929 a visiting journalist called Alardo Prats y Beltran wrote down his experience in the sanctuary. 

The Sanctuary of the Virgin of Balma Today

There are perhaps no more cults, demonic possessions and strange rituals in the Santuario de la Virgen de Balma anymore. But it is still a pilgrimage now with a restaurant and cafe and a museum dedicated to its story for those visiting. 

In conclusion, the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Balma is a treasure trove of history, faith, and miracles. Its enchanting beauty, rich architectural heritage, and captivating legends make it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and spiritual seekers alike. 
Whether you’re seeking solace, exploring the wonders of medieval architecture, or simply immersing yourself in the serene surroundings, the sanctuary promises an unforgettable journey back in time.

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Featured Image: Millars/Wikimedia

El Santuario de la Balma y sus endemoniados

Subterranea of Spain: Santuario de la Virgen de la Balma

Mysterious and Haunted Places in Spain

Santuario de la Virgen de la Balma – Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre