Ferreting Out Witches
The Great Witch Hunts ignited when fears about local village witches converged with theological teachings about demonic witches. Unexplained misfortunes frequently prompted accusations of witchcraft—accusations that were reported to local authorities who would in turn launch an investigation. Communities sometimes invited itinerant witch-finders, such as the infamous Matthew Hopkins, to conduct investigations. The testimonies of an accuser and any witnesses sufficed to make an arrest. The suspect would then be stripped and physically examined to determine whether any marks of the devil existed, such as a third teat used to feed familiars or blemishes that, when pricked with a pin or knife, did not inflict pain. Households would be searched for evidence of witchcraft—magic unguents, small animals, or any possessions of the aggrieved party. Interrogators would question suspects using a set list of questions designed to elicit a confession of witchcraft. If the suspect was not “cooperative,” that is, if they denied all accusations, then torture could be applied. Most victims ended up confessing to whatever was asked of them, including fantastical misdeeds that bore little resemblance to the initial complaint.