The concept of a voodoo doll has always been a fascinating and alluring aspect of various cultures and beliefs. Often associated with magic and sorcery, the allure of the voodoo doll lies in its supposed ability to manipulate and control a person's wellbeing and fate. A voodoo doll is typically created to resemble a specific individual and is believed to be imbued with spiritual power. The creator of the doll will perform rituals and spells to connect the doll to its intended target, allowing them to cast spells upon the individual by manipulating the doll. This idea of having control over another person through a tangible representation is undeniably captivating. The alluring nature of the voodoo doll stems from the appeal of power and control.
What’s always fascinated me about this era was the many, many superstitions poor people relied on — herbs and charms and buried cat heads, for example — to ward off misfortune. But throw in an accusation of witchcraft and suddenly what should have fit easily within the paradigm of overall superstition was a potentially terminal offense.
Furthermore, everyone knew of the accidental deaths of two Schmieg children and about the conflicts within the family, particularly between Anna and her daughter, Eva, over issues of inheritance and Eva s unsuitable marriage. The conflicts and tensions of rural life meant that some women, especially women like Schmieg, who had a sharp tongue, a drinking problem, and many enemies, gained reputations as witches, which could lead to dangerous accusations in times of crisis or after an untimely death, whether of a person or of cattle.
The alluring nature of the voodoo doll stems from the appeal of power and control. People are naturally drawn to the idea of having influence over others, and the voodoo doll provides a seemingly tangible way to achieve this. Through the doll, one can perform rituals and spells that are meant to either harm or help the individual it represents.
[TSS] Review: The Last Witch of Langenburg, Thomas Robisheaux
On Shrove Tuesday, 1672, in Langenburg, Germany, a young woman by the name of Eva Kustner brought a festive cake to her neighbor, Anna Fessler. Anna had recently given birth and as such, was still in delicate health, watched over by two other women constantly. Anna ate one of Eva’s cakes, but the rest were thrown away. Later that night, Anna began having convulsions and died. In the investigation that followed, blame fell on Anna Schmieg, Eva’s mother and the wife of the miller. Anna Schmieg had never been liked by her neighbors but had instead a reputation for alcoholism, nasty language, and cursing. It isn’t a stretch for them to accuse her of witchcraft and poisoning and throw her in prison. In this enlightening work of micro-history, Thomas Robisheaux explores Anna’s trial and sentencing as well as the larger political climate to give us a deeper look at accusations of witchcraft, the uncertain state of Germany after the Thirty Years’ War, and peasant culture in the late seventeenth century.
The broad concept of this book is fascinating. I had no idea that using one event to explore outlying themes was called micro-history but I love it. The trial of Anna Schmieg, as well as those of her daughter, husband, and fellow witches in other communities, was the focal point of this work, but so many interesting ideas are carefully considered. First, we are taught a little about village life. The miller was, naturally, an essential for every village, but was also rarely liked by townspeople. He could withhold grain, charge too much, or beef up his grain with sawdust and no one would ever know. He was also frequently richer than the average peasant. So suspicion falling on the miller’s wife, especially given Anna’s reputation and the coincidence of the cakes, is easily understood.
We also explore the reasons why Anna was found guilty and the potential thought process going through the heads of all the men involved, from the judge to the doctor who examined Anna Fessler’s body to the university authorities who were pulled in to pass judgement. This is all explained very carefully and I never felt lost or confused. Robisheaux explains everything he mentions and I felt that I learned a lot here about legal process, Protestantism and medical theory. It’s fascinating why people who had never seen Anna Fessler’s body decided that she’d died of arsenic poisoning and more still how the constant questions broke both Anna Schmieg and her daughter, horrible as that is, into confessing.
All of this, naturally, is wrapped up in the political struggles of The Holy Roman Empire and particular folk beliefs which caused the townspeople to react as they did. To some extent witchcraft was part of their culture and that made it even easier to single out those whose actions may have seemed entirely ordinary otherwise. With recent devastation behind them and threats on the horizon, people wanted someone to blame. Anna Schmieg was their scapegoat.
Never once does Thomas Robisheaux tell us outright his theory. Instead, he provides us with the evidence and allows us to draw our own conclusions. He doesn’t manipulate the evidence, but lays out the facts in a way that is understandable and interesting. There is no villainizing. Clearly, Anna Schmieg was not a witch, but she may have poisoned the cakes; they may have been intended for someone else, however, and not Anna Fessler. There are theories, but Robisheaux doesn’t force them on his reader. Instead we’re left with the feeling that we’ve learned something and, even better, that we want to learn more.
Keep on reading!:
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Posted by Meghan | June 7th, 2009 | Tags: history, review copy | Category: reviews | | 12 comments - (Comments are closed)
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Furthermore, the idea of using a doll to bring harm to others is particularly captivating due to its association with revenge and justice. Those who feel wronged or oppressed may find solace in the thought of using a voodoo doll to seek retribution against their oppressors. This allure of seeking justice and revenge through unconventional means adds to the intrigue surrounding voodoo dolls. However, it is essential to recognize that the belief in the power of voodoo dolls is steeped in superstition and mythology. Many dismiss these practices as mere folklore and view them as nothing more than a source of entertainment. Yet, the allure of the voodoo doll persists, captivating the imagination of those fascinated by the occult and supernatural. In conclusion, the alluring voodoo doll captivates people's attention due to its association with power, control, revenge, and justice. While its effectiveness and validity may be questionable, the continued fascination with this mystical object serves as a testament to our enduring fascination with the mysterious and unknown..
Reviews for "The Intriguing and Alluring History of Voodoo Dolls"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with the Alluring voodoo doll. I had read so many positive reviews about it, but it did not live up to the hype at all. The doll was poorly made, with loose stitches and uneven seams. It looked nothing like the picture shown on the website. Moreover, it did not have any effect on my love life as advertised. It was a complete waste of money and I would not recommend it to anyone.
2. Michael - 1 star - The Alluring voodoo doll was a complete scam. I ordered it with the hope of improving my luck and attracting positive energy, but instead, it brought nothing but negative vibes into my life. The doll itself was flimsy and low-quality. It seemed more like a cheap toy rather than a powerful talisman. I followed all the instructions, but I did not feel any difference in my life. I regret buying it and would advise others to stay away from this product.
3. Emily - 3 stars - I had mixed feelings about the Alluring voodoo doll. While it arrived on time and in good condition, I did not feel any real benefits from using it. The concept seemed intriguing, but it fell short in execution. The materials used were average, and the doll did not have the powerful aura I was expecting. I gave it a fair chance, but unfortunately, it did not bring any positive changes to my life. It might work for some, but it did not work for me.
4. David - 2 stars - I bought the Alluring voodoo doll with high hopes, but it ended up being a letdown. The doll itself was smaller than expected and did not have the intricate details shown in the pictures. Moreover, the instructions provided were vague and unclear, making it difficult to know if I was using it correctly. I did not notice any impact on my love life or overall luck. It felt like a gimmick rather than a genuine tool for attracting positive energy. I would not recommend wasting your money on this product.