In 1575 inquisitors in northern Italy discovered the benandanti, a band of self-professed spiritual warriors who claimed to send their spirits forth in their sleep to engage in ritual night battles to defend the season's harvest from witches. In this episode, I bring you the stories of two men prosecuted by the Inquisition for their witch-fighting ways. When records obscure reality, who can find the truth?

Researched, written, and produced by Corinne Wieben, with original music by Purple Planet.

Music

Purple Planet - After the Fall

Purple Planet - An Angel Will Rise

Purple Planet - Nightmare

Purple Planet - Civilisation

Purple Planet - Sense of Loss

Purple Planet - Shadowlands