- When a devastating storm causes great damage in the Pinzgau Region of Salzburg, the culprit is soon found. Eva Neidegger, a pastor's cook. A cruel chapter in the everlasting desire for scapegoats unfolds.
- WITCH BURN
When a devastating storm between Hollersbach and Kaprun causes great damage on July 28, 1574, the culprit is soon found. Eva Neidegger, the pastor's cook at Bramberg, has long been suspected of working harmful magic. This true story is told from the perspective of Wolf Pranberger, the sheriff of Mittersill, pressured by the people to take action against the supposed weather witch. Following the orders of the Prince Archbishop, he arrests Eva Neidegger. He starts the investigation and begins with the interrogations four months later, under the use of torture but still strictly in accordance with the law. Eva confesses, retracts her confession and confesses again. Under the severe conditions she accuses pastor Rupert Ramsauer of having taught her how to witch the weather. The pastor is now also arrested. Despite the torture, he does not make a confession.
Wolf Pranberger soon finds himself in a quandary. On the one hand, the results of the investigation and the inconsistent confessions are not sufficient enough to obtain a law-abiding conviction, on the other hand, an acquittal would not only anger the people, but would even make them suspicious of him being in league with the devil. Pranberger's escape route leads to the granted request that he be released from the survey.
Salzburg sends new commissioners who arrive in Mittersill on March 1, 1575. Just two days later, the Prince Archbishop happily receives the extensive confessions from Eva Neidegger and Rupert Ramsauer. On March 18, 1575, the pastor, who had previously been demoted, and his cook take their last walk to the stake.
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