Abstract
In this paper the figure of the child murderess, a woman who kills newborn infants, as she appears in Irish folk belief and narrative, is described. In Ireland, a strong and widespread child murderess tradition contrasts with a weak and limited dead child tradition. These traditions are distinctly religious in character in Ireland and they are concerned with complex theological and moral themes. Focusing on the question of the woman's repentance or lack of it, two opposing images emerge: a Mary Magdalene sinner-saint and a witch-midwife, she-devil.
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