The blood libel, a false accusation against Jews of murdering Christian children for ritual purposes, gained significant traction in Germany during the 14th century. This baseless charge appealed to the fears and prejudices of society, deeply embedding itself in the collective mindset of the populace. It was in Germany that this particular myth took hold the most, reflecting a broader trend of scapegoating in times of social and economic turmoil.

This phenomenon can be traced back to the 12th century when similar allegations of well-poisoning emerged. Barbara W. Tuchman explores how these damaging myths contributed to the calamitous climate of the era, leading to violence and persecution against Jewish communities. The persistence of such claims indicates how fear and ignorance can often fuel societal hatred, resulting in tragic consequences throughout history.