Today we will dive into the fascinating world of medieval witchcraft and uncover what people during that time really believed about witches. From the origins of witchcraft beliefs to the witch hunts that plagued Europe, we'll explore the myths, legends, and fears that surrounded this mysterious and misunderstood topic.

Medieval Europe was a time of great change, but also a time of fear and superstition. The concept of witchcraft was deeply rooted in people's beliefs and imaginations, and it was widely believed that witches were in league with the devil. This belief was largely influenced by the Church, which saw witches as a threat to their power and authority.

During the medieval period, witches were thought to have the ability to cast spells, control the elements, and communicate with spirits. They were also believed to have the power to cause illness, death, and misfortune. The fear of witchcraft was so great that it often led to mass panic and hysteria.

One of the most popular beliefs about witches was that they would gather in secret to perform satanic rituals. These gatherings, known as “sabbats”, were thought to involve dancing, feasting, and other depraved activities in honor of the devil. People believed that witches used these gatherings to exchange information and plot against their enemies. These gatherings were often depicted in art and literature, and were seen as proof of the witches’ evil nature.

Medieval people also believed that witches had the power to cast spells and curses on their enemies. These spells could cause harm, illness, or even death. Some of the most feared spells were those that were thought to cause infertility, render crops barren, or create famines. These fears were fueled by the many natural disasters, plagues, and famines that struck Europe during the medieval period.

The fear of witches was so great that many people would go to great lengths to protect themselves from their supposed powers. This often involved wearing amulets or talismans, reciting prayers or incantations, and even carrying around pieces of iron or garlic to ward off evil spirits.

Witch hunts were a dark and tragic chapter in European history. The persecution of people accused of witchcraft reached its peak during the late medieval and early modern periods and was often carried out by both the Church and secular authorities. The accused were often subjected to brutal and inhumane treatment, including torture, in order to extract confessions and secure convictions.

The consequences of being accused of witchcraft were severe. Thousands of people, both men and women, were executed for practicing witchcraft. The methods of execution varied from region to region, but hanging and burning at the stake were the most common. The accused were often stripped of their property and assets, which was then seized by the Church or secular authorities. The witch hunts had a profound impact on the affected communities and left a lasting legacy of fear, trauma, and mistrust.


The Spanish Inquisition, which was established in 1478, was one of the largest and most notorious witch hunts in European history. The inquisition was tasked with rooting out heresy and enforcing religious conformity in Spain and its territories. The inquisition's definition of heresy was broad and included witchcraft, which was seen as a threat to the Church and its authority.
During the Spanish Inquisition, thousands of people were accused of practicing witchcraft and were subjected to brutal interrogation, torture, and execution. The inquisition was particularly harsh on women, who were often accused of being witches simply because of their gender. The inquisition's witch hunts were characterized by their use of brutal and inhumane methods of torture, such as the rack and the strappado, in order to extract confessions from the accused.


The medieval concept of witchcraft was based on fear and superstition, but it also reveals a great deal about the beliefs and values of the time. While we now know that witches were not actually in league with the devil and did not have the powers that were attributed to them, the fear of witchcraft remains an important part of our cultural heritage. The legacy of these beliefs can still be seen today in popular culture, from Halloween costumes to fictional depictions of witches in books and movies.

Thank you for joining us on this journey through medieval Europe. Don't forget to like and subscribe for more history related videos. Until next time, take care.

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