The rise of magic in early medieval Europe
Author(s)
Bibliographic Information
The rise of magic in early medieval Europe
Clarendon Press, 1991
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Includes bibliographical references and index
Description and Table of Contents
Description
This is a study of magic in western Europe in the early Middle Ages. The author explores its practice and belief in Christian society, and examines the problems raised by so-called "pagan survivals" and "superstition". She unravels the complex processes at work to show how the rejection of non-Christian magic came to be tempered by a more accommodating attitude: confrontation was replaced by negotiation, and certain practices previously condemned were not merely accepted, but actively encouraged. The forms of magic chosen for rescue, as well as those the Church set out to obliterate, are carefully analyzed. The "superstitions" condemned at the Reformation are shown to be, in origin, rational and intelligent concessions intended to reconcile co-existing cultures. The author explores the sophisticated cultural and religious compromise achieved by the church in this period. Aimed at scholars and students of medieval European history, especially social, cultural, and religious historians, historians of the early Christian church, and specialists in the history of magic, this is a scholarly contribution to the study of the Christianization of Europe.
Table of Contents
- Part I Introduction: the scope of the study
- the legacy of attitudes
- the sources for the early Middle Ages
- the situation. Part II The magic of the Heavens: the magic that persisted - condemned magical agencies
- the magic that was needed - rescued means of magical intervention
- the magic that was needed - the power of the Cross in the heavens. Part III The magic of the Earth: forbidden magic - the focal points of Christian disapproval
- encouraged magic - the process of rehabilitation. Part IV The Magus: the discredited practitioner - charlatans
- the figure of esteem - Christian counterparts.
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