Icelandic Witch Trials
The Icelandic Witch Trials occurred in the late 17th century, primarily between 1625 and 1690. During this period, accusations of witchcraft led to the persecution of individuals, mostly women, who were believed to practice sorcery or harmful magic. The trials were influenced by a mix of local superstition and the broader European witch hunts.
In total, around 30 people were executed in Iceland for witchcraft, often through burning or hanging. The trials reflected societal fears and the desire to control perceived threats, ultimately leading to a decline in witch hunts by the late 18th century as Enlightenment ideas gained traction.