The production of WGN Salem takes inspiration from the history, literature and culture of Europe and North America for its supernatural tone. This includes the titling of the episodes.
Mary Sibley is afraid that all her toil is in vain.
From the Bible 1 Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing That your toil in the Lord is not in vain.” [3]
In vain are also the actions against the witches. [3]
A pun to "Your Own Private Idaho", meaning someone who is not paying attention because they are daydreaming.
The witches of Salem ignore the upcoming arrival of infamous Witch HunterIncrease Mather, whilst the Puritans are unaware of the sinister Grand Rite enacted by the witches.
A play on Isaiah 41:10, which invites to fear nothing because the Lord is with us. Increase Mather, instead, invites the poor souls of Salem to fear for their own safety.
1.10 The House of Pain[]
The Divining Rod brothel confiscated by Increase Mather, has been colloquially dubbed "The House of Pain" by Salem townsfolk.
From Ecclesiastes 12: 7. A memento mori often recited at funeral services or in time of great struggle such as the Trial of John Alden.
Coupled with the title of the next episode, it is a reference to nursery rhyme Ring a Ring o' Roses.
1.13 All Fall Down[]
This title is meant to draw attention to the effect of the self-motivated, destructive passions unleashed within the characters in the course of the story. Like a house of cards, all fall down.
Coupled with the title of the previous episode, it is a reference to the nursery rhyme Ring a Ring o' Roses.
Season 2[]
2.01 Cry Havoc[]
The factions of witches within the Essex Hive are at war with each other.
Adam Simon mention Shakespeare's play Julius Caesar, Act III, Scene I as the source of inspiration [5]
2.02 Blood Kiss[]
As stated by Adam Simon, it's a direct reference to Countess Von Marburg and her peculiar ways to obtain information via sharing a blood kiss. [6]
2.03 From Within[]
From within are the attacks on witches as said by Adam Simon in the Writer's Wrap.[7]
“Ill met by moonlight” is the Fairy King Oberon's first line in A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare.
2.07 The Beckoning Fair One[]
The Beckoning Fair One is a reference to the regained beauty of Mercy Lewis as well as a literary reference to the novella The Beckoning Fair One by Oliver Onions, widely regarded as one of the best in the genre of horror fiction, especially psychological horror. [11]
This novella is included in Widdershins (1911), whose name inspired some characters in Salem.
2.08 Dead Birds[]
The death of birds is an omen of misfortune. For millennia witches and priests have used birds for divination purposes. [12]
John Sibley hides dead crows in his beds and flocks of crows died in front of his window.
2.09 Wages of Sin[]
From the Bible verse Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” as mentioned by Brannon Braga in the Writer's Wrap. [13]
Whilst waiting the Raising of Satan, the characters are being accounted for their sins.
2.10 Til Death Do Us Part[]
A phrase from the marriage liturgy in the Book of Common Prayer. It refers to Anne and Cotton's wedding, but also the upcoming Consecration. And only Mary's death can prevent the Devil to become flesh and blood.[14]
2.11 On Earth as in Hell[]
We are at the final chapters and the flames of Hell began to claim more victims. Nothing is as it was, especially for Mary Sibley, who has lost everything.[15]
2.12 Midnight Never Come[]
A reference to the play Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe. Like Dr. Faustus, Mary fears the tolling of the most unholy hour and the arrival of the Devil. [16]
2.13 The Witching Hour[]
Colloquially, it refers to midnight but in this particular case, it refers to the fateful hour when the Devil came to Earth to bring the defeat of humankind, including even his most faithful witches. [17]
Season 3[]
3.01 After the Fall[]
After the Fall is a free reference to Arthur Miller, author of The Crucible. This idiom often refers to the fall of humanity tempted by the Devil to sin against God. Even Lucifer once fell — literally or figuratively — when he was cast out of Heaven. [18]
3.02 The Heart Is A Devil[]
Love is a strong feeling that leads to pleasure, but also to evil and temptation. In Salem, this is quite literal. [19]
3.03 The Reckoning[]
The Reckoning refers to the ritual of the same name used to deprive witches of their powers as punishment. The ritual is a showdown in all respects.[20]
3.04 Night's Black Agents[]
The title designates witches hired by the Devil to do his bidding.
It is a reference to one of Adam Simon's favourite quotes, taken from Shakespeare's Macbeth, Act III, Scene II: “"Good things of day begin to droop and drowse; Whiles night’s black agents to their preys do rouse."” [21]
3.05 The Commonwealth of Hell[]
Commonwealth refers to the greater good. For the evil ones.
Some sources listed this episode under the title "The Witch Is Back". That is the line opening the synopsis and is a reference to the return of Mary and the Countess.
3.06 Wednesday's Child[]
Wednesday refers to the day of the week the events are taking place. Moreover, it is a clear reference to the eerie nursery rhyme, the "Poetry of the Devil."
