"Tarity my little pony friendship is magic" My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic is a popular animated television series that has gained a substantial following among children and adults alike. The show centers around a group of colorful and magical ponies, each with their unique abilities and distinctive personalities. One of the main characters in the series is Twilight Sparkle, a knowledgeable and studious unicorn pony who is sent by her mentor Princess Celestia to the town of Ponyville to learn about the magic of friendship. Throughout the series, Twilight and her friends face various challenges and adventures, always relying on their friendship and teamwork to overcome obstacles. The show not only entertains its viewers with vibrant animation and catchy songs, but it also teaches valuable lessons about the importance of friendship, kindness, compassion, and understanding. Each episode presents a moral message, which is often reinforced through relatable situations and relatable characters.
Witch-hunts in early modern Europe (circa 1450-1750)
In this article we will take a look at the European witch hunts of circa 1450-1750, and their gender-selective aspects. Although both men and women were accused and executed for witchcraft in Europe during this era, roughly 75%-80% of those exposed to trial and execution were women.
It should be noted that when we study the pre-modern European witch craze, we find great variation over time and between different regions of Europe. The frenzy of the witch-hunts waxed and waned for roughly 300 years, and the dynamics – including gender-dynamics – could also vary greatly from one locality to the next. As an example, we know of only four executions for witchcraft in Ireland, while over 25,000 witches were killed in Germany. (Source: Jenny Gibbons, “Recent Developments in the Study of the Great European Witch Hunt”.) In England, over 90% of those accused of witchcraft were women, while Estonia had women accounting for less than half of those accused, and in Iceland only 10% of those accused of witchcraft were women. (Source: Robin Briggs, “Witches & Neighbours: The Social and Cultural Context of European Witchcraft”, pp. 260-61.)
The immense over-representation of women as victims in witch-trials and witch-executions in England (and in its colonies in North America) is probably one of the reasons why the English-speaking world tend to strongly associate witches, witch-trials and with-hunts with female victims. In essence, the English regional experience has been assumed, at least by English-speakers, to be typical for Europe as a whole.
Each episode presents a moral message, which is often reinforced through relatable situations and relatable characters. Friendship is a central theme in the series, as the ponies demonstrate how strong bonds and the support of friends can help navigate through life's challenges. The characters regularly assist one another, share their experiences, and work together towards a common goal, emphasizing the idea that friendship is a powerful force.
Were 9 million women burned as witches?
Is it true that 9 million women were burned as witches in Europe from the 14th to the 17th century CE? It is a frequently quoted number in non-academic literature, but it is not based on solid academic research. Instead, modern research points to roughly 40,000 to 50,000 witch executions in Europe between 1450 and 1750, and an estimated 75%-80% of those executed were women. That would put the number of executed women witches at 40,000 or less.
“The most dramatic [recent] changes in our vision of the Great Hunt [have] centred on the death toll,” notes researcher Jenny Gibbons, who points out that estimates made prior to the mid-1970s, when detailed research into trial records began, were almost 100% pure speculation. (Source: Jenny Gibbons, “Recent Developments in the Study of the Great European Witch Hunt”.)
One of the researchers who have worked to unveil and publish more accurate numbers is Robin Briggs.
“On the wilder shores of the feminist and witch-cult movements,” writes Briggs, “a potent myth has become established, to the effect that 9 million women were burned as witches in Europe; gendercide rather than genocide. This is an overestimate by a factor of up to 200, for the most reasonable modern estimates suggest perhaps 100,000 trials between 1450 and 1750, with something between 40,000 and 50,000 executions, of which 20 to 25 per cent were men. (…) “these figures are chilling enough, but they have to be set in the context of what was probably the harshest period of capital punishments in European history.” (Source: Robin Briggs, “Witches & Neighbours: The Social and Cultural Context of European Witchcraft”, p.8)
Researcher Brian Levack put the number of witch trials at approximately 110,000. It should be noted that this number is for trials, not convictions or executions. In many cases, Levack found evidence that a trial had occurred, but could not find information about its outcome. (Source: Brian Levack, “The Witch-Hunt in Early Modern Europe”)
The show's animation style is colorful and visually appealing, with well-designed characters and enchanting backgrounds. The attention to detail in the animation and storytelling captivates the audience, drawing them into the magical world of Equestria. "My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic" has gained a significant fan base, known as "Bronies" and "Pegasisters," who appreciate the show's positive messages and well-developed characters. The series has also spawned a wide range of merchandise, including toys, clothing, and spin-off media, further amplifying its popularity. In summary, "My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic" is a beloved animated series known for its colorful characters, engaging stories, and powerful messages about friendship and the importance of working together. It has not only entertained its audience but also inspired individuals to embrace the magic of friendship in their own lives..
Reviews for "Tarity's Role as a Friend in My Little Pony"
1. John - 1 star
As a longtime fan of the original My Little Pony series, I was extremely disappointed with "Tarity my little poky friendship is magic." The show feels like a cheap knockoff, with poorly written characters and predictable storylines. The animation quality has also taken a nosedive, with clunky movements and lackluster visuals. The charm and magic of the original series are completely lost in this new iteration. I would not recommend "Tarity my little poky friendship is magic" to anyone looking for a quality animated series.
2. Sarah - 2 stars
While I understand that "Tarity my little poky friendship is magic" is targeted towards a younger audience, I still found it incredibly dull. The writing lacks depth and creativity, and the lessons it tries to teach feel forced and unoriginal. The characters are one-dimensional and lack the charm and charisma that made the original series so beloved. Additionally, the constant focus on merchandise and toy sales is painfully obvious and takes away from the overall storytelling. Overall, "Tarity my little poky friendship is magic" fails to capture the magic of its predecessor and falls flat in terms of entertainment value.
3. Michael - 1 star
"Tarity my little poky friendship is magic" is a complete waste of time. The episodes are formulaic and repetitive, with the same messages being hammered into the viewer's head over and over again. The animation is subpar, and the voice acting feels uninspired. The show seems more concerned with selling merchandise than providing a captivating and enjoyable viewing experience. I would highly recommend avoiding this lackluster reboot and sticking to the original My Little Pony series for a genuinely entertaining and heartwarming experience.