nameless "witch"

The belief in witches is deeply rooted in European superstition; its origins trace back to polytheistic religions displaced by Christianity during the Middle Ages. Especially in myths, legends, and fairy tales, the stereotype of magical women—often evil, cunning, allied with the devil, and living alone in forests—was shaped.

These prejudices and stories may have transferred to actual knowledgeable individuals, both women and men, through superstition. From the 15th century, the Church encouraged systematic persecution of supposed witches. In 1486, the Dominican Heinrich Kramer published the 'Malleus Maleficarum', a handbook that aimed to explain and systematize inquisitorial actions.

Witch persecutions peaked in the 17th century; during Duke Johann Casimir’s reign (1564–1633), numerous witch trials and executions took place in Coburg. Most accusations came from the general populace.