The midday witch is a fictional character found in various folklore and literature. This character is often portrayed as a powerful and malevolent female figure who appears at noon to wreak havoc on unsuspecting individuals. She is known for her wickedness and the terrifying nature of her actions. In many tales, the midday witch is said to prey on children who disobey their parents or stray too far from home during the middle of the day. She is said to have the ability to curse or possess these children, leading to their untimely demise or bringing them great misfortune. The midday witch is often depicted as having a hideous appearance, with long, tangled hair, sharp claws, and glowing red eyes.
Thomas Putnam: Ringleader of the Salem Witch Hunt?
Thomas Putnam was the father of afflicted girl Ann Putnam, Jr, and many historians consider him to be a major influence in the Salem Witch Trials.
Putnam himself accused and testified against 43 people while his daughter testified against 62 people. Many historians believe the Putnam family used the witchcraft hysteria in Salem as a way to get revenge against their neighboring rivals and enemies.
The midday witch is often depicted as having a hideous appearance, with long, tangled hair, sharp claws, and glowing red eyes. She is said to wear tattered, dark clothing and carries a broomstick, which is believed to aid her in her evil deeds. Many stories featuring the midday witch explore themes of disobedience, parental authority, and the consequences of one's actions.
Thomas Putnam’s Early Life:
Thomas Putnam was born on January 12, 1652, into a wealthy, third-generation Salem family that owned a substantial amount of land in Salem Village and Essex County. Putnam was a sergeant in the local militia and had previously fought in King Phillip’s war.
In 1678 he married Ann Carr, of Salisbury, who also came from a wealthy family. They had 10 children together, including their eldest child, Ann Putnam, Jr, who was born in 1679.
In January of 1692, Ann Putnam, Jr., and the other “afflicted girls” began displaying strange symptoms: barking like a dog, suffering seizures and complaining of being pinched by invisible spirits.
By the end of February, a local doctor declared them bewitched and the girls named three women responsible for tormenting them: Tituba, Sarah Osborne and Sarah Good.
Since the girls were too young to do so themselves, Thomas Putnam and three other men, Edward Putnam, Thomas Preston and Joseph Hutchinson, filed complaints against the women on the girl’s behalf on February 29th.
House of Thomas Putnam & family in Danvers circa 1891
The women were arrested the following day and examined before a judge. During Tituba’s examination, she confessed to being a witch and claimed there were many others like her in Salem, thus sparking a massive manhunt for witches in Salem.
They serve as cautionary tales for children, warning them of the dangers of venturing too far from home or disobeying their parents. In literature and film, the midday witch has been portrayed in various ways. Some portrayals show her as a sympathetic character, while others emphasize her malevolence and cruelty. Regardless of the interpretation, the midday witch remains a powerful and feared figure in folklore and fiction. Overall, the midday witch is a fascinating character that has captured the imaginations of people for generations. Whether she is seen as a force for evil or as a reflection of societal fears and anxieties, her presence in folklore and literature continues to intrigue and frighten audiences worldwide..
Reviews for "The Midday Witch: A Haunting Entity That Strikes Fear in the Hearts of Many"
1. John - 2/5 - I found "The Midday Witch" to be quite underwhelming. The story felt flat and predictable, lacking any real tension or suspense. The acting was subpar, with wooden performances that failed to engage me. Additionally, the pacing was off, making the film feel slow and dragged out. All in all, I was extremely disappointed with this film.
2. Sarah - 1/5 - "The Midday Witch" was an absolute waste of time. The plot was confusing and poorly developed, leaving me feeling completely detached from the story. The characters were one-dimensional and uninteresting, making it difficult to care about their fates. The scares were cheap and ineffective, relying on jump scares rather than building a sense of dread. Overall, I would not recommend this film to anyone looking for a good horror movie.
3. Michael - 2/5 - I'm usually a fan of horror movies, but "The Midday Witch" missed the mark for me. The concept had potential, but the execution fell short. The film failed to establish a tense atmosphere, and the scares were predictable and uninspired. In addition, the characters felt poorly developed, making it difficult to invest in their journey. I was left feeling bored and underwhelmed by this film.
4. Emily - 3/5 - "The Midday Witch" had moments of promise, but ultimately, it failed to live up to expectations. The story had interesting aspects, but it lacked a cohesive narrative and left many loose ends. The pacing was inconsistent, with the film dragging in certain parts and rushing through others. While the cinematography was visually appealing, the weak script and underdeveloped characters made it difficult to fully enjoy the film. It had potential, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me.