The Black Witch of Salem is a controversial and intriguing figure that emerged during the infamous Salem witch trials of the late 17th century. While the majority of those accused and executed during this period were women, the Black Witch of Salem stands out as a unique and feared figure due to her race. The name "Black Witch of Salem" is not an official title, but rather a moniker given to an enslaved woman named Tituba. Tituba was a slave owned by Reverend Samuel Parris, who was the minister of Salem Village at the time. Tituba's origins are not entirely clear, but it is believed that she was of African descent, possibly coming from Barbados or South America. Tituba's involvement in the witch trials began when she was accused of witchcraft by several young girls who claimed to have been bewitched.
Mark Melancon - Stretch, Mel, Muh Lan Son
The lieutenant was a middle-aged earth pony mare, her coat a rich, golden-cream buckskin hue, with a black mane and tail that matched the lower sections of her legs. The lieutenant was a middle-aged earth pony mare, her coat a rich, golden-cream buckskin hue, with a black mane and tail that matched the lower sections of her legs.
Tituba's involvement in the witch trials began when she was accused of witchcraft by several young girls who claimed to have been bewitched. These girls, prominent among them being Betty Parris and Abigail Williams, exhibited strange behavior and attributed it to Tituba's witchcraft. Under pressure, Tituba confessed to being a witch and implicated others in her confession.
Black Feather - Recon777
In a nation at war, a vengeful shadow seeks to shatter a young alicorn's resolve, forcing her to confront the darkness lying within her. Both are plunged into a relentless dance between horror and heroism as the fate of the world hangs in the balance
Black Feather written by Recon777- Add To Bookshelf
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- 01 - Catalyst 5,683 words
- 02 - A Matter of Entanglement 4,073 words
- 03 - Of Friends and Nightmares 4,653 words
- 04 - Target of Opportunity 2,772 words
- 05 - Life in the Battlefield 5,563 words
- 06 - Storm on the Horizon 5,862 words
- 07 - Ruling by Moonlight 4,445 words
- 08 - The Moon Princess 5,253 words
- 09 - Journey's Dawn 4,932 words
- 10 - And Then There Were Four 4,716 words
- 11 - A Military Perspective 3,198 words
Sergeant A.Pone stood at the forest’s edge, his hooves planted firmly on the well-worn trail, the unofficial line that marked Ponyville’s polite nod to the wild beyond. Tradition ran deep here, if rumor was to be believed. Every year, the “Running of the Leaves” sent a horde of excited ponies tearing into Whitetail Woods, ditching the familiar streets of home for a day in the sticks.
Local legends say that folks for generations had come through this place to get their nature fix. Be it seeking solace or yanking at nostalgia, they strolled under these wooden giants and basked in memories that tasted like childhood. Kids liked to make it their hangout spot, with curious noses and wide eyes, though A.Pone had shooed away a fair share of ’em this morning already. Apparently, the sniper scare a few days back couldn’t even squash their adventurous spirits.
All this hustle today was a far cry from the woods’s usual gig as a kiddie playground. As he tightened his rifle strap, A.Pone’s gaze swept over the ragtag platoon that had assembled. Eighteen of ’em, tight as family but none the wiser. Their mission? Well, it was classified, strictly need-to-know, and right now, only the lieutenant and Princess Luna herself knew what was cooking. A.Pone didn’t care, at least if you’d ask him. But truth was, this smelt weird. Weren’t no zeebs that direction. Front lines were south, not west toward the swamps and ocean. Still, Command said go, so off they went.
Nerves buzzed through the troops like an electric current. They were waiting on a specialist group to show up, the final piece of this head-scratcher of an operation. Soldiers all around exchanged looks, silent question marks passing between them, ’cause none of ’em knew what was about to go down, for good or bad.
