Throughout history, witches have captivated the human imagination with their enchanting powers and mysterious practices. Their presence can be found in folklore, mythology, and even literature. Here, we explore some of the most famous witches in history and popular culture. One of the most iconic witches is the Wicked Witch of the West from L. Frank Baum's "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz." Known for her green skin, pointy hat, and cackling laughter, she is a symbol of evil and mischief.
" Known for her green skin, pointy hat, and cackling laughter, she is a symbol of evil and mischief. Her pursuit of Dorothy and her companions adds suspense and excitement to the story. In Greek mythology, the most notable witch is Circe.
Black, 'Scottish Charms and Amulets’, 1893
La fascinología en la sociedad y la literatura de las Islas Británicas es un estudiohistórico, cultural y literario de una creencia que aparece en muchas partes del mundo. Estatesis comprende el estudio de los testimonios sobre la fascinación o mal de ojo recogidos .
Download Free PDF View PDFMedieval Archaeology 52, 119-59
This paper examines patterns in the placement of apotropaic objects and materials in high- to late-medieval burials in Britain (11th to 15th centuries). It develops an interdisciplinary classification to identify: (1) healing charms and protective amulets; (2) objects perceived to have occult natural power; (3) ‘antique’ items that were treated as possessing occult power; and (4) rare practices that may have been associated with the demonic magic of divination or sorcery. Making comparisons with amulets deposited in conversion-period graves of the 7th to 9th centuries it is argued that the placement of amulets with the dead was strategic to Christian belief, intended to transform or protect the corpse. The conclusion is that material traces of magic in later medieval graves have a connection to folk magic, performed by women in the care of their families, and drawing on knowledge of earlier traditions. This popular magic was integrated with Christian concerns and tolerated by local clergy, and was perhaps meant to heal or reconstitute the corpse, to ensure its reanimation on judgement day, and to protect the vulnerable dead on their journey through purgatory.
Download Free PDF View PDFThe Routledge History of Medieval Magic
In S Page and C Rider (eds) 2019, The Routledge History of Medieval Magic (Routledge: Abingdon), pp 383-401. ISBN 978-1-4724-4730-2 The use of archaeology as source material for medieval magic raises a number of methodological and theoretical issues. Many of the rituals of common magic revealed by archaeology were never (or rarely) documented in medieval texts. The lack of correlation between texts and material culture has been regarded as a methodological problem for historians; 1 to the contrary, these complementary sources permit access to social contexts and agents that are under-represented in texts, particularly women and other practitioners who operated in domestic and rural environments. It offers the potential to interrogate the distinction between 'theory and practice' in medieval magic and opens up new opportunities to directly access 'the mental world of the non-literate'. 2 Archaeology renders a wider range of practices visible, but the absence of textual commentary makes it difficult to gauge whether these activities were sanctioned by the church or regarded as illicit magic.
Download Free PDF View PDFObjects of the Past in the Past. Investigating the significance of earlier artefacts in later contexts
This paper explores some of the theories surrounding how people of the past thought about and engaged with objects of their own pasts from throughout time.
Known for her magical abilities, she has the power to transform humans into animals. Her encounter with Odysseus in Homer's "Odyssey" is epic, as she tries to turn him into a pig but eventually succumbs to his charms. Another famous witch is Baba Yaga from Russian folklore. Often depicted as an old, haggard woman who lives in a hut on chicken legs, Baba Yaga is a complex character. She can be either helpful or malevolent, providing aid or hindrance to those who seek her out. In Shakespeare's play "Macbeth," the three witches play a crucial role. Often referred to as the "weird sisters," these witches prophesy Macbeth's rise to power and subsequent downfall. Their eerie chants and ominous predictions create an atmosphere of dark magic and foreboding. Modern witches have also made their mark in pop culture. The Harry Potter series introduces us to several memorable witches, including Hermione Granger, Bellatrix Lestrange, and Professor Minerva McGonagall. These characters showcase a range of magical abilities and demonstrate the power and complexity of witches in the wizarding world. The Salem Witch Trials of 1692 in colonial Massachusetts are another infamous chapter in witch history. The accusations, trials, and executions of men and women accused of practicing witchcraft serve as a reminder of the hysteria and prejudice that can surround the concept of witchcraft. In conclusion, witches have fascinated and intrigued people for centuries. Whether depicted as malevolent beings, like the Wicked Witch of the West, or as complex characters, like Circe or Baba Yaga, witches continue to capture our imagination. Through their stories and representations in various forms of media, the allure and power of witches are unlikely to wane any time soon..
Reviews for "The Modern Witches: Delving into Contemporary Witchcraft"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Most famous witches". The plot was not well developed and the characters felt one-dimensional. The story seemed to jump from one event to another without any clear direction. Additionally, the writing style was very simplistic and lacked depth. I was hoping for a more engaging and captivating read, but unfortunately, this book fell short for me.
2. Sarah - 1 star - I found "Most famous witches" to be incredibly boring and predictable. The storyline was unoriginal and lacked any excitement or surprises. The characters were also very cliché and lacked depth. I struggled to stay interested in the book and ultimately, I did not enjoy it at all. I would not recommend it to others looking for a captivating witch-themed read.
3. Emily - 2 stars - As a fan of witch-themed novels, I was excited to read "Most famous witches". However, I was left disappointed by the lack of originality and creativity. The plot felt recycled and uninteresting, and the characters were forgettable and flat. I was hoping for a book that would transport me into a captivating world of magic, but unfortunately, this was not the case with this novel.
4. Mark - 3 stars - While "Most famous witches" had its moments, overall, it failed to live up to my expectations. The pacing of the story felt off, with some parts dragging on while others felt rushed. The world-building was also lacking; I wished for more details and descriptions to fully immerse myself in the witching world. Additionally, the dialogue felt forced and unnatural at times. Overall, it was an average read for me, but I was hoping for something more exceptional.