The Phenomenon of Witchcraft in the Middle Ages

This is a unique study of the phenomenon of witchcraft, its formation and development in Western Europe during the Middle Ages. The author meticulously examines ancient and medieval sources and analyzes the changing perceptions of witches from the 5th to the 15th centuries. What was the concept of witchcraft in the consciousness of a medieval person? What influence did pagan beliefs have on the formation of the image of the witch? How did Christianity contribute to the demonization of folk witchcraft while at the same time promoting its spread? What initiated the witch hunts and why were the trials of accused women filled with such brutality? What social and religious changes in medieval society became the starting point for the development of the phenomenon of witchcraft? Readers will find answers to these and many other questions in this publication.