Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of historical witchcraft accusations, curses, violence, and frightening experiences associated with sleep paralysis. Listener discretion is advised.
Can a locked door really keep out everything we fear?
For centuries, people believed witches, curses, and supernatural forces could find their way into even the safest homes. But protecting themselves often meant turning to some rather unusual methods.
In the final episode of our Witches of October series, we explore Ontario's infamous Baldoon Mystery, the strange history of witch bottles and protective magic, and the unsettling objects discovered hidden within the walls of historic homes.
Then, we travel to Newfoundland to uncover the terrifying legend of the Old Hag, a mysterious nighttime visitor connected to witchcraft, folklore, and sleep paralysis.
From Canadian witch legends to centuries-old superstitions, these stories reveal just how far people went to protect their homes from unwanted forces.
Because sometimes, the most frightening things don't need an invitation to come inside.
Stay curious, stay spooky. đ€
Follow Let's Talk Spooky for more Canadian folklore, haunted history, witch legends, and unexplained encounters.
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Sources & Further Reading
- Dictionary of Canadian Biography. âTroyer, John.â University of Toronto/UniversitĂ© Laval, â www.biographi.ca/en/bio/troyer_john_7E.htmlâ .
- Glanvill, Joseph. Saducismus Triumphatus: Or, Full and Plain Evidence Concerning Witches and Apparitions. J. Collins and S. Lownds, 1681. Wellcome Collection.
- Historic England. âDiscovering Witchesâ Marks.â historicengland.org.uk/whats-new/features/discovering-witches-marks/.
- Hufford, David J. The Terror That Comes in the Night: An Experience-Centered Study of Supernatural Assault Traditions. University of Pennsylvania Press, 1982.
- London Museum. âLauderdale House: Witchcraft Relics Hidden in the Wall.â 15 Oct. 2024, â www.londonmuseum.org.uk/blog/lauderdale-house-witchcraft-relics-hidden-in-the-wall/â .
- Museum of London Archaeology. ââWitch Bottlesâ Concealed and Revealed.â â www.mola.org.uk/discoveries/research-projects/witch-bottles-concealed-and-revealedâ .
- âSuperstitions in Newfoundland.â The Journal of American Folklore, vol. 9, no. 34, 1896, pp. 222â23. â https://doi.org/10.2307/533410â .
- University of Lincoln. âRare 18th-Century âWitch Bottleâ Investigated by Lincoln Student.â 24 Jan. 2025, news.lincoln.ac.uk/2025/01/24/rare-18th-century-witch-bottle-investigated-by-lincoln-student/.
- Wallaceburg and District Museum. âBaldoon Mystery.â â www.wallaceburgmuseum.ca/baldoonmysteryâ .
