The Basque Witch-Hunt

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Set against the backdrop of a witch-hunt in June 1609, the story unfolds in the Basque-speaking province of Pays de Labourd, where two judges executed up to 80 individuals for witchcraft. The ensuing panic led many to flee to Spain, fueled by shocking testimonies of cannibalism and demonic acts, primarily from children. Judge Pierre de Lancre's sensational account shaped the historical narrative, portraying the events through his biased perspective, which has dominated interpretations of this tragic chapter in France’s history.