Knowing Satan from God: Demonic Possession, Witchcraft, and the Lutheran Orthodox Church in Early Modern Denmark

A 1617 royal ordinance against witches and intensified witch-hunting in early 17th-century Denmark, have been seen as manifesting rigor against witches in Danish Lutheranism. But Lutheran theologians were more concerned with popular practice and lay discipline than with trials for diabolical witchcraft. Witch trials were held in secular courts. Parish priests testified as to the reputation of suspects, prayed for them, and may at times have served as their consultants. Churchmen played a more active role in cases of possession. Children of Niels Munk were said to be possessed, leading to witch trials in which Bishop Hans Wandal was an important force for moderation. The diary of Bishop Hans Mikkelsen shows similar moderation. Bishop Morten Madsen resorted to admotions and injunctions rather than judicial action in response to “false prophecies.” Only in the case of Maren Splids, executed at Ribe in 1641, did a bishop encourage prosecution for witchcraft.