The mission, well, it was a big ol’ elephant in the room, alright. They were about to march their way west through the thick woods, straight into the heart of who-knows-what, with the grand goal of hitting the bayou by sundown. That’s where the lieutenant would spill the beans on what this all was really about, probably with an audience of hungry mosquitos. A.Pone glanced over to the party piece of the operation—three trusty supply wagons, packed with guns and medical gear, enough to supply over a hundred grunts, all hooked up and ready to be dragged through mud and misery.
Then, in the midst of all the chatter and sporadic laughter among the platoon, his trained eye caught wind of trouble brewing. And he wasn’t the only one, either. Corporal Brawn, a solid lump of muscle and vigilance, stomped forward with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer, intercepting a trio of unfamiliar faces that were heading their way. “Halt!” he bellowed, like the herald of doomsday. “This path’s off-limits. Military business, folks.”
A.Pone kept a close eye on the corporal’s negotiation with the strangers, his worry growing by the second. These folks didn’t seem to be getting the memo that it was high time for an about-face and a brisk exit. Corporal Brawn appeared to be in a tough spot, struggling to make his case. Then, a snippet of their conversation reached his ears: “Wait right here.”
The corporal hustled back, clicking his hooves together in a crisp salute. “Sir. Some heavily armed civilians just showed up outside the camp,” he reported, his urgency clear as day. “They’re packing machine guns! I’m scratching my head here, Sarge. And one of ’em, believe it or not, is an alicorn!”
“Civilians?! Is this a joke?” A.Pone asked, his disbelief ringing through. “I reckon I’ll go have a heart-to-heart with ’em myself.” He pivoted toward the corporal, a steely determination in his eyes. “Keep the fort steady for two minutes,” he commanded, his voice unwavering.
Sergeant A.Pone approached the trio, sizing them up with a veteran’s discerning eye. It wouldn’t be the first time some well-intentioned but suicidal youngsters had bought some guns and decided to ‘help out’. But then he’d have to shoo them away.
“Nightmare Night ain’t for a few months yet, kids,” he barked, the corner of his mouth quirking up in an unmistakable grin of half-serious wry humor.
“Hi,” the pegasus stallion chirped, an unabashed grin stretching across his face.
“Hi. Enlighten me, son, what part of ‘the path is closed’ were you all having trouble with?” A.Pone’s voice carried the weight of a hundred disappointed school teachers.
“We’re here for the mission,” the black mare with a pair of unsettling eyes replied, her tone laced with a mysterious edge.
“The mission…” A.Pone echoed slowly, skepticism oozing from each word.
“You are expecting us, right?” the mare pressed, her piercing gaze locking onto his.
“I’m expecting specialists,” he retorted, the arch of an eyebrow emphasizing his point. “Not you kids.” He glanced up and down the black alicorn-looking pony. “And whatever you are. I ain’t never seen anyone transfigure themselves to make ’em look big and scary. You ain’t a changeling, are ya?”
The pegasus mare dressed like a Meadowbrook Hospital field medic suddenly coughed.
A voice, like a timely lifeline, called out from behind him. “Sergeant!” It was his lieutenant, accompanied by the telltale clatter of determined hoofsteps. She was a no-nonsense mare that had, only two days ago, been assigned to lead the platoon. He hoped that her reputation was more than just talk. If even half of the stories he'd heard about her were true, they were in for a solid run. And, well, she wasn’t half bad on the eyes either.
“Sergeant. These are the specialists the princess sent. This is Nyx,” the lieutenant declared.
A.Pone reflexively straightened upon Princess Luna being mentioned. He cast a sidelong glance to his superior officer, then back at the alicorn, his gruff demeanor returning. “Is that so?”
“Yes. Please, show them around. I’ll be with you all shortly.” She offered the directive and trotted away, leaving A.Pone to size up this peculiar trio before him in a new, if unexpected, light.
“Yes, Ma’am,” the sergeant declared with a salute, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. “So what’s your story? Do I have to call you Princess?”
