Ep 5. Mary Webster: The Witch of Hadley

In season 2, episode 5 of Lore titled "Mary Webster: The Witch of Hadley," viewers are taken back in time to England in the early 17th century where witches were believed to be real and practicing witchcraft was a crime punishable by death. The episode tells the story of Mary Webster, a woman who was accused of being a witch in the small town of Hadley, Massachusetts.

Through historical accounts and expert interviews, the episode explores the fear and hysteria surrounding witchcraft in colonial America and the ways in which accusations of witchcraft were used as a tool of control and oppression. We learn about Mary's life and her alleged involvement in the dark arts, including the ways in which she was said to have used her powers to curse her neighbors and bring destruction upon the town.

As the episode unfolds, we see how Mary's trial and eventual exoneration shed light on the complexity of belief and superstition in early American society. We also see the ways in which the legacy of these witchcraft trials continues to shape our understanding of the supernatural and the role of women in society.

Ultimately, "Mary Webster: The Witch of Hadley" is a thought-provoking exploration of one woman's experience of the Salem witch trials and the broader cultural forces at work during this dark period in American history. By delving deep into Mary's story, the episode helps us to better understand the ways in which the fear of the unknown and the quest for power can lead to acts of unspeakable cruelty and injustice.