The Wilsbach Possession

In 1657, a woman in the German village of Wilsbach became possessed by demons. Her case led to witch accusations against her neighbors. The combination of possession and witch trial demonstrates the deadly potential of such cases.

The Victim

The possessed woman began experiencing fits and speaking in strange voices. She displayed classic signs of possession: superhuman strength, knowledge of hidden things, and violent reactions to religious objects.

The Accusations

During exorcism, the demons inhabiting her named local women as witches who had caused her affliction. These accusations were taken seriously by authorities who were already engaged in witch prosecutions.

The Trial

The accused women were arrested and subjected to interrogation. Some confessed under torture. The proceedings followed the pattern of contemporary witch trials, with demonic testimony serving as evidence.

The Executions

Several accused witches were executed based in part on the possessed woman’s testimony. Their deaths demonstrated the deadly consequences of accepting supernatural evidence in legal proceedings.

The Recovery

After the executions, the possessed woman recovered. Whether her improvement was coincidence, the removal of guilt, or genuine spiritual liberation was not questioned at the time.

Assessment

The Wilsbach case illustrates the deadly intersection of possession and witch trial. Demons could accuse anyone, and their testimony was treated as valid. The human cost of such beliefs was paid by those burned as witches.