A wax child or doll is a type of Nordic voodoo doll, used to inflict harm on others. It is made from bee wax, nails, hair, or other parts of the intended victim. This one is created by the unmarried noblewoman Christenze Kruckow instead of a human child, serving as our peculiar, immortal, all-seeing narrator. It tells the story of Christenze and a group of women accused of witchcraft. King Christian IV, notorious for his brutal witch hunts, looms in the background.
Christenze resides in Funen, Nakkeboelle, where Anne Bille and her husband live. Anne repeatedly loses her children shortly after birth. By age 32, she had lost 15 children, becoming increasingly bitter, furious, and violent. During one pregnancy, Christenze secretly gives Anne ewe’s milk with a hidden spider, resulting in the birth of a healthy child that dies the next day.
Anne’s anger turns towards Christenze, who lives an unconventional life, enjoying riding, wine, and reading late at night, and often showing up for dinner in riding boots. Anne accuses her of witchcraft. The king, fearful of women suspected of magic, becomes aware, and Christenze flees.
Continue Reading for Free
Register with your email address. We will send you a verification code before unlocking the article.
