Pyewacket is a name historically and culturally associated with witchcraft and the occult, most famously serving as the name of a witch's "familiar" spirit.
Historical Origins
The name first appeared in the 1647 pamphlet The Discovery of Witches by Matthew Hopkins, the self-proclaimed "Witchfinder General". During the witch trials in Manningtree, Essex, an accused woman named Elizabeth Clarke allegedly confessed to having several familiar spirits, one of whom she called Pyewacket.
- The Confession: During the 1644 witch trials in Manningtree, Essex, an accused woman named Elizabeth Clarke allegedly confessed to having several imps or familiars.
- The Entities: Pyewacket was listed alongside other strangely named spirits such as Vinegar Tom (a greyhound with an ox's head), Holt (a white kitten), and Grizzel Greedigut.
- Etymology: While the exact meaning remains debated, some researchers suggest the name may be derived from a New England indigenous place name, possibly transmitted to England through connections between Hopkins' family and Massachusetts Governor John Winthrop.
General Lore of Familiars
In folklore, a familiar is a low-ranking spirit or demon that serves a witch, often appearing in animal form.
- Forms: While cats and dogs are common, historical records mention familiars appearing as toads, rabbits, polecats, and even insects.
- Purpose: They were believed to assist in spellcasting, act as spies, and provide protection.
- The "Witch's Mark": Witch hunters often searched for extra teats or unusual moles on an accused person's body, claiming these were used to suckle the familiar.