The Witches of Benevento
In southern Italy, people said witches gathered under a walnut tree by the river at Benevento, and crept into houses through the keyhole at night.
What was reported
Benevento, in Campania, was famous across Italy as the city of witches. Legend said they met at night under a great walnut tree on the banks of the Sabato river, flying there from all over the country.
The local witch was called the janara. She slipped into houses through the keyhole, tangled the manes of horses into braids, and brought bad dreams. To keep her out, people put a broom or a pile of salt by the door, since she couldn't enter until she had counted every bristle or grain, and dawn would come first.
Explanations offered
The legend may go back to the Lombards who ruled Benevento in the 7th century and worshipped at a sacred tree, which the bishop had cut down. The witches became part of the city's identity, and a liqueur called Strega, 'witch', is still made there.
- When
- Told since the Middle Ages
- Where
- Benevento, Campania, Italy
- Witnesses
- Southern Italian folklore
- Status
- Legend
Famous cases are real, widely reported events. Each file sets out what witnesses said and the explanations that have been offered, without taking a side.
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