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Häxornas Tid (The age of the witches).
Witchcraft. The prosecution of witches is a part of our history that never ceases to fascinate and scare many of us. The Swedish novelist Jan Guillou, who wrote the historical non-fiction “Häxornas Tid”, the age of the witches, is telling us in the subsequent TV series and drama documentary about the prosecution of witches in 17th century Sweden, and parallels to our present society.
The 17th century burning of witches was a horrid nightmare, and it’s difficult to imagine a stronger image when describing the ultimate violent act, culminating with death sentences and excruciating executions for crimes that didn’t exist.
Mass hysteria and paranoia spread across Sweden with more executions, and thousands of children appearing as witnesses during trials. After a decade the burnings finally stopped, with over 300 people executed in Sweden. Often the accused confessed to a crime that was only in someone’s imagination, and without real evidence.
 Many of the actual, horrid events took place in and around Lillhärdal in Härjedalen’s municipality. Visitors are welcome to visit these places on their own or with our knowledgeable guides. The TV series “Häxornas Tid” the age of the witches was in large parts produced on actual sites in Lillhärdal, which lends the TV series an extra authenticity.
A new museum is opened in Lillhärdal with excellent displays, and where you can learn about the time period, the people, the atmosphere, and the few choices many accused where given during trials, such as going to hell or heaven. The museum has also knowledgeable docents available for individuals and groups.
Based on a dark period in Lillhärdal’s history, we would like to build a new, strong and positive vision for the future that includes great leadership and sound judgment for both women and men.
Härjulfs Resor has developed a range of concepts for conference groups that are focused on strong bonds and positive references, such as truth, courage, trust, and collaboration in our daily lives as well as work life. Please contact us for a positive proposal.
Pictures from the TV series production set of “Häxornas Tid” in Lillhärdal.
The TV series is in large parts set in Lillhärdal, where the main character Stor-Märit Jonsdotter’s life is portrayed in in-depth. Her destiny made a very deep impression on Jan Guillou, and she is described by TV4 as the TV series heroine. In September year 2005, Jan Guillou, bishop Tony Guldbrandzén and the current Minister for Justice Beatrice Ask participated in a commemoration for Stor-Märit Jonsdotter.
The procession went through the village to the site where she met her final destiny in year 1667, and ended with a ceremony and presentation of Stor-Märit Jonsdotter’s memorial stone. The prosecution of witches started when Gertrud’s younger brother Mats innocently described her as walking on water one evening. Gertrud, an 11-year-old girl with wild imagination later told that she met her stepmother Stor-Märit in Blåkulla, a place where the witches fly to gather on Halloween.
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| Stor-Märit Jonsdotter |
Gertrud walks on water |
Stor-Märit och Sven Nilsson Hwass |
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| Stor-Märit, Gertrud och Sven |
Stor-Märit |
The trial against Stor-Märit. (The scene was filmed in Salixbyn) |
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| Stor-Märit is led to her execution |
Picture from the production set |
The trial against Stor-Märit. (The scene was filmed in Salixbyn) |
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| After nearly 4 years, Stor-Märit is led to her execution by public beheading and burning on a bonfire |
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| Execution |
Church in Lillhärdal |
A procession from the church to Stor-Märit Jonsdotter’s memorial stone in Lillhärdal |
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| Beatrice Ask, bishop Tony Guldbrandzén och Jan Guillou |
Jan Guillou och Bishop Tony Guldbrandzén |
Beatrice, Mats, Stor-Märit och Jan Guillou |
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| Stor-Märit och Mats |
Jan Guillou |
Local male actor |
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| Local female actress |
Ann-Marie Skarp and Jan Guillou at the production set |
Execution of Rumpar-Malin |
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