This pattern can be seen more broadly across medieval Europe, where queens and noblewomen who defied gender norms, wielded political influence, or survived court rivalries were sometimes branded as witches or sorceresses. These charges served both to vilify women and to justify political actions against them.
The Broader Impact on Medieval Society and Legacy
The link between witchcraft accusations and royalty in the Middle Ages shaped perceptions of queenship and female authority for centuries. The fear of the “witch queen” became a cultural trope, reflecting anxieties about women’s roles and power.
While Elizabeth Woodville and Joan of Navarre represent two of the most prominent cases, many other noblewomen and queens faced similar threats. Their stories remind us that the history of witchcraft is deeply intertwined with gender, politics, and power dynamics in medieval Europe.
By examining these royal figures through the lens of witchcraft accusations, historians gain insight into how medieval societies managed power, fear, and gender roles—issues that resonate far beyond their own time. shutdown123