Scottish Supernatural Beliefs: witches, ghosts and fairies in the early modern period
Summary
Host Greg Jenner explores early modern Scottish supernatural beliefs with historian Dr. Martha McGill and comedian Mary-Elaine Robertson. They discuss the severe witch trials, the nature of the devil, and regional folklore like Shetland’s trows and Selkies. The episode blends academic history with humorous anecdotes to examine how ghosts, fairies, and demonic theories shaped daily life in 16th-18th century Scotland.
Topics discussed
Sponsors and introduction of guests
Guest backgrounds and setting the scene
Historical context: 17th century Scotland
Defining the supernatural in this period
The witch trials and King James VI
Shetland witch trials and execution methods
Identifying witches: marks and torture
Orkney spells and gaining magic
The Devil's nature and physical form
Consorting with the Devil and prosecution
Demonic possession and entry points
Theories on how the Devil inhabits humans
The Devil as a fallen angel and excuses
Selkies and the 'devil made me do it' excuse
Flighting, cursing, and verbal insults
Sponsor breaks and transition to angels
Angels in Protestant theology and warnings
Fairies, Trows, and regional folklore
Brownies, Meg Mullock, and domestic fairies
Fairy encounters, second sight, and the Fairy Queen
Shetland ghost stories and Protestant views
Theology of ghosts and proof of afterlife
Poltergeists and ghosts revealing crimes
The case of Tibby Mortimer and fake ghosts
Romanticizing folklore and the Highland Clearances
Conclusion and cultural significance
The Nuance Window: rationality of belief
Quiz: So Audio No Now
Outro and other BBC podcast promotions
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