9. Witchcraft and Superstition
Even as Enlightenment thinkers championed reason, fear of witchcraft persisted across Europe. Accusations and trials continued well into the 18th century, with communities blaming unexplained misfortunes on supposed witches. Ironically, some Enlightenment writers debunked these superstitions, while others sensationalized them for dramatic effect. The era’s struggle between old beliefs and new ideas is striking. Learn more about the lingering shadow of witchcraft.
