Warlock

Every fourth supposed witch was a man. This work examines these so-called witch masters as defendants and executed individuals in witch trials, opening a largely unknown chapter in the history of Central Europe during the early modern period. The study statistically outlines the numerical proportions of men in witch persecution and describes region-specific patterns of persecution in the Holy Roman Empire. An analysis of gender specificity in contemporary theological and demonological literature shows that the image of the witch was by no means homogeneous. To clarify the social profile and personal fates of alleged witch masters, the author depicts conflict situations that led to trials against men and traces specific trials based on court records. The investigation, which does not compromise on readability, concludes with an answer to the question: Male witches, witch men, witch masters, or shamans?.