The legend of
Witchcraft stretches deep into the troubled times of the
Dark Ages. They were said to
fly,
transform, and
enchant.
No witch could grab a broom, or distaff, or common gardening tool, and take off with it. There was Witchcraft involved. The magical energy to fly came from an ointment, smeared thickly on their bodies.
This ointment is made from the most potent herbs a witch has it their disposal:
Monkshood
Henbane
Deadly Nightshade
Mandrake
Hemlock
Legend goes they blended it with extracts in a base of lard - it is whispered that they would use the fat of unbaptized children. - and when combined, by first hand witch accounts, they were spirited away in the twitch of an eye.
My speculation is that they did make this ointment. It was so potent that it intoxicated them, making them light headed. This would lend the illusion of flight.
So it is whispered...