One of the linked papers talks about involuntary trance and the capacity for such a phenomenon to spread through extant systemic stress or fear.

We know humans can be captured or gripped by any number of involuntary phenomena, particularly when it becomes a social effect and in effect reduces individual conscious control in favor of the social locus. So that lens seems fairly valid on its face.

This also took place during extraordinarily harsh times even for that particular point in history. There had been massive floods and damage to crops, with food prices soaring, in addition to newly-spreading syphilis. There was probably a fairly strong unconscious sense of loss of control in the first place.

It was the dreaded Hildegard von Blingin'.

Be warned on clicking yonder hyperlinks least ye be similarly afflicted!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRIfsFefatg

Varily they did try to summon a hero during those dark days: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nx-x_1lIXh4

But lo, some tried to escape by way of sea: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9eSnSBP1Po

Some say this evil lasted as late as 1576: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6LOWKVq5sQ

“The human brain is a hell of a drug.”

The idea of mass psychogenic illness is pretty well known and even happens today.

You’ll read about some school where a bad smell comes up, some kid faints and then suddenly the class is on their way to the hospital, only to find out there was no exposure.

The article gives two possible explanations (LSD-like food poisoning, and “mass psychogenic illness”). There’s a chance it could be an elaborate hoax, or misunderstanding.

Boredom and lack of fun in an uptight society.

Cordyceps.