It all started when a huge storm drowned 40 men on Christmas Eve, 1617.
The people of Vardø, northern Norway, needed someone to blame.
What followed were devastating witch trials which featured one of the highest execution rates in Europe, and implicated the town's women and the surrounding indigenous population.
Joining Anthony and Maddy to delve into this icy world is author and historian Marion Gibson.
This episode was edited by Tim Arstall. Produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Freddy Chick.
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After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal is a History Hit podcast.
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