“Please, don’t,” the black mare—Nyx said, shaking her head. “And we don’t have time for me to tell my story. Unless you want to hear about how I tried to take over the world when I was a child. We’re just here to escort your platoon to the bayou and look out for zebras.”
A.Pone stared at the mare in silence for a moment, his grizzled features masking his thoughts before he finally gave in to laughter. “You’re a firecracker, kid. I like your style. Name’s Sergeant A.Pone, twenty-first platoon, Lunar division. And what do they call you?” He motioned toward the two pegasi flanking Nyx, his gaze scrutinizing their presence.
“Rumble, sir,” the grey stallion stated, straightening up. “Weapons and tactics.”
“Well, well, well,” A.Pone’s tone turned impressed, his eye catching the distinctive gear Rumble wore. “If what you’ve got there is the real deal, you’ve got yourself a mark-five lancer frame. This pile of struts, straps, and magical servos will turn any cloud-hopper into a flying death machine. Almost a proper soldier.”
Rumble’s eyes widened, but he remained speechless, earning a friendly slap on the shoulder from A.Pone.
“Where on Celestia’s green world did you snag that contraption?” A.Pone inquired.
“It was a gift, sir,” Rumble declared, proudly. “Just this week, from Princess Luna.”
A.Pone let out a low whistle. “Well, son, ain’t that a sweet deal. I’m still waiting on my personal gift from Her Highness, but a stallion can dream.” He winked at Rumble, prompting a stunned silence once more.
“Now, you, the quiet one,” A.Pone grumbled at the pegasus mare standing beside Nyx, his steely gaze zeroing in.
“I’m Flitter. Medical and covert ops,” she answered.
At first glance, she appeared to be just an everyday slender pegasus who had accidentally wandered into a potentially dangerous situation. No fancy gadgets or tactical gear, just the attire of a standard medical pony.
“And what makes you a covert ops specialist?” A.Pone inquired, his scrutiny locking onto her.
Flitter met A.Pone’s gaze squarely and countered with a wry smile. “One moment, I’ll help you understand.” With that, she casually shed her field medic outfit and saddlebags, letting them fall to the ground. Before A.Pone could even wrap his head around what was happening, a sheet of magical green fire enveloped her body as quick as flash paper, consuming her coat and mane, leaving nothing but vanishing smoke-like remnants.
When the blinding light finally receded and A.Pone’s vision adjusted, a jaw-dropping sight awaited him. Right before his eyes stood a perfect mirror image of himself, down to the last detail. Even his sergeant’s uniform was faithfully replicated, at least at first glance. Only a thorough inspection would reveal that the very hair of her coat had precisely copied the look of his outfit to complete the illusion.
“Corporal Brawn! Who said you could stand at-ease?!” the pony in A.Pone’s form bellowed with a voice that could rattle windows.
A.Pone glanced over his shoulder and watched as Corporal Brawn snapped to attention, his wide-eyed confusion at the sight of his commanding officer’s double clear as day. With another flash, the transformation reversed, returning Flitter to her original appearance. As she donned her field medic outfit once more, Rumble struggled to hold back a chuckle. A.Pone himself couldn’t help but shake his head in amazement.
“Okay, never mind,” he conceded. “Always the quiet ones… So you’re a changeling, then.”
“That’s right,” Flitter confirmed, her smile exuding confidence.
“Impressive. I’ve never met one before,” A.Pone admitted before gathering himself. “You’re obviously on our side,” he half-questioned. “Just remember, no feedin’. My ponies ain’t your personal buffet.”
“Don't have to worry about that, sir. Me and Nyx keep her well-fed,” Rumble was quick to point out.
Nyx's cheeks reddened a little and she looked away.
“Active feeding is strictly forbidden,” Flitter added. “Most people don’t know, but changelings have been looking after ponies for millennia, right in plain sight.”
