The Salem witch trials not only resulted in nineteen executions but also revealed a community gripped by fear, leading to accusations that included beliefs in dogs as devil's familiars.
Despite no official records of dogs being tried for witchcraft, testimony claimed they were associated with the devil, contributing to the paranoia that led to wrongful convictions.
The case of John Kimball and Susanna Martin illustrates how deep-rooted folklore connected dogs to witchcraft, causing fear and adding to the hysteria surrounding the trials in Salem.
Cultural associations of dogs with supernatural powers in Europe influenced the perceptions in Salem, demonstrating how folklore can shape community beliefs and reactions during crises.
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