On Christmas Eve 1617 a ferocious storm sprung up suddenly and forty local fishermen will killed at sea over the tiny town of Vardo. One of the eyewitnesses strangely described it as if it were loosened from a bag. Three years later the first trials of the largest Scandinavian witch hunts took place at the fortress.
These women were held responsible for the earlier storm by virtue of their alleged association withSatan. It was claimed that Satan marked them as his by biting the women between the fingers of their lefthands. Naturally there were salacious allegations of sexual union with the devil. When there was any question of guilt the accused woman was thrown into the sea. If she floated and lived this was proof that she was a witch. In all over 80 women were burned as witches here in this picturesque sea village and there is a monument to them.
The monument is on the other side of the island and according to Google maps 14 minutes from where we dock. We had just 40 minutes before the ship departed with or without us. Despite lots of anxiety from my life partner I set off at a brisk place and found time to soak up the spirit of the place. A unique memorial of man’s inhumanity against their fellow human being. I do not judge their ignorance from the
comfort of 21st century knowledge up against 17th century knowledge. What I cannot accept is their lack of compassion towards their fellow compatriots.
While I am racing to the witches memorial my resourceful life partner detours to the ancient fortress and snags these photos. We truly make a great pair!
