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History of Witchcraft

History of Witchcraft. Outline. I – History of Witchcraft in Medieval Europe II – Native American Witchcraft III – Witches in American History IV – Witches in Popular Culture. I - Witchcraft in Medieval Europe. Emerged as a way to describe misfortunes had by different people.

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History of Witchcraft

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  1. History of Witchcraft

  2. Outline • I – History of Witchcraft in Medieval Europe • II – Native American Witchcraft • III – Witches in American History • IV – Witches in Popular Culture

  3. I - Witchcraft in Medieval Europe • Emerged as a way to describe misfortunes had by different people. • Mainly part of European culture between the 14th and 18th centuries. • These mainly involved people accusing others of being witches: - bad neighbors - enemies - good witches that lost employers’ trust

  4. Witchcraft v. Demonology • Some said witches entered pact with the devil. • Others distinguished between witches and demons. • To some they were the same, though they could only be seen when they wanted to be, most would remain invisible to torment people.

  5. Medieval Witch-hunts • Started in the 14th century in Spain • Witches were believed to threaten Christianity • During the span from 14th to 18th centuries in Europe and America, an estimated 40,000 to 60,000 people were executed as witches • At times spear-headed by the Catholic Church, led by Saint Charles Borromeo • Decline of witch-hunts in 18th century – because of fruit?

  6. II – Native American Witchcraft • Mainly a part of some native american religious beliefs • Many native american groups included having a shaman, witch-doctor, or medicine man • Sometimes known as “healers” who knew medicinal herbs

  7. Shamanism in North America • In several different tribes, including Navajo, medicine men used trances to help diagnose sick people • They also used crystal rocks, hand shaking and chanting during their trances • Many shamans were used to heal both ailments of the physical realm, and the spiritual and mental realms

  8. III – Witches in American History • Prominent in the late 17th century • Mainly occurred in the Northeast, though not isolated there • Springfield and Salem, Massachusetts • Latin American history

  9. Springfield and Salem • The two most well known cases in American history are the Springfield and Salem trials • Springfield was the first trial in colonial North America • Salem was the largest and most well known • 150 people accused of witchcraft were arrested and imprisoned in the Salem area in a span of just over a year • 29 convictions

  10. Salem, continued.. • Of the 29 convictions, over 19 people were hanged and one person was crushed to death while trying to be coerced into confessing to being a witch • Not limited to New England, also colonial cases of witchcraft in Virginia • Though this was the height of witch-hunts in America, a man in Tennessee was put to death for witchcraft as recently as 1833

  11. Witches in Popular Culture • Witchcraft has always been a mainstay in American pop culture, especially around Halloween • Recent popularity explosion due to the Harry Potter book and movie series

  12. Some Famous Witches and Wizards… • The Queen • The Blair Witch • Sorcerer’s Apprentice • Jafar and the Genie

  13. Gandalf • Merlin • Dumbledore • Sabrina

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