Join Ray Taylor as he delves into the enigmatic world of "Häxan", a 1922 silent horror essay film masterfully crafted by Benjamin Christensen. This cinematic treasure seamlessly blends documentary-style exposition with dramatized narrative sequences, offering a captivating exploration of the historical beliefs, superstitions, and often brutal responses surrounding witchcraft. From the medieval era's foreboding shadow to the misconceptions of the 20th century, "Häxan" draws on Christensen's extensive research, particularly from the Malleus Maleficarum, to unravel the disturbing possibility that many witch hunts might have arisen from profound misunderstandings of mental or neurological conditions. As Ray Taylor unpacks this thought-provoking narrative, listeners will be invited to reflect on the implications of mass hysteria and the often catastrophic consequences of ignorance and fear.