-this fic is based on the lore of the story "Where the World Ends" of Hlissner, witches and cults are mine-

The citizens of the Know World have a inherent fear of what they can't control.
Under the influence of the celestial alicorns they feel safe, because they can regulate the weather, herd the critters, tending the plants. They consider the "wild" and "unpredictable" dangerous, because lethal beasts and ancient evils lurks in the shadows of the land, and the furter you go the worst it become. The common pony shuns places like the Everfree, because they are unnatural to the logical order of a daily sheltered life.
Not everypony sees it like this. Somepony embrace the wild, respect and worship its spirits and creatures. They have rediscovered the lore of the Old World, renewing its rituals and believes, harnessing its energies. The common pony shuns these individuals, branding them as wicked and hating them.
Its a shame they shunned Discord really, the common pony is so boring and narrow minded.