Louise Nyholm Kallestrup

Louise Nyholm Kallestrup, a historian specializing in witchcraft and early modern Scandinavian history, discusses her new book on witchcraft in Denmark from 1536 to 1617. She explains how witchcraft evolved from a biblical offense to a representation of divine mockery, especially highlighted by the 1617 Witchcraft Act. The conversation covers the royal bridal journey of 1589, linked to witch accusations, and examines how Reformation-era apocalyptic beliefs fueled fears of witchcraft. Kallestrup also delves into the cultural construction of 'evil women' and the political implications of witch trials, revealing a complex intersection of religion and power.