Animals too may fall victim to sorcery. Mortality among cattle and horses is high, and when livestock die, it’s often seen as a sign of the Devil’s presence or the work of witches.
But animals are not innocent victims only, and you never know what they are hiding. They may be so-called familiars – demonic helpers – given to a witch by the Devil. And worse yet: They may be the witch herself in disguise – or even the Devil himself taking the shape of an animal.
Perfectly ordinary animals – cats, dogs, hares, ravens and several other kinds – may harbour hidden malice, and these animals are therefore often mentioned in accusations of witchcraft. In 1614, Maren Pedersdatter from Varde and her coven of witches were accused of having obtained wine and money with the help of their familiars in the shape of a falcon, a sparrow and a swallow.
The Devil may lurk in all God’s creatures.