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Cows Reportedly Milked Blood: Last Czech 'Witch Doctor' Defended by Maria Theresa
🇨🇿 Czech Republic /Health & Science

Cows Reportedly Milked Blood: Last Czech 'Witch Doctor' Defended by Maria Theresa

From iDNES · () Czech

Translated from Czech, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Jan Polák, the last Czech condemned for witchcraft 270 years ago, was ultimately spared execution.
  • Empress Maria Theresa intervened in his trial, preventing his death and ending witchcraft-related punishments in Bohemia.
  • Polák's case marks the final instance of such a conviction in the region.

History remembers Jan Polák as the last person in Bohemia to be condemned for witchcraft, a verdict handed down 270 years ago. Despite the severe accusation, his fate took an unexpected turn, sparing him the ultimate penalty.

The trial of Jan Polák, shrouded in the superstitions of the era, concluded with a conviction for witchcraft. However, the historical record indicates that Empress Maria Theresa intervened in the proceedings. Her intervention proved decisive, halting the execution and effectively ending the practice of prosecuting individuals for witchcraft in the Czech lands.

Polák's case stands as a significant historical marker. Following his reprieve, no further individuals were condemned or punished for witchcraft in Bohemia. This event signifies a shift in judicial and societal attitudes towards such accusations, largely attributed to the Empress's decisive action.

The story serves as a curious footnote in legal and social history, highlighting a moment when imperial authority directly influenced the outcome of a trial rooted in deeply ingrained folk beliefs and fears.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by iDNES in Czech. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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