witchcraft in early modern europe
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Witchcraft in Early Modern Europe. What is a witch?. “A person who hath conference with the Devil to consult with him or to do some act” ~ Chief Justice Coke (England, 1620s). Origins. Ancient beliefs of witches Medieval superstitions Christian beliefs. Changing ideas on witchcraft. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Witchcraft in Early Modern Europe
“A person who hath conference with the Devil to consult with him or to do some act” ~ Chief Justice Coke (England, 1620s)
What is a witch?
Ancient beliefs of witches
Medieval superstitions
Christian beliefs
Origins
Women became increasingly identified with witchcraft and magicGroups targeted:
More concern with power of the devil and his influence in daily life
Use of magic increasingly connected to demonology and thus heresy
Changing ideas on witchcraft
From Greek “Daimon” meaning supernatural spirit unrelated to a god
From Christianity – fallen angel who is not part of heaven
Relationship between demonology and witchcraft is crucial
The Study of Demonology
What could witches do?Control the weatherCreate love spellsCause deathCreate potions and
ointments
Portrayal of Witches
When a witch is caught
What accounts for the growing persecution of witchcraft? Reformation
Religious instability leads to persecution Leaders prove piety through persecution
Socioeconomic Inflation War Famine
Demographic Late marriages and unmarried women leave many outside male
control Intellectual
More religious and lay leaders concerned with finding witches Awareness of devil in everyday life
Legal Prosecution is easier
Witch Hunts