Copenhagen's Chilling Secret: How a 1590 Shipwreck Fueled King James's Witch Hunts & Inspired The Witch's Rebirth

Author Michaela Riley and Abby Filsinger

Ever wonder where the seeds of a compelling fantasy series truly lie? Often, it's in the dusty annals of history, waiting to be unearthed and reimagined. Today, we're taking a fascinating voyage with author Michaela Riley and the enchanting voice behind the audiobook, Abby Filsinger, as they discuss a real-life maritime disaster that didn't just rattle a kingdom – it ignited one of history's most terrifying witch hunts, and became the grim foundation for their acclaimed series, The Witch's Rebirth Trilogy.

Our journey begins in 1590, in the frigid waters off Copenhagen, Denmark. The stage was set for a royal union: Princess Anne of Denmark was bound for Scotland, ready to marry her fiancé, King James VI (who would later become King James I of England). However, the voyage was anything but smooth. What should have been a celebratory journey turned into a perilous ordeal, as Princess Anne's ship, caught in a terrifying storm, sank.

The loss of the royal vessel, carrying the future queen, was devastating and deeply unsettling. But for King James, a man already predisposed to superstition and a fervent believer in the supernatural, it was more than just an act of nature. To him, such a cataclysmic event could only be the work of dark, malevolent forces – specifically, witchcraft.

This dramatic historical event forms the chilling backdrop for Chapter One of The Labyrinth of Shadows; The Witch's Rebirth Part I. In the pages of Riley's captivating narrative, this historical tempest is given a human face and a tragic consequence. We meet Anna, a character whose life becomes inextricably linked to the sunken royal ship. Anna is accused of the gravest crime imaginable: attempting to sink the ship of Princess Anne of Denmark through dark magic. Her trial is swift, her fate sealed, and she is ultimately burned at the pyre, a brutal sacrifice to growing fear and paranoia.

Recently, author Michaela Riley and the captivating voice of the audiobook, Abby Filsinger, delved into this pivotal historical moment and its profound impact on their world-building. Their discussion illuminated how this single event – the sinking of Princess Anne's ship and the subsequent accusations – became the undeniable genesis of King James's infamous witch persecution and the widespread witch hunts that would plague Scotland and England for decades.

King James I, fueled by the conviction that witches had attempted to thwart his marriage and harm his bride, became a zealous persecutor of alleged witches. He even wrote Daemonologie, a treatise on witchcraft, which served as a chilling guide for witch-finders and fueled the hysteria across his kingdoms. The real-life drama off Copenhagen in 1590 wasn't just a historical footnote; it was the spark that lit the fires of persecution.

For fans of The Witch's Rebirth Trilogy, understanding this historical context adds incredible depth to Anna's story and the unfolding saga. It grounds the fantastical elements in a terrifying reality, reminding us how easily fear, superstition, and royal decree can turn ordinary people into scapegoats and ignite widespread terror.

Ready to embark on this dark, enchanting journey? Dive into The Labyrinth of Shadows; The Witch's Rebirth Part I to witness how one historical tragedy can ripple through time and inspire an unforgettable tale of magic, sacrifice, and rebirth. Experience the story brought to life by Abby Filsinger's masterful narration, drawing you deep into a world where history and magic intertwine.

Find your copy of The Witch's Rebirth Part I wherever books are sold, and immerse yourself in the audiobook narrated by the talented Abby Filsinger. You won't look at history – or witches – the same way again.