Witchcraft in Early Modern Europe

These flashcards cover key concepts and details regarding witchcraft beliefs and prosecutions in early modern Europe.

What physical signs did early modern people look for to identify a witch?

Common signs included warts, unusual marks interpreted as 'diabolic teats', and the examination of the genitals after death.

How were women specifically targeted in witchcraft accusations during the early modern period?

Witch accusations were overwhelmingly directed at women, particularly relating to themes of maternity and the anxieties surrounding motherhood.

What role did the Reformation play in shaping beliefs about witchcraft?

The Reformation had a complex influence; it undermined some intellectual bases for witchcraft but confirmed the reality of the Devil through figures like Martin Luther.

What were some common harmful magics attributed to witches (maleficia)?

Cursing agricultural tools, causing destructive storms, using love magic, and finding stolen objects through supernatural means.

What is the witches' sabbath?

A supposed secret gathering of witches with the Devil, which evolved in complexity through demonological texts.

Who were early figures that expressed skepticism about witchcraft?

Canon Episcopi, Johann Weyer, and Reginald Scot challenged prevailing beliefs, often advocating for medical treatment over persecution.

How was witchcraft depicted in Shakespeare's plays?

Witchcraft is portrayed with complex attitudes; in 'Macbeth', witches are linked to prophecy and disorder, while in 'Othello', they reflect on unconventional relationships.

What legal system influenced the prosecution of witchcraft in early modern Europe?

The shift from an accusatorial system to an inquisitorial system, allowing judges to initiate investigations and utilize torture.

What signs led executors to suspect witchcraft in deceased bodies?

Executors looked for physical marks on the genitals that were believed to indicate witchcraft.

What does a witchcraft accusation involving maternity typically involve in Early Modern Germany?

Accusations often came from mothers against their lying-in maids shortly after childbirth.

How did religious toleration in the Dutch Republic affect witch-hunts?

Regions with religious toleration like the Dutch Republic saw fewer witch-hunts by challenging the idea of a vengeful God.

What vocational changes affected women during the Protestant Reformation?

The closure of convents removed religious vocations, pressuring women to conform primarily to roles as wives and mothers.

How were Anabaptist women perceived compared to accused witches?

Anabaptist women were sometimes viewed with more tolerance, lacking the severe persecution faced by accused witches.

Who was Johann Weyer and what was his stance on witchcraft?

A Dutch court surgeon who argued that witch confessions resulted from diabolical delusions and advocated for treatment rather than persecution.

Give examples of maleficia attributed to witches in early modern period.

Using harmful magic to curse livestock and causing severe weather to destroy crops.

According to the Malleus Maleficarum, what key relationship defines a witch?

The crucial relationship is the personal connection between the witch and a demon, often through sexual acts.

What was the canon Episcopi and its significance?

A medieval text asserting that women experiencing nocturnal flights were merely dreaming, challenging later witchcraft theories.

In 'Othello,' how does the concept of witchcraft evolve?

Initially invoked to explain Desdemona's attraction to Othello, it later reflects Othello's own insecurities regarding betrayal.

What societal features made witchcraft beliefs necessary in early modern life?

Witchcraft beliefs served to explain inexplicable events like climate change, food shortages, and high mortality rates.

What key factors facilitated witchcraft prosecutions in early modern Europe?

Inferior status of women, religious conflicts, legal frameworks, social contexts, and the prevalence of demonological ideas.

How did the Elizabethan statute of 1563 aim to address witchcraft?

Focused on resolving local social conflicts rather than treason, addressing neighborly disputes.

What roles did status and age play in witchcraft accusations?

Accusations often targeted older women and those of lower socio-economic status, as they were seen as vulnerable.

What made witchcraft prosecutions extraordinary?

They involved unusual evidence, a reliance on tortured confessions, and were perceived as a 'super crime' threatening society.

How did the law define witchcraft during the European witch-hunt?

Legislated definitions that often categorized witchcraft as diabolism, requiring accusations of pacts with the devil.

What changes to legal framework affected witch trials in the late 17th century?

Stricter standards of evidence and growing legal caution reduced convictions and shifted focus away from witchcraft prosecutions.

How did torture influence witchcraft trials?

Torture was a crucial part for securing confessions, often considered necessary to obtain evidence for a hidden crime.

What were the results of demanding new procedural safeguards in witchcraft trials?

A shift towards protecting the accused and lowering the number of convictions due to wrongful accusations.

What is the significance of the inquisitorial system in witchcraft prosecutions?

It enabled judicial authorities to actively seek out witchcraft, often resulting in increased trials and convictions.

How did social polarization affect witchcraft accusations?

Jealousy amongst neighbors and economic disparities contributed to suspicion and accusations against individuals.

What role did gender play in the witch hunts?

The vast majority of accused witches were women, often targeted due to their perceived closer ties to harmful magic.

How did power dynamics affect witchcraft beliefs and accusations?

Accusations could reinforce social order and control, especially targeting individuals perceived as challenging community norms.