Up through the 19th century, the belief in witches starts to subside. What used to be an actual fear of the supernatural now turns to recollections of an already distant past when superstition had its place in society.
Reminiscences, rituals, customs and legends are gathered by folklorists who travel all over Europe to record the supernatural tales of yesteryear before they sink into oblivion. The brothers Grimm are among these collectors of folklore, and their work inspires others.
The new world is based on science. The witch is depicted as a character of fairy tales and theatrical plays now. With her black pointy hat and hooked nose, she rides across the night sky astride a broomstick. She has become a fairy tale figure, a creature of legends – just like trolls, pixies and other imaginary beings.
All the belief, fear and hate – and all the lives lost to the Danish witch trials – have ended up as entertaining stories of a time when ignorance and superstition reigned.