The Scolding of Ane Koldings: A Look into Denmark's Dark Witch Trial Era

An engraving showing the events that led up to the North Berwick witchcraft trials
from the publication 'Newes from Scotland' (1591).

The “Scolding of Ane Koldings” is an ominous phrase etched into Denmark’s history, marking one of the most infamous episodes of witch hunts and trials in Scandinavian Europe. It refers to the harsh interrogation and eventual conviction of Ane Koldings, a Danish woman accused of witchcraft in the early 17th century. Her case became pivotal in Denmark’s witch trial history, fueling widespread fear and setting a precedent for witch hunts across the region.

The Context of Witch Hunts in Denmark

By the time Ane Koldings faced her trial, Denmark, like much of Europe, was steeped in superstition and paranoia. The late 1500s and early 1600s were marked by social unrest, crop failures, disease outbreaks, and war, creating a fertile ground for fear-based explanations. In these anxious times, accusations of witchcraft surged, with “witches” often scapegoated for misfortunes such as illness or death among livestock, poor harvests, or unexpected tragedies.

Ane Koldings’ trial came during the reign of King Christian IV, a ruler who himself believed in the threat of witches. King Christian was known for actively supporting witch trials, convinced that evil forces were targeting his kingdom. Under his rule, Denmark saw a rise in witchcraft accusations, leading to brutal trials and the execution of countless suspected witches.

Ane Koldings’ Story: Accusation and Interrogation

Ane Koldings was among the women accused following a mysterious incident involving Princess Anne, who was set to marry King James VI of Scotland (later James I of England). En route to Scotland, a storm nearly capsized her ship—a calamity that was quickly attributed to witchcraft.

Ane Koldings, along with several others, was accused of using black magic to summon the storm. While it’s unclear why she was singled out, records suggest she was a midwife and healer, roles that often put women at risk of accusations. During her brutal interrogation—referred to as “the scolding”—Ane was reportedly tortured and pressured to confess. Under duress, she implicated other women, which led to further arrests and an escalating witch hunt.

The Trial and Execution

The accusations against Koldings played out in a Danish court where “evidence” of her alleged sorcery was presented. Ane, like many accused during this period, faced a hopeless battle; trials often relied on forced confessions or testimonies from fellow accused witches. Ane eventually “confessed” to conspiring with others to summon the deadly storm that nearly sank the princess’s ship.

She was sentenced to death and subsequently executed, likely by burning—a common method for punishing accused witches in Denmark. Her trial and execution became symbolic, triggering a wave of witch hunts and fueling public fear of witchcraft.

The Legacy of Ane Koldings and Denmark’s Witch Trials

The “Scolding of Ane Koldings” reflects the hysteria and persecution that gripped Denmark during the witch trial era. Her case exemplifies the danger of unbridled fear and prejudice, especially when society resorts to scapegoating the marginalized and misunderstood.

Though Denmark’s witch trials ended by the late 17th century, the scars left by this dark chapter remain in the country’s history. Today, the story of Ane Koldings reminds us of the perils of baseless accusations and the importance of justice and compassion. As modern societies continue to reflect on their histories, the lessons from cases like Ane Koldings’ offer a stark reminder of the consequences of fear-driven persecution.