Why did people in the 16th century kill witches?

In the 16th century, societal fears and superstitions led to widespread witch hunts, as people believed that witches were responsible for misfortunes such as poor harvests, disease, and unexplained accidents. The Protestant Reformation and the rise of the Inquisition intensified the persecution, as religious authorities sought to eliminate perceived threats to their faith. Additionally, women, particularly those who were elderly, single, or marginalized, were often scapegoated in these trials, reflecting societal anxieties about gender and power. This combination of fear, superstition, and social dynamics contributed to the tragic phenomenon of witch hunts during this period.