What is Witches: Truth Behind the Trials about? (And why you need to watch)

We have read plenty of stories about witch trials around the world. Witches: Truth Behind the Trials is about to take us to various countries to see how they handled the so-called witches, and why there was such fear surrounding them.

As an Outlander fan, there is no doubt that you’ll want to check out this series. To be honest, if you’re a fan of any historical fiction, you need to check out this series. It’s also one for those who are just interested in the injustice women faced back in the day.

What is Witches: Truth Behind the Trials about?

The National Geographic series, which will also stream on Hulu and Disney+, takes us around the world in the past. It’s a look at these so-called witches. The story of witch hunters and witches is brought to life with cinematic recreations, as well as stories from respected and renowned historians who want to make sure the people know the truth.

There’s a look at the miscarriages of justice, the reason for the witch trials and the terrifying deaths, and the fear of the people at the time.

We head around Scotland, England, Sweden, and more. Yes, the United States is included. After all, doesn’t the U.S. have one of the most renowned witch trials: Salem?

Why you need to watch Witches: Truth Behind the Trials

The series has already started. The first three episodes are now available to stream on Disney+ and Hulu. The final three episodes will be released over the next two weeks. The final two episodes will come out on Sunday, Oct. 13. The episodes air on National Geographic on Sundays and will be on Disney+ and Hulu the following day.

The series is an important look into history. History isn’t there to be liked. It’s there to be learned from, and the only way we can do that is to understand it. We need to look at the realities of the past and understand motivations so that we don’t end up repeating it.

This is an anthology type series. Each episode focuses on a different country, so you can start with the ones that call to you the most and then dive into the ones you know little about.

Witches: Truth Behind the Trials episodes

Here’s a look at the full episode schedule so you don’t miss a beat.

Episode 1: America: Salem’s Hunts and Hysteria

As this episode suggests, it takes a look into the Salem Witch Trials. We have to start off big, and it’s time to understand why there was sudden such mass hysteria in the town. How did it all come to an end, and what did Salem do to change witch trials forever in the country?

Episode 2: Germany: The Witch Hunts Begin

When you think of the witch trials around the world, you’ll automatically think of women. After all, it was mostly women who were accused and condemned. It’s time to understand the reason why, and this episode takes a look at a drunken misogynist’s ambitions that created the guide for witch hunters around the world.

Episode 3: Scotland: The King and the Witches

This is the episode that will call to most Outlander fans. After all, Claire Fraser went through the witch trials. It’s time to look at why the hysteria around witches started in Scotland, and it goes back to King James VI of Scotland. He blamed so-called witches on storms and other bad luck. He feared witches so much, that he made an effort to eliminate them all—torturing them if needed.

Episode 4: England: The Witchfinders’ Cruel Crusade

If you grew up in England, you will have heard about witch trials in Northern towns. Doctor Who even did an episode on it. However, this episode is focused on the Civil War and the witch hunters Matthew Hopkins and John Stearne in East Anglia. They would torture witches in exchange for money, and the episode takes a look at why and gives names to the victims.

Episode 5: Sweden: The Legend of Blåkulla

If you’re shocked to see Sweden on the list, you’re not alone. The country was actually mostly unaffected by the witch trials that happened in the past. That was until The Great Noise, which saw hysteria across the country. And it was all due to children telling stories of Blåkulla, a fantastical place witches would live and cavort with the Devil.

Episode 6: Ireland: Possessed by the Devil

Finally, we head back west slightly to 18th century Ireland. Eight women in Islandmagee were brutally punished, leading to one of the most frightening stories of witch trials. It’s time to look at the sheer terror people faced, and also a look at how the end of the witch hunts began.

Witches: Truth Behind the Trials is available on Disney+ and Hulu.

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