The Icelandic Witch Trials

The Icelandic Witch Trials, primarily between the late 1600s and early 1700s, were a series of religious and legal proceedings where individuals, mostly women, were accused of practising witchcraft. Driven by fears of evil magic, superstition, and religious authority, these trials led to numerous arrests, confessions often obtained under duress, and executions. The trials reflected societal tensions, religious shifts, and the desire to eliminate perceived threats to order and morality. Today, they serve as a historical example of how fear, ignorance, and authority can lead to unjust outcomes.