SoN Research

**Potential Spoiler Alert**

Updated 07/21/2012
Curious, as always, I wanted to know if some of things I read were based on history or if they were added to the new history that Matthew and Diana create.  I am re-reading SoN and here are some of the answers I have discovered:

• I was unfamiliar with the name George Chapman and was curious since Diana is also relatively unfamiliar with his name (and she is a History of Science professor).  He wrote a poem titled "The Shadow of Night" dedicated to Matthew Roydon
• There really were witch trials in Berwick in 1590 and Widow Sampson was a real person who died just as described in the book.
• Definition of Gallowglass - a class of elite mercenary warriors who principally were members of the Norse-Gaelic clans of Scotland between the mid 13th century and late 16th century.
• When Matthew and Diana are travelling to France they stay at a friend of the family's house.  Matthew mentions his name is René.  Very brief searching and I found René of Anjou.  You can still visit his castle today.  I think I may remember Deborah mentioning that she visited while researching for this book...anyone else remember that FB post??? 
• Malleus Maleficarum was really a book that was used to persecute witches both in the 16th and 17th centuries.  You can read the Malleus Maleficarum online here.
• Goddess Diana - In Roman mythology goddess of the hunt, moon, and birthing and could talk to the animals.  Also known as  the Greek goddess, Artemis.  Had a twin brother, Apollo.  (Diana had a "vanishing" fetal twin brother that she absorbed and retained his magical powers.)

I am now 30% through my re-read and can continue to update this if people find it interesting, useful, or helpful...but, that's are far as I have gotten during naptime today!  Feel free to post your research and insight as well!!!

Kelly