In folklore and literary works, the concept of witches has always been fascinating and bewitching. Scotland, in particular, is renowned for its rich tradition of witches and witchcraft. Among the many intriguing tales, one that stands out is that of the Highland Witch. The Highland Witch, also known as a Highland Seer, was a figure that emerged from the Scottish Highlands during the 17th and 18th centuries. Popularized by their inclusion in Sir Walter Scott's novels, Highland Witches were believed to possess extraordinary supernatural abilities and were often feared and respected within their communities. These witches were known for their ability to foresee the future and provide valuable insights and advice to their fellow Highlanders.
Title: The Highland Witch (original title: Corrag)
Author: Susan Fletcher
Published: 2010
Length: 368 pages
The era of witch-hunts is coming to an end but Charles Leslie, an Irish propagandist and Jacobite, hears of the Massacre and, keen to publicise it, comes to the tollbooth to question her on the events of that night, and the weeks preceding it. Corrag s tale is framed in that the story begins with her in jail awaiting execution while she tells her story to Charles Leslie, who in reality published the story of the Glencoe Massacre.
These witches were known for their ability to foresee the future and provide valuable insights and advice to their fellow Highlanders. They claimed to have a connection with the spiritual realm, allowing them to communicate with the dead and gain access to ancient wisdom. It was believed that their predictions and prophecies were accurate, leading many to seek their guidance, especially during tumultuous times.
Sherry Sharpnack's Reviews > The Highland Witch
This was a much better story than I expected. I was not expecting the depth of emotion and lovely description of the Highlands of Scotland.
Corrag is the daughter and granddaughter of “witches”—woman who didn’t fit in to the society of the seventeenth-century English-Scottish borderlands. Corrag’s grandmother was judicially drowned as a witch, w/ her husband watching, helpless. Corrag’s mother, Cora, raised her daughter alone, out on the moors. They made what money they could w/ their herbs and medicinal preparations. Cora was visited by the men of the village after dark, but called her “witch” in the daylight. She made fun of her plight by naming her daughter “Corrag”—a mix of “Cora” and “hag,” which was another name for a witch.
The story is told backwards. We meet Corrag in a Scottish prison, awaiting her execution for witchcraft. An Irish minister, an early “Jacobite”—someone who wanted the restoration of the deposed King James to the English throne—visits Corrag to find out what she knows of the massacre at Glencoe, where a branch of MacDonalds was wiped out by British soldiers. Had the MacDonalds committed treason, or was it treachery on the part of the soldiers?
We watch Mr. Leslie’s opinion of Corrag soften from his anti-witchcraft stance to one of understanding and then sympathy for Corrag, through the plot device of letters to his wife back home in Ireland. These end every chapter. We find out that Mr. Leslie also know sorrow, as he and his wife lost a daughter at her birth.
Corrag had fled northern England w/ a stolen mare on the night the townspeople finally turned on her mother. She ended up in a beautiful, secluded valley where she builds herself a dugout home and a life off the land. She meets the McIain, the head of the Glencoe clan MacDonald when she is called to tend a wound. She falls for his second son, who is married already. I was worried that this would turn sordid, but it never did. In fits and starts, Corrag finally tells Mr. Leslie about witnessing the massacre, when the soldiers turned on their MacDonald hosts and murdered most of them. Corrag is caught warning the family to flee and she is imprisoned.
Mr. Leslie is moved to try to save Corrag from her fate. I don’t want to spoil the ending, so will again emphasize the painstakingly-drawn beauty of the Highlands and descriptions of women living outside of what society considered “normal” at that time. A surprising five stars.
Why I want to read it:
The Highland Witch was also associated with the practice of herbalism and healing. They were believed to possess extensive knowledge of medicinal plants and possessed the ability to cure ailments and diseases. This further enhanced their reputation and made them revered figures in their communities. However, like all figures associated with witchcraft, the Highland Witch was not immune to suspicion and persecution. During the era of witch trials and witch hunts in Scotland, many women suspected of being witches were falsely accused, leading to their arrest and execution. The Highland Witch, with her mystical abilities and otherworldly connection, was not spared from these witch trials. Despite the myths and legends that surround them, it is essential to view the concept of the Highland Witch within its historical and cultural context. Whether they were truly gifted with supernatural powers or simply wise women with extensive knowledge, the Highland Witch remains an intriguing figure in Scottish folklore. Today, the legacy of the Highland Witch lives on through the stories and tales passed down through generations. Their enigmatic presence continues to captivate and mystify those who delve into the rich tapestry of Scottish folklore..
Reviews for "Unraveling the Techniques of Highland Witchcraft"
1. Emily - 1/5 Stars: I was really disappointed with "The Highlands Witch". The plot was confusing and the characters were poorly developed. I found it hard to connect with any of them or even care about what was happening. The pacing was also off, with slow parts dragging on forever and then sudden jumps in the storyline that left me feeling lost. Overall, I feel like this book was a waste of my time.
2. David - 2/5 Stars: I had high expectations for "The Highlands Witch" but unfortunately, it fell short. The writing style was overly descriptive and the author seemed to get lost in unnecessary details, which made the story drag on. The magic system was poorly explained and inconsistent. At times, I found it hard to follow the plot and often had to reread sections to understand what was going on. Overall, it had potential but it failed to deliver.
3. Laura - 2/5 Stars: I really struggled to get through "The Highlands Witch". The pacing was slow and the dialogue felt forced. The author jumped between multiple storylines without proper transitions, which made it difficult to keep up with the plot. The characters lacked depth and I had a hard time connecting with them. While the concept was intriguing, the execution fell flat. I would not recommend this book to others.
4. John - 1/5 Stars: "The Highlands Witch" was a major disappointment. The writing was poorly executed, with awkward sentence structures and grammatical errors throughout. The plot was predictable and the twists felt forced. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked any real development. I found myself skimming through pages just to finish the book. Overall, it was a forgettable read that I wouldn't recommend to anyone.