Witchcraft: A Survey of Medieval Ecstasy

Abstract

The article examines the phenomenon of witchcraft in medieval Europe, focusing on the role of ecstasy as a key element of the witch’s experience. It shows how witchcraft was conceived as a heretical and demonic activity that involved flying through the air, having sex with devils, and joining in night-time gatherings. It also analyses the historical and religious factors that influenced the formation and expression of witchcraft beliefs, such as the impact of classical mythology, folkloric traditions, Christian theology, and popular superstition. Moreover, it investigates the legal and theological reactions to the alleged danger of witchcraft, such as the papal bull of 1484 that authorized the persecution of witches, the influential treatise Malleus Maleficarum that established the witch stereotype, and the various trials and executions that occurred across Europe. The article uses various types of evidence, such as literary works, court documents, and theological writings, to demonstrate the richness and diversity of medieval witchcraft conceptions and discourses. It also explores different regional and temporal variations of witchcraft, such as the differences between Germanic and Latin cultures, or between early and late medieval periods. The article aims to provide a comprehensive and nuanced overview of witchcraft in medieval Europe, as well as to highlight its relevance for understanding the social and psychological dynamics of pre-modern societies.