Summary Of The Pungo Witch By Sherwood

The urban legend of Grace Sherwood better known as “The Pungo Witch” is a tale that still contains a fair level of accuracy. However, due to this story being told many times over, and not having an exact account of what actually transpired; it has evolved into an urban legend. There is a debate regarding the validity of this story being an actual urban legend, mainly because the original depiction has not altered throughout the course of time, the fundamental facts are still evident and the characters in play are still accountable. This specific story is repeatedly told in many countries around the world, all with a moral lesson at the end. It serves as a reminder for the inhumane acts people can revert to if they are not kept apprised and educated. The ignorance of one community can be a catalyst for destruction.
Grace Sherwood, being the main character has broken the mold of the typical woman of her time. She was self-sufficient and confident in her many daily transactions with the community, she demonstrated advanced knowledge in healing, business sense and other worldly skills. During the late 1600’s having this sort of prominence could be a major distraction. In a time where the unknown was challenged to be magical or demonic, her community saw this as a threat, and treated it as such. Grace Sherwood’s ambiguity among her peers was her only guilt. The story in itself has many versions. This is where the fine line of legend and urban legend was walked. Grace was known to cast spells to kill farmer’s livestock, cause woman to have miscarriages, and many others. She was also reported by some to manifest into animals and visit her victims by slipping through a keyhole to their rooms.
These claims fit the characteristics of an urban legend and are continuously