A new exhibition at Östergötland Museum uncovers the brutal history of Sweden's witch trials. The display focuses on the period known as The Great Noise between 1668 and 1676. It also examines earlier witch hunts across the Östergötland region.
The exhibition highlights the Finspång witch process that began in 1617. Nine women lost their lives during this dark chapter. Museum educator Mikaela Radakovic Kjäll explained the significance of these events. She said the exhibition provides deep insight into this troubling historical period.
Three brothers stood at the center of the witch hunts in Finspång. Claudius, Erik, and Andreas Prytz studied to become priests in German Wittenberg. They obtained powerful positions within the Östergötland church structure. Their education included learning how to identify and punish suspected witches. They brought this knowledge back to Sweden with them.
The exhibition features a unique book that served as a witch-hunting manual. Erik Prytz wrote Magia Incatatrix in 1632 after the Finspång trials concluded. He became the parish priest in Kuddby on Vikbolandet following the trials. Museum officials note he remained obsessed with witchcraft thoughts even after the process ended.
Radakovic Kjäll described the book's importance. She said it offers rare access to the mindset of a priest living during the witch trial era. Visitors can examine his thought patterns and beliefs directly through this historical document.
The witch trials represent one of Sweden's most disturbing historical periods. Local communities turned against neighbors with accusations of witchcraft. The Prytz brothers used their religious authority to pursue these prosecutions. Their German education provided the theoretical foundation for their actions.
This exhibition comes as Sweden reexamines many aspects of its historical legacy. Museum curators aim to present these events with historical accuracy and sensitivity. They want visitors to understand the social dynamics that enabled such persecutions.
The witch trials exhibition opens on November 29. It will remain available for public viewing until April 19. Museum officials expect strong public interest in this dark chapter of Swedish history. The display provides context about how ordinary people became targets of supernatural accusations.
Historical records show witch trials occurred across many Swedish regions during this period. The Östergötland cases were particularly severe in their outcomes. The exhibition serves as both education and memorial for the victims of these unjust proceedings.