The archetype of the witch, characterized by a pointed hat and evil demeanor, emerges from medieval times, reflecting societal fears and misogyny towards women healers.
From roughly 1450 to 1750, about 100,000 people faced witchcraft accusations, leading to torture and execution, often aimed disproportionately at women perceived as threats.
The Malleus Maleficarum, published in 1486, played a pivotal role in propagating fears of witches, framing them as evil figures engaging in heinous acts like cannibalism.
Witchcraft accusations were a tool of control, targeting female folk healers and wise women, as their practices were often viewed with suspicion by patriarchal authorities.
Collection
[
|
...
]