Heinrich Kramer

Heinrich Kramer (1430-1505), also known under the Latinized name Henricus Institoris, was a German churchman and inquisitor. Born in Schlettstadt, Alsace, Kramer entered the Dominican Order and soon distinguished himself as a zealous advocate of the church's power to combat heresy and witchcraft. His most infamous contribution to literature was 'Malleus Maleficarum' (The Hammer of Witches), a treatise written in 1486 that encapsulated the contemporary beliefs about witchcraft and became one of the most influential works in promoting the witch hunts in early modern Europe. Co-authored with Jacob Sprenger, though his involvement is debated (MacCulloch, 2003), the book is split into three sections, outlining the existence of witches, practices of witchcraft, and appropriate judicial procedures to combat such heresies. Despite the fact that the theological foundations of the 'Malleus Maleficarum' were never recognized by the Catholic Church, the book's impact on European society was profound, reflecting the heightened anxieties of those times. Kramer's work straddled the line between spiritual doctrine and secular law, contributing greatly to the judicial processes that led to the persecution of thousands. His fervent belief in the reality of witchcraft and his active role in prosecuting alleged witches have immortalized him as a key figure in the history of the witch hunt phenomenon, with 'Malleus Maleficarum' serving as a dark testament to this chapter of human history (Kors & Peters, 2001).