The Quantitative Scope of Witchcraft Trials in Norwegian Bohuslen 1587–1658

A Survey Based on Primary Sources

Authors

  • Ellen Alm NTNU Library, Gunnerus Library NTNU University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61897/arv.v78i.21424

Keywords:

Witchcraft trials, Bohuslen, primary sources, court records, fiscal records, Sweden, Denmark, Norway

Abstract

Bohuslen belonged to Norway until 18 March 1658, when the county was ceded to the Swedes as a result of the Peace of Roskilde. This area has fallen between two stools when it comes to documenting Norwegian witchcraft trials. Swedish historians have regarded the area as Norwegian and Norwegian historians have considered it as Swedish. Until now, this area has not been investigated with regard to Norwegian witchcraft trials. This article aims to chart the quantitative scope of witchcraft trials in Norwegian Bohuslen through an empirical study of primary sources. The fluctuation and severity of the witchcraft trials will be examined, especially in comparison to witchcraft trials in Jutland and Eastern Norway.

Author Biography

Ellen Alm, NTNU Library, Gunnerus Library NTNU University

Ellen Alm is a Historian/senior research librarian at NTNU Library, Gunnerus Library, NTNU University in Trondheim, Norway.

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Published

2022-12-01

How to Cite

Alm, E. (2022). The Quantitative Scope of Witchcraft Trials in Norwegian Bohuslen 1587–1658: A Survey Based on Primary Sources. Arv, 78, 69–88. https://doi.org/10.61897/arv.v78i.21424

Issue

Vol. 78 (2022)

Section

Original Articles

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