Karolina Kouvola

I study vernacular healing mainly in Ostrobothnia as part of the project 'Healers and the Diversity of Healing Practices in Finland from the 16th to the 20th centuries' (Fi. Parantajat ja lääkinnän monimuotoisuus 1500–1900-lukujen Suomessa), led by PhD, Associate Professor Kalle Kananoja.

My main fields of interest, alongside vernacular healing, include magical healing and witchcraft within their social and cultural contexts. I earned my PhD in Religious Studies at the University of Helsinki in 2023. My thesis focused on the cunning folk of Swedish-speaking Ostrobothnia as othered members of their community.

I have also authored several nonfiction books covering topics such as ghost stories, magic, and historical warrior cults.