WEEK 9: The Benandanti and the Friulian Inquisition (Carlo Ginzburg)
The Benandanti: Ambiguous Defenders in Early Modern Friuli
Introduction to the Benandanti
The term "Benandanti" refers to individuals who claimed to possess unique abilities and roles within their communities, particularly concerning supernatural conflicts.
Core Belief: They asserted opposition to witches and warlocks, believing their primary function was to nullify the evil intentions and deeds perpetrated by these malevolent figures.
Benandanti were also known to heal victims who had suffered harm from witches' actions.
Paradoxical Similarity to Adversaries: Despite their stated opposition, Benandanti engaged in activities strikingly similar to those of their presumed enemies.
They attended mysterious nocturnal gatherings.
During these reunions, they were said to ride various animals (hares, cats, etc.), much like witches.
They were forbidden to speak about these gatherings, under threat of physical punishment.
The Nature of Nocturnal Gatherings and Battles
The essence of these obscure gatherings was a ritualized battle:
Benandanti: Fought armed with fennel stalks.
Witches and Warlocks: Fought armed with sorghum stalks.
Ambiguity and Contradiction in Perception
The distinction between Benandanti and witches was not always clear, even at a popular level.
Difficulty in Grasping Difference: The notion of a profound difference or real antagonism between "men and women who commit evil" (witches/warlocks) and "men and women benandanti" proved difficult for people to conceptualize.
"Benandanti Witches": Figures like the country priest Sgabarizza and the miller Pietro Rotaro referred to them as "benandanti witches."
Sgabarizza initially used a rough translation, calling them "vagabonds and in their language benandanti," highlighting the foreignness of the term.
The adjective "benandante" was thus linked to the established concept of "witch" to convey meaning.
Sgabarizza clarified that Benandanti were "good" witches, aiming to protect children and household provisions from the perfidy of "evil" witches.
A Contradiction from the Start: This inherent contradiction of being both a type of witch and an opponent of witches profoundly influenced the course of the Benandanti's existence and their interactions with authorities.
The Inquisition Case:
A new inquisitor, Fra Felice da Montefalco, revived a case left unfinished by his predecessor.
Interrogation of Paolo Gasparutto
Initial Denial and Ignorance: Gasparutto claimed he did not know why he was summoned, stating he had annually gone to confession and received communion.
He denied knowing any Lutherans or individuals leading an evil life in Iassico.
He denied knowing any witches or Benandanti.
Laughter and Evasive Answers: When asked about being a Benandante, he exploded with laughter, declaring, "Father, no, I really do not know… I am not a benandante, that is not my calling."
He denied attempting to cure Pietro Rotaro's son, claiming ignorance.
Initially denied conversations about Benandanti with the previous inquisitor, but later admitted, with mirth, that he had dreamed of fighting witches.
Despite the inquisitor recalling specific details from conversations five years prior, Gasparutto maintained his denials amidst laughter.
Reason for Laughter: Fra Felice directly asked about his laughter.
Gasparutto's unexpected reply: "Because these are not things to inquire about, because they are against the will of God."
When pressed further, he retracted, stating, "Because you are asking about things that I know nothing about," and resumed his denials.
Obstinacy: He obstinately insisted he remembered none of the accusations, even closing his eyes.
Fra Felice reminded him of his past descriptions of witches and Benandanti returning exhausted from their games, entering cellars to urinate and spoil wine.
Gasparutto responded with mocking laughter: "Oh, what a world."
Imprisonment: Despite promises of pardon and mercy, Gasparutto remained silent, and the interrogation ceased, leading to his imprisonment.
Interrogation of Battista Moduco
Background: Public crier known as Gamba Secura, born in Trivignano, resided in Cividale for years.
Initial Admissions: Like Gasparutto, he claimed regular confession, communion, and no knowledge of heretics.
When asked about witches and Benandanti, he quietly stated, "Of benandanti I do not know of any others besides myself." This was a crucial admission.
Evasion and Subsequent Confession: Fra Felice asked for the meaning of "benandante."
Moduco initially tried to joke, defining "Benandanti" as those who pay him well for his services: "Benandanti I call those who pay me well, I go willingly."
He eventually admitted to having told several people he was a Benandante.
He stated, "I cannot speak about the others because I do not want to go against divine will." (It is noteworthy there's no evidence Moduco and Gasparutto knew each other).
Detailed Self-Description as a Benandante:
Participation: "I am a benandante because I go with the others to fight four times a year, that is during the Ember Days, at night."
Nature of Journey: He went "invisibly in spirit," leaving his body behind.
Purpose of Battle: Battles were fought "in the service of Christ" (Benandanti) against "the witches of the devil."
Weapons: Benandanti wielded "bundles of fennel," while witches used "sorghum stalks."
Stakes and Outcome: The outcome directly influenced the year's harvest and prosperity.
"And if we are the victors, that year there is abundance, but if we lose there is famine."
Specificity of Battles: Moduco clarified that the fights occurred on four occasions throughout the year, each focused on a specific agricultural yield:
One time for "the wheat and all the other grains."
Another time for "the livestock."
Other times for "the vineyards."
These four occasions covered "all the fruits of the earth," ensuring abundance for anything won by the Benandanti.
Fertility Rite Revelation: Moduco's testimony revealed the core of the Benandanti's nocturnal gatherings as a fertility rite, closely patterned on the principal events of the agricultural year.
Duration of Service: Moduco stated he had not been part of the Benandanti company for more than years. He added that initiation typically occurred at the age of , and release from service at , if desired.
Inquisitor's Bewilderment
The inquisitor likely faced significant bewilderment, given how the Benandanti, acting as defenders of Christ's faith, resembled the very witches they supposedly opposed in many aspects.