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In the past many people accused of witchcraft were burnt at the stake or executed in other ways - it is generally agreed that most of these people knew nothing of witchcraft, and were witches only in the imaginations of those accusing them.  It is interesting to note that one-quarter of those executed for witchcraft were men.  In Exodus 22:18 the Old Testament specifically bans witchcraft under penalty of death.  

In the past many people accused of witchcraft were burnt at the stake or executed in other ways - it is generally agreed that most of these people knew nothing of witchcraft, and were witches only in the imaginations of those accusing them.  It is interesting to note that one-quarter of those executed for witchcraft were men.  In Exodus 22:18 the Old Testament specifically bans witchcraft under penalty of death.  

The most famous episode is the [[Salem Witch Trials]] of 1692 in Massachusetts, in which numerous accused witches were hanged (none were burned). A famous British case was the [Pendle Witch]] trials of 1612 AD.

The most famous episode is the [[Salem Witch Trials]] of 1692 in Massachusetts, in which numerous accused witches were hanged (none were burned). A famous British case was the [[Pendle Witch]] trials of 1612 AD.

In 19th century romanticism, witches and the occult became popular figures of novels and fairy-tales. Most of the times they were of evil and dangerous character, but there are also examples of benevolent character. At about the same time they became popular [[carnival]] figures.  

In 19th century romanticism, witches and the occult became popular figures of novels and fairy-tales. Most of the times they were of evil and dangerous character, but there are also examples of benevolent character. At about the same time they became popular [[carnival]] figures.