Did witches represent evil in the 1600s?

In the 1600s, witches were often associated with evil due to societal fears and superstitions surrounding witchcraft. The period, particularly marked by events like the European witch hunts and the Salem witch trials, portrayed witches as malevolent figures who made pacts with the devil. This perception was fueled by religious beliefs, social tensions, and a lack of understanding of natural phenomena, leading to widespread hysteria and persecution. Consequently, many individuals, particularly women, were unjustly accused and punished as witches.