The figure of the Femmina Accabadora is one of the most enigmatic in Sardinian tradition and she can be considered the embodiment of a unique intersection of popular myths, sacred rites, and practical needs.
Sardinia, with its history of isolation and deeply rooted rural culture, gave rise to characters that find few parallels elsewhere, and the accabadora is among the most emblematic. Associated with death, her role went far beyond simply ending life and suffering for people, rather, she represented the idea of death as an integral part of the life cycle, intertwined with the sacred and with deep respect for the deceased.
Her presence straddles both documented history and oral legend, which for centuries formed the foundation of beliefs in Sardinia’s rural communities, particularly in its most isolated and underdeveloped areas.
The Origins and Etymology of the Word
The term accabadora comes from the Sardinian verb accabare, meaning “to finish” or “to conclude,” and reflects both a physical and symbolic function. Inherently, it carries the idea of finality and was traditionally used in a specific context, that of ending a person’s life, but in a way that liberated the person from suffering. Many may see in it similarities with the modern — and still controversial — concept of euthanasia, but there are significant differences, as the idea of accabare was imbued with ritual and social dimensions. Indeed, its meaning conveys the idea of an inevitable conclusion, understood and accepted within Sardinia’s community-focused culture, where solidarity and the connection between the living and the dead were central aspects of daily life.
The Tradition of the Accabadora
Her role deeply embedded in the community, the accabadora was far from a mere executor of death, as her interventions were grounded in a profound sense of compassion and pity. When a person’s suffering had reached a point where recovery was impossible, she would be called upon as a last resort, providing peace to those enduring prolonged agony. Her involvement typically came only after the family’s consent.
When she arrived, it was with great discretion, and her actions were usually carried out in complete secrecy; testimonies describe her role not as one of violence but, again, of compassion, almost as if she were offering the dying person liberation from their suffering. This portrayal placed her in a complex position: feared for her intimate connection with death, yet respected because she embodied pity and social responsibility. This latter aspect is quite significant: in a rural community, where a family’s subsistence was largely based on every member working in the fields, relieving a dying person from pain wasn’t only an act of mercy for the sufferer, but also a way to let their family members return to all the activities that, quite literally, allowed them to survive.
Her Tools and Rituals
While the su mazzolu, a small wooden mallet, is often cited as her primary tool, the accabadora’s methods varied according to the situation. Some accounts suggest that she sometimes used a pillow to gently smother the dying, providing an alternative to the lethal blow of the mallet.
Her work usually took place under the cover of night, maintaining an air of secrecy. In Sardinian culture, death was often accompanied by elaborate rituals, and her actions were carried out in harmony with these ancient rites. It is said that after completing her task, she would silently leave the house, unseen and unrecognized, signaling the end of the family’s suffering. This allowed the relatives to move forward with funeral rites in a state of peace and release.
The Accabadora in Sardinian Culture and Society
In a context of deep poverty and isolation, particularly in the rural Sardinia of the past, the role of the accabadora took on profound significance: medical care was scarce, and the burden of caring for terminally ill loved ones often became overwhelming. Her practice responded to this pressing need, offering a way to compassionately relieve suffering at a time when no other solutions were available.
The accabadora’s responsibilities were also closely tied to those of the mammana (midwife), in a duality— helping to bring new life into the world and guiding the dying in their final moments— that was a vital element in Sardinian society and a deep representation of the full cycle of life. The same woman oversaw both beginnings and endings, embodying the wisdom that connected birth and death in an unbroken continuum.
Legends and… Some Controversies
Legends surrounding the accabadora blur the line between myth and history. In some stories, she is said to possess supernatural abilities, such as the power to move unseen or even make herself invisible. According to these tales, she had the power to “bind” death, deciding when and how it would arrive.
Her association with witchcraft and magic is also well-documented: some believed that she could cause death with a single glance or through secret gestures, and her figure often appeared in stories about the evil eye and sorcery. Despite these associations with the mystical, the accabadora remained a respected figure and never openly condemned for her work.
Testimonies suggest that accadaboras continued practicing into the 19th century, while others claim some were still active in the early 20th century: the absence of official documentation only deepens the mystique surrounding her.
The Accabadora Today
In recent years, the figure of the accabadora garnered renewed interest, particularly in literature and film. One of the most significant contributions to this revival is Michela Murgia’s novel, Accabadora. Winner of the Premio Campiello in 2010, the book explores the moral dilemmas surrounding the accabadora’s role, highlighting both her cultural significance and the ethical implications of her actions, merciful yet controversial.
Murgia’s protagonist, Bonaria Urrai, is a woman who acts with justice and compassion, offering a deeply realistic glimpse into traditional Sardinian society. The novel has helped reignite interest in the island’s rich traditions, bringing to light the complexity of the accabadora’s role in a modern context.
Today, the femmina accabadora transcends legend and stands as a figure deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of Sardinia. Though her practice has long since faded, she remains a symbol of a society that approached death with a delicate equilibrium of sacredness, pragmatism, and respect.
