She is led to the pyre – a ragged, elderly woman from the fringes of society. This description of the “quintessential” witch is a recurring image throughout most of Europe. But even though at least 75 per cent og the persons condemned for witchcraft across the continent fit this description, there are exceptions.
Men and children deviate from the norm but may also be condemned as witches. In a few places, such as Iceland, the majority of the people accused and sentenced are actually men. And in Germany and Switzerland witness several witch trials against children as young as three years old.
Neither do persons of rank escape altogether. Though cases are rare, ministers, mayors and other influential people do occasionally get accused and even condemned. The top tier of society – the nobility – do largely escape accusations of witchcraft though, at least in Denmark. In Germany, several noblemen and women end their days at the stake however.