ABSTRACT
The cognitive science of religion to analyze the oral tradition and the belief in the Hidden People as it was documented in the Norwegian province Telemark. As the legends are the only comprehensive source of the historical tradition and beliefs, and were the basic vehicle for the transmission and eventual formation of related concepts and ideas, the approach is one of cognitive narratology. Taken out of its narrative context, when reported as true, the incident gives rise to serious theological and philosophical questions, as they were often addressed in clerical critiques of popular beliefs. Research on oral traditions, folklore and cultural studies has focused on concepts and ideas in their historical context. A cognitive approach can provide additional insight as it allows conclusions about how the tradition worked. In the case of the Norwegian tradition, especially the witch trials, including elements of the tradition in our research might reveal more of their inner dynamics.
