Myths - At the Entrance to Hell

Domen

During the winter of 1662/63 more than 30 women accused of harmful witchcraft, of which some were mere girls, were brought before the court in Eastern Finnmark. Of these, 19 women were found guilty and burned at the stake. These events would prove to be Norway's worst case of persecution. Many of the women told the court that they had been celebrating, dancing and drinking with the Devil at a mountain called Domen. Domen can be found between the small fishing villages of Kiberg and Vardø. The mountain is about 150 meters high. The downpath to Hell was believed to be found someplace at Domen.
Waterpainting by Lilienskiold c.1698.

   © University Library of Tromsø - 1999.
The Northern Lights Route is part of The Council of Europe Cultural Routes. The Cultural Routes are an invitation to Europeans to wander the paths and explore the places where the unity and diversity of our European identity were forged.
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