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The sorcery rituals of 17th-century Iceland

07-17-2024

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July 17, 2024

Rituals
Necropants and Other Tales of 17th-Century Icelandic Sorcery
Iceland in the 17th century wasn’t the greatest time or place to be alive. Faced with natural disasters, constant coastal pirate raids, and a crushing class system, the Icelandic peasants of the time led a hard life. Unsurprisingly, witchcraft emerged as a last resort. In Iceland, sorcery was defined by the oddly specific and elaborate rituals themselves, which often call for some bodily tithe or gruesome sacrifice. And in some cases, some extremely vile leggings.
 
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Festivals
Wondrous Festivals
Meet historian Averil Shepherd, the creator of an online database of roughly 750 traditions celebrated across England, Scotland, and Wales. Her mission: Attend every wondrous British festival.  
 
Atlas Obscura Lists
The Strangeness of Borders
From an easy way to cross the Arctic Circle to visit Santa, to a little lost bit of Michigan in Ohio, here are some of our favorite weird borders.  
 
Wintry Wonders
Vermont’s ‘Snowflake Man’
Where we are, it’s hot out, so we’re looking back in time to meet Wilson Bentley, the first man to claim that each snowflake is unique—and provide evidence.  
 
Atlas Obscura Courses
Designing Walking Tours
In this course with tour guide and historical journalist Hadley Meares, you’ll learn how to curate your own walking tour for any place that you really care about.  

Enroll Now →

Sponsored by Cayman Jack
An Insider’s Guide to the Wonders of Peru
Machu Picchu is a natural draw for tourists, but locals know there’s a lot more to be discovered past Peru’s best-known site. Get the insider’s perspective on traveling to Peru, including the ancient ruins to explore off the beaten path and the best cities to visit outside of Lima.
 
Explore Now →

Tokyo, Japan
Grave of Hattori Hanzō
Here lies Hattori Hanzō, a samurai who is remembered as a legendary ninja in today’s popular culture.
 
 
Spain
A Salt Flat Dating Back To the 19th Century
 
 
England
This Island Fort Is Only Protecting its Ghosts
 
 
Colorado
Have Some Color With Your Hot Spring Water
 
 
Morocco
A Skateboarding Park With Ocean Views
 

Atlas Obscura Adventures
Indulge in the Flavors of Morocco
Immerse yourself in a gastronomic odyssey through Morocco, a land where exotic aromas dance through ancient medinas and culinary traditions are woven into the fabric of daily life. From the vibrant streets of Marrakech to the vast Saharan dunes, embark on a feast for the senses that will leave you utterly enchanted and craving more of its irresistible flavors.
 
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