Quinn Caulfield, Mrs. Nemeth British Literature Honors 9 October 2024 King James I and IV King James Isth's belief in witchcraft affected early modern Britain’s look legally and socially, his beliefs largely influenced the ideas of how witchcraft was looked at during this time, expressing this by tightening up laws, killing many through witch trials and creating a climate of fear and worry. James Grew up in Royalty, but did go through troubles in his younger life. These troubles were rather extreme, including threats to his life as a young boy. These events likely are the route of his obsession with witchcraft. That began when returning home from Denmark, when the King had his first encounter with witches, resulting in his rule being surrounded …show more content…
King James rule had major legal effects involving witchcraft. The biggest of these, were witch trials. These witch trials were created out of fear and were frequently unjust, often people were guilty until proven innocent. The trials were also used as a way for King James to boost his social status around the world, and show to people that he was a combatant of Satan. These were so bad in fact that even in recent times, the issue is being addressed as to how unfair these trials were “In 2022 Nicola Sturgeon, the first minister, issued an apology for the historic persecution and execution of accused witches, describing it as “injustice on a colossal scale”.” (Historical Environment Scotland) Along with being unjust, James used these witch trials to boost his own social power, and more likely his ego. James using the witch trials to his own benefit could be a reason as to why they were so unjust and improperly ruled. But James making himself the main enemy to Satan likely boosted his status, not just in Scotland, but around the world. “James’ belief in witches very much flattered his own view of himself as king, because he was setting himself up as Satan's chief opponent.” (Timeline - World History Documentaries) James had a combination of an urge to become more and more