The Real Origins of Witches
After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal
History Hit
4.7 • 2.1K Ratings
🗓️ 27 November 2023
⏱️ 38 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
Have you ever wondered what the ancient origins of witchcraft is? How did the black-hat-broomstick stereotype emerge? And what causes the waves of witch trials throughout history, right up to the present day?
Ronald Hutton is back on After Dark to discuss the history of the witch, in an episode from our sister podcast, Betwixt the Sheets.
This podcast was mixed and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.
Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Dan Snow, James Holland, Mary Beard and more.
Get 50% off your first 3 months with code AFTERDARK Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up at historyhit.com/subscribe
You can take part in our listener survey here.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcript
Click on a timestamp to play from that location
| 0:00.0 | The future is unpredictable at times that the Open University are the experts in |
| 0:06.8 | distance learning allowing you to fit study around your life. What's more you'll |
| 0:12.3 | have support from dedicated tutors every step of the way. |
| 0:16.0 | Now, suddenly your possibilities are open. |
| 0:20.0 | Search the Open University to find out more. |
| 0:26.0 | The Open University, the future is open. |
| 0:29.0 | This episode is sponsored by Warner Brothers and Salem's Lot, the spine-tingling new horror film from the legendary Stephen King. |
| 0:41.0 | It is so exciting, it is that time of year. It is a spooky season. It's just the best time of year. No surprise that we love this time of year of course. There is no better fit for this season than a good |
| 0:53.7 | horror film. Salem's Lot is one of Stephen King's favorite stories I'm sure you've |
| 0:58.6 | heard of it and it's adapted from the 1975 best-selling novel. |
| 1:02.8 | Salem's lot follows an author who returns to his hometown in Maine. |
| 1:07.0 | But things are not as they should be. |
| 1:09.6 | The place is being preyed upon by a bloodthirsty vampire. |
| 1:14.5 | Of course it is. |
| 1:15.6 | Why wouldn't it be? |
| 1:16.3 | The place is called Salem. |
| 1:18.0 | Salem's lot is the latest adaptation of Stephen King's bestseller, |
| 1:21.1 | from the creators of the record-breaking horror franchise The Conjuring Universe. |
| 1:25.2 | So take yourself, your mom, your romantic date, or just a pillow to hide behind to see this after dark endorsed vampire movie. |
| 1:34.4 | Salem's lot in cinemas October 11th. The Agritche, and Foul should go after dark myths, misdeeds and the paranormal. |
| 1:55.6 | It's me, Anthony, and I'm just jumping on today to say what you're about here is probably a little different |
| 2:01.3 | from most after dark episodes. |
... |
Please login to see the full transcript.
Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from History Hit, and are the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Tapesearch.
Generated transcripts are the property of History Hit and are distributed freely under the Fair Use doctrine. Transcripts generated by Tapesearch are not guaranteed to be accurate.
Copyright © Tapesearch 2026.