: Many were seen as "weak" or "different," including those who were elderly, disabled, or mentally ill.
: In certain areas of the Holy Roman Empire between 1530 and 1730, the percentage of male victims ranged from 13% to 27%. In some specific regions like Carinthia, men formed the majority at 68% of those accused. Man as Witch: Male Witches in Central Europe
While popular memory often associates witchcraft almost exclusively with women, the historical reality in Central Europe shows a different distribution: : Many were seen as "weak" or "different,"
The historical guide to male witches in Central Europe, particularly based on the seminal work Man as Witch: Male Witches in Central Europe by Rolf Schulte, reveals that men were a significant but often overlooked demographic in the early modern witch trials. Statistical Overview The Social Profile of the Male Witch
: Approximately one in four (25%) accused witches in Central Europe was male.
: In many Catholic territories, the number of male witch cases rose markedly in the 17th century as the traditional female witch stereotype began to break down. The Social Profile of the Male Witch