Kill to be killed in 18th century Denmark

Suicide murder was a widespread phenomenon in 18th century Denmark. Instead of taking their own life, suicide candidates would kill a child or some other random person, in the hope that they would receive a death penalty.

In his new book, “A Lutheran Plague – Murdering to Die in the Eighteenth Century”, Tyge Krogh, a senior researcher at the Danish State Archives, looks into this hitherto overlooked aspect of Danish history.

Murderers were saved by faith in God

Eighteenth century Danes were far more religious than their modern descendants and according to the protestant church, killing yourself meant your soul would be damned to hell for eternity. On the other hand, if you repented your horrible deeds just before the execution, you could still receive a direct ticket to heaven.


http://www.pasthorizonspr.com/index....entury-denmark