"A prevalent misconception about witch trials is that they were common during the Middle Ages. In fact, medieval Europeans held more ambivalent views toward folk magic and 'occult sciences' than one may assume"—well said. Magic was certainly recognized as a potentially destructive force in the Middle Ages, but medieval literature and folklore also abounds with magical elements that reflect a fascination with the mysterious, wondrous, symbolic, and supernatural elements of human life.
As you said, the extreme (at times fanatical) negativity toward witchcraft arrived with the early modern period—how contrary to modern stereotypes, that the era of witch-hunts is associated more with the Renaissance than the Middle Ages! The historian Michael Bailey sums it up well: "Only in the 15th century, however, did authorities begin to argue that the people who performed such acts had placed themselves entirely in Satan’s service, and that they acted not as malevolent individuals but as members of organized, conspiratorial cults of demon worshippers. The image of witchcraft that crystallized at this time generated the first real witch-hunts."
Yes! I think most people would be surprised to learn that the witch craze occurred much later in history. I also think that so much of this had to do with the Reformation, as people in the early modern period had great anxieties and questions about which path (Catholicism or Protestant sects) would lead to salvation. (And of course, the wars and famines, etc.) I love that point Bailey makes as well - the concept of conspiratorial cults rather than an individual bad actor.
Thank you for this article!
"A prevalent misconception about witch trials is that they were common during the Middle Ages. In fact, medieval Europeans held more ambivalent views toward folk magic and 'occult sciences' than one may assume"—well said. Magic was certainly recognized as a potentially destructive force in the Middle Ages, but medieval literature and folklore also abounds with magical elements that reflect a fascination with the mysterious, wondrous, symbolic, and supernatural elements of human life.
As you said, the extreme (at times fanatical) negativity toward witchcraft arrived with the early modern period—how contrary to modern stereotypes, that the era of witch-hunts is associated more with the Renaissance than the Middle Ages! The historian Michael Bailey sums it up well: "Only in the 15th century, however, did authorities begin to argue that the people who performed such acts had placed themselves entirely in Satan’s service, and that they acted not as malevolent individuals but as members of organized, conspiratorial cults of demon worshippers. The image of witchcraft that crystallized at this time generated the first real witch-hunts."
Yes! I think most people would be surprised to learn that the witch craze occurred much later in history. I also think that so much of this had to do with the Reformation, as people in the early modern period had great anxieties and questions about which path (Catholicism or Protestant sects) would lead to salvation. (And of course, the wars and famines, etc.) I love that point Bailey makes as well - the concept of conspiratorial cults rather than an individual bad actor.
Such a cool dive into witches, just in time for the kick-off of spooky season!
Thank you! ☺️
Really interesting stuff! Enjoyed it a lot
Thank you!
Thanks for this interesting dive into witches and the art. I’ve always liked the Pre-Raphaelites, and the Circe is fantastic.
I love that painting, it’s so beautiful. Thank you for reading!
I love him as artists!! He did some amazing work. Didn’t he do Desdemona in the pool? I think so.
You might be thinking of Ophelia by John Everett Millais - does that look familiar? I couldn’t find a Desdemona by Waterhouse but I could be wrong!
Oh yes!! You’re right! I confused them. Oops. Mixing my fated women of literature and my artists!
Great piece, Nicole! Shakespeare would have been amazed at such an array of beauty!
I didn’t even think of that - how amazed he would be. Thank you for reading! ☺️
Fantastic! 🔥
Thank you!