A.Pone wasn’t sure how to respond to that revelation, so he settled for a grumble under his breath and left it at that. He couldn’t shake the memories of what went down in Canterlot all those years ago, and the idea of a potential infiltrator among the platoon didn’t sit well with him, even if she was a pretty little thing in her pony guise. He glanced back at Corporal Brawn. “At ease, you knucklehead.”
A noise akin to a balloon popping mixed with the telltale fwoop of a unicorn’s spell, jolted half the grunts into reaching for their weapons before A.Pone could swing around to see what was happening.
“Now what?” he grumbled to himself.
Standing nearby, a lilac-colored unicorn mare, barely out of her teens, sported the most extravagant scout's barding A.Pone had ever seen. As the remnants of magical stardust dissipated around her, he couldn't ignore the unmistakable Lunar Division insignia on her uniform. Yet, despite the official markings, she appeared even younger than the trio he'd just met.
Teleporters.
“Oh, good! I didn’t miss you!” the unicorn chimed with eager delight as she rushed forward to greet the black alicorn and her entourage. The other three stared at her with expressions of surprise, their disbelief practically tangible.
“Dinky, where did you get that barding?” the alicorn asked.
“I could ask the same of you, my dear friend. That armor is utterly splendid!”
“This isn’t a fashion show, ladies,” A.Pone interrupted. “Name and rank, soldier. Or do we have another civilian here?”
“This is Dinky,” Nyx answered.
“I’m with them,” the unicorn pointed at Nyx.
“Figures. Let me guess, you’ll be our teleporter? It’s a rare skill.”
“Princess Luna herself assigned me to the team,” the unicorn declared. “I shall gladly contribute to the best of my abilities.”
“More like coerced,” Nyx commented sourly. “I’m still not entirely happy about how that went.”
“Well, I volunteered then,” Dinky countered.
“She had your barding waiting for you,” Nyx pointed out.
“I get it, I get it,” A.Pone bellowed. “The princess wants you here, so you’re here. That’s good enough for me. Now fall in line, I’ll introduce you to our lieutenant.”
Nyx's pulse quickened with each step as Sergeant A.Pone guided her and her friends toward the commanding officer of the platoon. Prior to today, their only encounters with the military had been limited to occasional invitations to participate in SkyGuard war games. Rumble’s brother Thunderlane's unit sometimes pulled some strings to fit them in. However, those were mere training exercises, far from the gravity of actual combat. Starting today, this would be the real deal. Nyx just hoped it wasn’t all a huge mistake.
They arrived at a supply wagon, where the lieutenant was engrossed in discussion with the platoon's unicorn. Before they approached her, the sergeant offered a single piece of advice. “I will ask that you fully respect the lieutenant’s orders. We have a mission to do, and if you haven’t been trained… Well, I don’t expect much trouble, but just watch yourselves. We’re going in where zeebs have been spotted.”
They cut through the bustling troops, who were each preoccupied with their own tasks. Most were chattering or doing gear checks, each carrying their light infantry weapons on body harnesses. A.Pone’s voice cut through the noise.
“This is Lieutenant Daisycutter,” A.Pone introduced to Nyx with a salute. “She’s in charge of this operation.”
The lieutenant was a middle-aged earth pony mare, her coat a rich, golden-cream buckskin hue, with a black mane and tail that matched the lower sections of her legs. Nyx hadn't crossed paths with many buckskin ponies, but she knew they were often seen as striking. Clad in forest-camouflage military attire, she was clearly prepared for business, her demeanor radiating a sense of seriousness.
“Good to finally meet you, Nyx,” the lieutenant greeted, her sharp gaze fixed on the alicorn. “You’ve already crossed paths with our sergeant, I see. Any questions before we hit the trail?”
“It’s good to meet you too,” Nyx answered. “The sergeant mentioned you’re Lunar Division?”
“That’s correct,” the lieutenant affirmed. “As special forces, we answer directly to the princess. It streamlines the chain of command, much more efficient than the R.E.A.”
“Oooh, special forces!” Rumble chimed in, his excitement evident.
