In the annals of history, there have been numerous tales and legends that speak of individuals possessing mystical powers and the ability to cast spells. These spellcasters, often referred to as witches, wizards, or sorcerers, have captivated the imagination of people for centuries. The concept of spellcasting is deeply rooted in ancient cultures, where magic and witchcraft were regarded as a means to commune with the supernatural and harness its power. One notable spellcaster in history is the legendary figure of Merlin. According to Arthurian myth, Merlin was a powerful wizard who played a pivotal role in the rise of King Arthur and the establishment of Camelot. He was said to possess incredible magical abilities, including the power to shape-shift, foretell the future, and command the elements.
He was said to possess incredible magical abilities, including the power to shape-shift, foretell the future, and command the elements. Merlin's character has been immortalized in literature, appearing in various retellings of the Arthurian legend, such as Thomas Malory's "Le Morte d'Arthur." The story of Merlin highlights the significance of spellcasters in the narrative of history.
The week in audio: Witch; Spellcaster: The Fall of Sam Bankman-Fried; History’s Secret Heroes – review
India Rakusen, host of the excellent 28ish Days Later, which looked at the process of menstruation day by day, is back on Radio 4 and BBC Sounds. Once again, she’s chatting lady stuff. Be scared, chaps! Yeah, you’d better be: because Rakusen is talking about – and to – witches.
I’ve heard the first three episodes of Witch, and the ones Rakusen encounters are a long way from claw-fingered, black-robed pointy hats. Instead, they’re normal-ish young women who’ve simply continued the spells and incantations of childhood. One burns unwanted bills and invitations in a May Day ritual. Another talks Rakusen through her teas (“That’s very poisonous! It’s nightshade; don’t even open the jar”). A wicca follower mentions they schedule their projects according to the waxing and waning of the moon. Everyone’s having a lovely time.
But life wasn’t always so good for a witch. In Edinburgh, Claire Mitchell KC is leading a campaign for the city to acknowledge that 2,500 innocent people – mostly women – were accused, tortured and killed for witchcraft from the 1560s onwards. We hear about the 1486 Malleus Maleficarum – the Hammer of the Witches – a madly sexist, initially ridiculed text that gradually gained respect and somehow got entwined with the papal bull of 1484, so that killing witches appeared to be church-approved. Then there’s Daemonologie, written in 1597 by King James VI of Scotland, later James I of England. His wife and daughter had been endangered in a storm at sea and he blamed witches. Historian Ronald Hutton says that, actually, when it came to witch-killing, the UK divided along Anglo-Saxon/Celtic lines: Wales and the Scottish Highlands on one side, England and the lowlands on the other. The Celts believed in fairies and so thought witches were OK; the Anglo-Saxons, influenced by Germany, did not.
Surprise! At the centre of this tale is a deeply flawed individual who makes others believe he’s some sort of messiah
As you can tell, there’s a lot of highly interesting research in this series. Prepare to have your cynical mind expanded. It helps that Rakusen is an excellent presenter. Her scripts are a delight: beautifully written and delivered. You sense that she really hopes that she too is a witch. An understandable desire: who hasn’t wanted the ability to point a finger at an enemy and turn them into a toad? The non-magic world has a way of wearing women down. I’ll be happy if Rakusen turns out witchy; but I hope that even if she does, she continues to weave her audio magic.
Here’s another Spellcaster: the title of Wondery’s new schaden-fraud series. And, yes, I mean schaden-fraud: it’s my label for that subset of true crime podcasts in which a charismatic huckster convinces crowds to part with their money, proceeds to soar to the top by riding those billions, and then… crashes. Think The Dropout, about Theranos and Elizabeth Holmes, or The Missing Crypto Queen, about Ruja Ignatova. These podcasts have a tendency to end up as Netflix series.
Spellcaster is about crypto billionaire Sam Bankman-Fried. Which, let’s face it, is an amazing name for a crypto bro. A fried banker. Or, given the American pronunciation of Fried, a freed banker. Either way, a money guy without the usual restraints. Anyway, just over a year ago, Bankman-Fried was seen as the future of crypto-currency. He had two companies: FTX (a crypto exchange platform) and Alameda Research (a crypto trading company). The ridiculous profits they made were, said Bankman-Fried, to be invested into ethical projects. For – lo! – he was making money to save the world.
FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried speaking at a Senate hearing in Washington, DC last year. Photograph: Bloomberg/Getty Images
Bloomberg reporter Hannah Miller is our host, and she’s a good one: not only an excellent journalist but someone with a proper “in” to the story. Via a bachelorette party she gets to know Caroline Ellison, Bankman-Fried’s sometime girlfriend and head of Alameda Research. Miller interviews her and feels that something is off…
Crypto is not something I’m interested in. (It really does remind me of dark magic: it only works if you believe it does.) But Miller, along with fellow reporters Max Chafkin and Annie Massa, is wise enough to make this podcast a story about people, rather than witchy money. And – surprise! – at the centre of this tale is a deeply flawed individual who makes others believe he’s some sort of messiah. Honestly, if I were a financial adviser, I’d make every one of my clients listen to a schaden-fraud podcast series before opening their wallet. Everyone would be richer – though we’d have fewer excellent stories such as this one to enjoy.
Speaking of brilliant stories, Helena Bonham Carter has one about a fascinating spy. In History’s Secret Heroes, she turns her script-reading skills to good effect, recounting tales of derring-do from the second world war. Written by the clever historian and author Alex von Tunzelmann, these stories are true and fabulous. First up is Virginia Hall, a posh American who moved to Izmir, where she managed to blow her own foot off in a shooting accident. To save her life, her left leg was amputated below the knee. This, as you might surmise, was a turning point in Hall’s life. But instead of taking it easy, she resolved to live adventurously and ended up as a spy in Vichy France, masterminding the breakout of prisoners in a more efficient, less soil-down-trousers Great Escape.
Bonham Carter is a lovely reader, fruity and upbeat, propelling the story along without showboating. If the rest of the episodes are as fun as this one, it will be a thoroughly enjoyable series.
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Certain beings of power are able to naturally use magic, as the energy of the nexus, world, or darkness fills their bodies. This power is considered their own, but the Founding God that it is conceptually linked to can negate it, or even take it away in some cases, and beings with such power are still susceptible to magic as a whole and have a limit. This is called Innate Magic, and druids draw upon it through their connection with their anchor.
They are often portrayed as enigmatic figures, possessing immense knowledge and supernatural abilities beyond the realm of ordinary mortals. Spellcasters are seen as intermediaries between the mortal world and the spiritual realm, able to tap into mystical forces and bend them to their will. Throughout history, spellcasters have been both revered and feared. Their abilities to heal, protect, and offer guidance have made them sought after by those in need. However, their powers have also raised suspicion and led to persecution. In medieval Europe, the witch-hunt craze resulted in the execution of thousands of alleged witches, many of whom were simply individuals with a deep knowledge of herbal medicine or natural remedies. In modern times, the concept of spellcasting continues to hold a fascination for many. While skepticism and rationality have become dominant, there is still a place for the belief in magic and the supernatural. Spells and rituals are still performed by individuals seeking love, success, or protection, albeit in more discreet and personal settings. In conclusion, spellcasters have left an indelible mark on the pages of history. From the mythic character of Merlin to the real-life victims of witch trials, these individuals have shaped beliefs and perceptions about the supernatural. Whether regarded as powerful beings or victims of superstition, the concept of spellcasting remains a captivating and enduring aspect of human imagination..
Reviews for "Hypatia of Alexandria: A Renaissance Woman and Spell Caster"
1. Amelia - 2 out of 5 stars - I was really excited to read "A Spell Caster in History" as I am a fan of books about magic and history. However, I was disappointed with the execution of this story. The plot felt disjointed and the characters lacked depth. It seemed like the author was trying to cram too many ideas into one book without properly developing any of them. The pacing was also off, with some parts dragging on while others felt rushed. Overall, I found it hard to connect with the story and its characters, and it ultimately fell flat for me.
2. Jonathan - 1 out of 5 stars - I couldn't even finish "A Spell Caster in History" because it felt like a total waste of time. The writing was poorly executed, filled with clichés and predictable twists. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked any real development. The dialogue was cringe-worthy and unrealistic, making it difficult to fully immerse myself in the story. Additionally, the world-building was practically non-existent, leaving me confused and disoriented. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a well-crafted and engaging read.
3. Sarah - 3 out of 5 stars - "A Spell Caster in History" had an interesting premise, but it failed to meet my expectations. While the concept of a spell caster in historical events intrigued me, the execution fell short. The writing style felt lacking, with awkward phrasing and repetitive descriptions. The pacing was inconsistent, with moments of intense action followed by long periods of stagnation. The characters were underdeveloped, making it difficult to become emotionally invested in their journeys. While it had potential, the book ultimately left me wanting more in terms of plot, character development, and overall writing quality.