Ratter,Kathren

Case Reference: C/JO/3013

Case Summary
Case RefC/JO/3013
AccusedKathren Ratter
Case Start Date9/6/1708
Case Date9/6/1708
Common NameRatter,Kathren
Characterization
TypePrimarySecondary
Maleficium
Neighbourhood Dispute
Refused Charity
White Magic

Notes: The family seems to have been unpopular and asking for alms, which were refused.

Elphane/Fairyland
Food/Drink
Verbal Formulae
Ritual Acts
Familiars
Shape Changing
Dreams/Visions
Unorthodox Religious Practice
Sympathetic Magic
Riding Dead

Notes: Witnesses claimed she cursed a man saying 'God should swarfin his body and his ground' and later the man's body decayed. Swarf - to faint or swoon. Also told family of sick woman who was having blood let that this would not help her. Woman later died.

Harm
Human Illness
Human Death
Animal Illness
Animal Death
Female Infertility
Male Impotence
Methods
Aggravating Disease
Transferring Disease
Laying On
Quarreling
Cursing
Poisoning
Healing / Other
Removal of Bewitchment
Recognised Healer
Healing Humans
Healing Animals
Midwifery
Property Damage
Weather Modification

Disease Notes: Accused appears to have argued/cursed her neighbours after disputes. Later sickness/death blamed on her. Refused alms, child of house took ill and died - witnesses claimed he had a 'blue weed' (?fever).

White Magic
  • Prophesy

  • Refusal of alms

NameTitleInvolvementNotes
George Duncan MrInvestigator
John Mitchell Mrcase referred to Mitchell

SourceReferenceNotes
Shetland Presbytery recordsCH2/1071/1, p 153-155.
Trials (1)
Trial RefDateYearVerdictSentenceExecution
T/JO/1278 No