“You clear on your orders?” she asked.
“Luna said you’d be filling us in once we got here,” Nyx confirmed. “As far as I know, we’re going in to make sure the locals in the bayou don’t fall prey to Arkadian forces.”
The lieutenant nodded. “Specifically, you’re tasked with escorting the platoon, sticking with us through Whitetail Woods and beyond. You’ll be the eye in the sky, watching out for Arkadian troops while we hoof it on the ground. Once we reach the settlements, you’ll get your own mission, per the princess’s directive. But remember, the platoon’s mission is priority.”
“And what is the platoon’s mission?” Nyx asked.
“To follow orders,” Daisycutter stated, bluntly. “Full briefing once we hit the first settlement.”
“A mystery! You’ll enjoy that,” Rumble teased playfully, nudging her shoulder with his own.
Nyx surveyed the troops around her. “I see. So we’re the air support? You don’t have any pegasi?”
“Negative. Pegasi are in short supply lately, and this mission leans more toward earth ponies. Windy Scarlet here is our requisite unicorn and ‘bag of tricks’. She’s under my direct command for this op, and the other fifteen earth ponies follow the sergeant’s lead.”
Nyx turned her gaze toward the unicorn, nodding in acknowledgment, then refocused on the lieutenant. “What should we do if we find zebras then? I mean while scouting ahead.”
“If they don’t spot you, don’t engage,” she advised. “Report back to me with what you find. If they get the drop on you, handle the immediate threat as needed. Word on the street is, you’ve handled worse.”
“Wait, you’ve heard of us and what we’ve done?”
The lieutenant met Nyx’s eyes squarely. “I know you saved a colt from three zebras in Ponyville last week with no help.”
Nyx’s gaze dropped for a moment before returning to meet the lieutenant’s. “Things didn’t exactly go as planned that day,” she admitted.
“From where I stand, Nyx, they couldn’t possibly have gone any better. You’re a valuable addition to our crew. Now, I heard we’re getting a teleporter?”
Dinky stepped forward, saluting enthusiastically. “How can I be of service, Ma’am?”
The lieutenant cracked a smile. “I’d like to know your range. How many jumps from here to, let’s say, Canterlot? And how many jumps can you safely pull off in a day? I’m aware it drains a lot of energy. To be frank, I was expecting someone more experienced, considering we’re heading deep into the wilderness.”
“Would you care for a Manehattan bagel?” Dinky inquired with her peculiar charm. “I can have one for you in two minutes, but that’s only because the finest shop tends to have rather lengthy queues at this hour.” The unicorn offered a confident smile, having made her point. Nyx could see that she was eager, but she still held a lingering doubt that any of this was a good idea. If Dinky got herself hurt, Nyx doubted she could forgive herself.
The lieutenant returned the smile. “I see. In that case, could you do us a favor and jump ahead to one of the settlements in the bayou? Let them know we’ll be on our way shortly.”
Dinky’s expression fell. “I’m afraid it doesn’t quite work like that, Ma’am. My teleportation is restricted to locations I've previously visited. Alas, I've never set hoof in the bayou.”
The lieutenant nodded solemnly. “Alright then, we’ll make do. Do you have any other tricks I should know about?”
“I’m afraid not,” Dinky admitted.
The lieutenant glanced at the platoon’s unicorn in response. “Looks like your job’s safe, Windy.”
Windy, meanwhile, was staring at Dinky, blinking, her jaw slack in what might have been awe.
Some nearby chatter drifted in from some of the troops who had gathered around the newcomers. “Damn, finally some nice-looking mares in this platoon,” one of them commented. Nyx caught A.Pone rolling his eyes, though he kept silent.
Another piped up nearby. “Hey Sarge, if the alicorn’s joining the team, does that mean we don’t have to fight anymore and can just let her do all the work?”
“You secure that mouth, soldier!” A.Pone growled. “Though I accept your volunteering for latrine duty.”
