Wolfgang Behringer: An Influential Historian in Witchcraft Studies

Wolfgang Behringer, born in 1956 in Munich, Germany, is a historian known for his work on early modern European history. His research covers the connections between culture, religion, and society, with a particular focus on witchcraft beliefs and persecutions.

Behringer is known for his deep dive into archival research and his ability to look at history through multiple lenses. His major works—Witchcraft Persecutions in Bavaria, Shaman of Oberstdorf, and A Cultural History of Climate—have established him as a leading expert in the field of witchcraft studies and early modern history.

Why Witchcraft Persecutions in Bavaria Matters

Witchcraft Persecutions in Bavaria: Popular Magic, Religious Zealotry, and Reason of State in Early Modern Europe is one of the most important books in witchcraft studies. First published in German in 1987 and later translated into English in 1997, it provides an in-depth look at witch trials in Bavaria between 1300 and 1800. Unlike other books that reduce witch hunts to religious fanaticism or mass hysteria, Behringer examines the complex mix of factors that contributed to these persecutions, including political strategies, social instability, and economic hardship.

By analyzing these sources, Behringer challenges the idea that witch hunts were simple outbreaks of irrational fear. Instead, he shows how they were influenced by larger historical forces.

Witch Hunts Happened in Waves—And For a Reason

One of Behringer’s main arguments is that witch hunts weren’t constant but happened in waves, usually during times of crisis. The worst period of executions was between 1586 and 1630, a time marked by famine, agrarian struggles, and religious conflicts tied to the Counter-Reformation. While these events played out differently in each region, Bavaria followed a pattern seen across Europe.

By identifying these patterns, Behringer shows that witch hunts weren’t just about superstition—they were often responses to real social and economic fears. When people were desperate for answers, they looked for scapegoats.

What Did People Actually Believe About Witches?

Behringer also explores the magical beliefs that shaped these witch trials. Many Bavarians believed witches could control the weather, particularly storms and hail that could destroy crops. This made them an easy target during times of food scarcity. Here we find a similar Agrarian aspect of the pre-Christian folk beliefs and myths that Ginzburg, Pocs and others have documented as well (and earlier, Wilhelm Mannhardt, Marie Andree-Eysn, James Frazer etc).

There was also a strong belief that witches could heal or harm using herbal remedies or charms. If a folk healer’s treatment failed—or if their success made others jealous—they could be accused of witchcraft.

Another widespread idea was that witches could transform into animals like cats or wolves to carry out their magic. This belief had deep roots in European folklore, with each region adding its own twist. Accusations often included tales of witches attending secret sabbaths where they supposedly performed dark rituals, met with demons, and plotted against the community.

At the same time, people used protective charms—like rowan wood crosses and red threads—to guard against witchcraft. These customs combined Christian practices with older, pre-Christian traditions that had survived in rural communities.

Why Did Bavaria Have Such Intense Witch Hunts?

Several key factors made Bavaria a hotspot for witch trials. One was political power in combination with religious fanaticism. During the Counter-Reformation, Catholic leaders were determined to stamp out heresy, and witchcraft became part of that fight. Jesuits and Dominicans encouraged trials, framing them as a battle against unholy forces.

Economic struggles made things worse. Famines, disease outbreaks, and financial instability created a climate of fear where people were more likely to accuse others. When communities were desperate, they were quick to look for someone to blame.

The legal system also played a major role. Additionally, confessions fed into existing fears, reinforcing the belief that witches were everywhere.

Gender was another major factor. While men were sometimes accused, women—especially elderly or marginalized women—were the primary targets. Deep-seated stereotypes about women being weak-willed or prone to sin made them easy scapegoats. It should be, however, noted here that there were also male practitioners of so-called Witchcraft, e.g. well documented in France but also in Switzerland and the Alps (as so-called Lachsner).

What This Book Offers Readers

This book is essential for anyone interested in the history of witchcraft, pre-Christian traditions, or European folk beliefs. Behringer combines detailed statistical research with cultural analysis, making it an invaluable resource for scholars of history, religion, and legal studies.

For non-academics, it offers a fascinating look at how superstition, religion, and politics intertwined to create real-life tragedies. It also sheds light on how ancient beliefs persisted despite religious and social pressures to erase them.

Since its publication, Witchcraft Persecutions in Bavaria has become a foundational text in the study of witchcraft trials. It continues to shape discussions about how fear, power, and belief influenced one of the darkest periods in European history. Whether you’re an academic researcher or just curious about the topic, this book is a must-read and has personally influenced my passion and interest a lot as I was born and raised in Bavaria.