The world of bewitchcraft is a mysterious realm that has captivated the human imagination for centuries. It is a world filled with spells, potions, and mystical beings, where reality intertwines with magic. In this enchanting world, witches and wizards harness their innate supernatural powers to manipulate the elements and manifest their desires. The origins of bewitchcraft are deeply rooted in ancient folklore, with tales of sorcery and witchcraft dating back to ancient civilizations. Throughout history, these magical practices have been both revered and feared, with witches often being persecuted and vilified by society. However, despite the stigma surrounding bewitchcraft, its allure has persisted, and it continues to hold a certain fascination for many.
“[White] was interested in people on the margin and the underside of history,” Anne R. Kenney, co-curator of the exhibit, tells Allison Meier of Hyperallergic. “[A]nother big collection that he acquired was the anti-slavery collection.”
Together, these haunting relics illustrate the evolution of a widespread epidemic of paranoia and persecution one that left thousands of supposed witches dead. In an effort to give a voice to the female victims of Europe s witch mania, The World Bewitch d will tell the stories of seven women through court records and imagery.
However, despite the stigma surrounding bewitchcraft, its allure has persisted, and it continues to hold a certain fascination for many. At the heart of the world of bewitchcraft is the belief in the supernatural and the power of the unseen. Spells and incantations are used to harness this power and bring about desired outcomes.
200 Artifacts of Witchcraft Cast a Spell in Cornell’s “The World Bewitch’d”
The Nuremberg Chronicle, a late 15th-century text that tells the history of the Christian world, features a grotesque image of an English witch being carried off on horseback by the devil. Her breasts are bared, her hair loose, her expression contorted. The image, a woodblock print, helped popularize the association between witches and the devil, and it was reproduced throughout the 16th century. Now, this influential relic can be seen at a new exhibit, along with 200 other artifacts from the Cornell Witchcraft Collection.
As Kristin Fawcett reports for Mental Floss, “ The World Bewitch’d ,” launched at Cornell’s Carl A. Kroch Library on Halloween (naturally). On display is a trove of rare European items, including handwritten trial transcripts, tomes on demonology, and treatises on witchcraft. Together, these haunting relics illustrate the evolution of a widespread epidemic of paranoia and persecution—one that left thousands of supposed witches dead.
The exhibit draws on the approximately 3,000 artifacts held by the Cornell Witchcraft Collection, many of which were acquired by the university’s co-founder Andrew Dickinson White and his librarian George Lincoln Burr in the 1880s.
“[White] was interested in people on the margin and the underside of history,” Anne R. Kenney, co-curator of the exhibit, tells Allison Meier of Hyperallergic. “[A]nother big collection that he acquired was the anti-slavery collection.”
Among the many intriguing items on display is a crude woodcut from the 1489 treatise De Lamiis et Pythonicis Mulieribus (“On Witches and Female Soothsayers”), which marked the earliest printed image of witches in flight. The woodcut depicts three figures clinging to a fork (the broom iconography would come later), their faces transfigured into animal heads. Also featured are the minutes from the trial of Dietrich Flade, a German judge who spoke out against witch hunts—and was subsequently tried and executed for witchcraft.
One of the main themes of the exhibit is the intersection between witchcraft and gender. In the 16th century, women were deemed particularly susceptible to the temptations of the devil—in part due to their perceived “uncontrollable carnal lust,” writes Meier of Hyperallergic, and in part because they were seen as less intelligent than men.
“Prior to 1500, most sorcerers were men because they were seen as powerful agents — think of Merlin — but as the ecclesiastical leaders began to think of a new form of witchcraft, it was the more powerless people whom the devil contacted to do his work,” Kenney tells Meier. “So they were not independent agents, but slaves of the devil. That powerlessness really became associated with women.”
In an effort to give a voice to the female victims of Europe’s witch mania, “The World Bewitch’d” will tell the stories of seven women through court records and imagery. Two of these supposed witches were ultimately declared innocent. All of them were tortured.
Reflecting on the ways in which popular attitudes toward witchcraft have changed, the exhibit also features a number of movie posters depicting witchcraft, sourced from films like The Exorcist and Harry Potter. No longer are “witches” the helpless victims of a powerful hysteria. As Kenney tells Meier, “[W]itches in popular culture now are more powerful, whether they do good or bad things.”
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Brigit Katz is a freelance writer based in Toronto. Her work has appeared in a number of publications, including NYmag.com, Flavorwire and Tina Brown Media's Women in the World.
The constellation of issues related to gender around the witch hunts is still present today, Walsh says: “While the witch hunts of early modern Europe and Massachusetts are a thing of the past, the beliefs that drove that violence are still with us today, and they drive violence today, but just in different forms.”
From love potions that inspire infatuation to curses that bring misfortune upon one's enemies, these enchantments are believed to possess the ability to alter the course of events. In addition to spells and potions, the world of bewitchcraft is populated by a plethora of other mystical beings. From fairies and elves to dragons and werewolves, these creatures add an element of fantasy and wonder to the magical realm. They often play crucial roles in folk tales and legends, imparting wisdom, granting wishes, or wreaking havoc upon unsuspecting mortals. Bewitchcraft is not just confined to ancient lore and myth. It continues to be a prominent aspect of modern culture, with the popularity of books, movies, and television series centered around the magical world. These fictional works transport audiences to a realm where anything is possible, captivating their imaginations and allowing them to experience the thrill and wonder of bewitchcraft. However, the world of bewitchcraft is not without its dangers. The allure of power and the temptation to use magic for personal gain can lead individuals down a dark path. The consequences of tampering with the supernatural can be severe, with the potential for unintended consequences and the disruption of the natural order. Despite these risks, the world of bewitchcraft remains a captivating realm that continues to captivate the human imagination. It is a world where the impossible becomes possible and where the ordinary is transformed into the extraordinary. Whether it is through ancient folklore or modern works of fiction, the enchanting world of bewitchcraft will always hold a certain allure for those who seek to explore its mysteries..
Reviews for "The Witch's Familiar: Exploring the Role of Animal Companions in Bewitchcraft"
1. Samantha - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with "World of Bewitchcraft". The storyline felt disjointed and the characters were difficult to connect with. I found myself getting bored halfway through the book and had to force myself to keep reading. The writing style was also lacking, with flat dialogue and a lack of descriptive language. