The outbreak of mass allegations of Satanist child abuse in the parish of Rättvik, Sweden, 1670-71: two texts by Gustav J. Elvius.
During recent decades, interpretation of mass allegations fo Satanist child abductions have challenged psychiatrists and mental health professionals in the Western world. It has been argued that a useful perspective on this phenomenon ay be gained from a study of historical parallels from countries such as Spain, Germany and Sweden. The texts translated below are an eyewitness account of the witch panic in Rättvik 1670-71 and a letter of 1671, both written by the Reverend Gustav Elvius.
Sjöberg
Rickard L
RL
Centre for Clinical Research, Central Hospital of Västerås. Email: rickard.sjoberg@ltvastmanland.se
D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000266:history*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D049670:History, 17th Century; D006801:Humans; D011570:Psychiatry / Q000266:history*; D013548:Sweden; D018599:Witchcraft / Q000266:history*