“Thanks a lot, Sarge,” came the humbled reply.
Nyx felt only a slight jolt at the sergeant's gruff response, recognizing it as a part of the military's customary demeanor. This brought a curious thought to her mind. A.Pone had used what seemed to be the lieutenant's callsign, rather than her real name. Her inquisitiveness got the better of her, and she couldn't resist asking, “So. Daisycutter?”
Daisy patted her on the shoulder. “That’s a long story I’ll tell you once we’ve got some time to spare. For now, we’re burning daylight and need to get moving.”
Louis Sockalexis - Deerfoot of the Diamond
She claimed to have seen various supernatural creatures and to have made a pact with the devil. This sparked a frenzy among the people of Salem, leading to a mass hysteria and the accusation of many innocent individuals, mainly women, who were suspected of witchcraft. The Black Witch of Salem played a significant role in fueling the witch hunt and intensifying the fear and paranoia that gripped the community. Her racial background added an extra layer of fear and suspicion to the accusations. In the eyes of the Puritan society, being a person of color made Tituba even more likely to be associated with witchcraft and devil worship. It is important to note that Tituba's confession was likely coerced under duress, as she faced severe punishment if she did not comply. The events of the witch trials reflect a deeply ingrained prejudice and hysteria within the society at the time. The legacy of the Black Witch of Salem is a complex one. She was one of the first individuals to be accused of witchcraft during the trials and her confession provided a spark that ignited the hysteria. However, her involvement also raises questions about racial prejudice and the intersection of race and gender in the persecution of alleged witches. Today, Tituba is remembered as a tragic figure caught in a web of fear and suspicion. Her portrayal in literature, film, and popular culture has evolved over the years, reflecting changing perspectives on the witch trials and the role of marginalized individuals within society. The story of the Black Witch of Salem serves as a reminder of the dangers of prejudice, hysteria, and the consequences of scapegoating..
Reviews for "The Black Witch of Salem: Mythology and Legends Surrounding Her Story"
1. Sarah - 1 star
I was extremely disappointed with "Black Witch of Salem". The story lacked depth and the characters felt one-dimensional. The plot was predictable and uninspiring, and I found myself losing interest halfway through the book. Additionally, the writing style was drab and lacked creativity. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for an engaging and well-crafted supernatural thriller.
2. John - 2 stars
"Black Witch of Salem" had potential but failed to deliver. The concept of blending witchcraft with the historical events of the Salem witch trials intrigued me, but the execution fell flat. The pacing was slow, making it difficult to stay engaged with the story. The characters felt underdeveloped, and I couldn't connect with any of them. Furthermore, the supernatural elements of the plot were poorly explained, leaving me with many unanswered questions. Unfortunately, I found this book to be a disappointment.
3. Emily - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "Black Witch of Salem" but was ultimately let down. The writing style was clunky and often forced, making it difficult for me to become immersed in the story. The author relied too heavily on cliches and stereotypes, which undermined the originality of the plot. Additionally, the historical aspect of the Salem witch trials felt superficial and lacking in detail. Overall, I found this book to be unimpressive and would not recommend it to others.
4. Mark - 2 stars
"Black Witch of Salem" was a missed opportunity for me. While the concept of exploring the Salem witch trials through a supernatural lens was intriguing, the execution left much to be desired. The pacing was uneven, with long stretches of inaction that made the story drag. The characters felt flat and lacked depth, making it difficult to care about their fates. The book also suffered from an anticlimactic ending that left me feeling unsatisfied. Sadly, this book did not live up to my expectations.
5. Jessica - 1 star
I found "Black Witch of Salem" to be a tedious read. The story failed to captivate me, and I often found my mind wandering while reading. The characters were forgettable, and their motivations were poorly defined. The historical context of the Salem witch trials felt like an afterthought, as the majority of the focus was on the supernatural elements. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone seeking a compelling and well-rounded fictional depiction of the Salem witch trials.