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In this major new book, Wolfgang Behringer surveys the phenomenon of witchcraft past and present. Drawing on the latest historical and anthropological findings, Behringer sheds new light on the history of European witchcraft, while demonstrating that witch-hunts are not simply part of the European past. Although witch-hunts have long since been outlawed in Europe, other societies have struggled with the idea that witchcraft does not exist. As Behringer shows, witch-hunts continue to pose a major problem in Africa and among tribal people in America, Asia and Australia. The belief that certain people are able to cause harm by supernatural powers endures throughout the world today. Wolfgang Behringer explores the idea of witchcraft as an anthropological phenomenon with a historical dimension, aiming to outline and to understand the meaning of large-scale witchcraft persecutions in early modern Europe and in present-day Africa. He deals systematically with the belief in witchcraft and the persecution of witches, as well as with the process of outlawing witch-hunts. He examines the impact of anti-witch-hunt legislation in Europe, and discusses the problems caused in societies where European law was imposed in colonial times. In conclusion, the relationship between witches old and new is assessed. This book will make essential reading for all those interested in the history and anthropology of witchcraft and magic.… (más)
By itself, "witchcraft beliefs do not automatically generate persecutions." There’s always a triggering factor involved. There was a centuries long construction of the concept of witchcraft, emerging as a singular crime only around 1400. Religious minorities were arrested for heresy first and then magical crimes were added. The word "synagogue" with its "heretical" origin, was used to describe the gatherings of Waldensians, and later any religious minority eventually settling on "sabbath" or "sabbat." It’s no coincidence, Behring argues, that the mass persecutions coincide with the most religiously turbulent, politically unstable and environmentally challenging period in European history. The Reformation, Religious Wars, Thirty Years’ War, Little Ice Age, Plague…Scapegoating a witch provided a solution for an otherwise uncontrollable situation, and most trials originated in the lower classes and secular courts. These illegal trials were either shut down by higher authority, or encouraged to deflect blame.
Behring also explains a lot of misconceptions: i.e. 1) The idea that "up to 9 million witches" were executed has its origins in Nazi propaganda. 2) 80% of the victims being female is due to location. In Northern Europe the distribution is reversed. Also, women accused other women because of their social sphere, contributing to the number. 3) The Malleus Maleficarum was not backed by any higher authority originally and was rare in it's pointed attack on women. Behring also points out that the neglected research of contemporary women's psychology and witchcraft among slaves in the New World.
Behringer's "Witches and Witch-Hunts" contains impressive research and countless examples of witch trials, but does focus mainly on Central Europe, which should’ve been stated outright. It's also dense at times and the timeline could've been cleaner for easier reading. Highly recommend though! ( )
Información procedente del conocimiento común inglés.Edita para encontrar en tu idioma.
"So what do you think Madumo means when he says his life is cursed?" I asked as I returned to the table with Mamfete's tea. "Do you think there really is something happening with his ancestors? Or could it be that he has been bewitched?"" You don't believe in witches do you?" she asked, chuckling, - Adam Ashforth, Madumo, 2000
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Información procedente del conocimiento común inglés.Edita para encontrar en tu idioma.
Witchcraft is a controversial subject and offers multiple opportunities for misunderstandings.
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Información procedente del conocimiento común inglés.Edita para encontrar en tu idioma.
And since the belief in witchcraft potentially generates persecutions, whether we like the idea or not, there will be a continuing concern with witches and witch-hunts.
In this major new book, Wolfgang Behringer surveys the phenomenon of witchcraft past and present. Drawing on the latest historical and anthropological findings, Behringer sheds new light on the history of European witchcraft, while demonstrating that witch-hunts are not simply part of the European past. Although witch-hunts have long since been outlawed in Europe, other societies have struggled with the idea that witchcraft does not exist. As Behringer shows, witch-hunts continue to pose a major problem in Africa and among tribal people in America, Asia and Australia. The belief that certain people are able to cause harm by supernatural powers endures throughout the world today. Wolfgang Behringer explores the idea of witchcraft as an anthropological phenomenon with a historical dimension, aiming to outline and to understand the meaning of large-scale witchcraft persecutions in early modern Europe and in present-day Africa. He deals systematically with the belief in witchcraft and the persecution of witches, as well as with the process of outlawing witch-hunts. He examines the impact of anti-witch-hunt legislation in Europe, and discusses the problems caused in societies where European law was imposed in colonial times. In conclusion, the relationship between witches old and new is assessed. This book will make essential reading for all those interested in the history and anthropology of witchcraft and magic.
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(4.5)
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Behring also explains a lot of misconceptions: i.e. 1) The idea that "up to 9 million witches" were executed has its origins in Nazi propaganda. 2) 80% of the victims being female is due to location. In Northern Europe the distribution is reversed. Also, women accused other women because of their social sphere, contributing to the number. 3) The Malleus Maleficarum was not backed by any higher authority originally and was rare in it's pointed attack on women. Behring also points out that the neglected research of contemporary women's psychology and witchcraft among slaves in the New World.
Behringer's "Witches and Witch-Hunts" contains impressive research and countless examples of witch trials, but does focus mainly on Central Europe, which should’ve been stated outright. It's also dense at times and the timeline could've been cleaner for easier reading. Highly recommend though! (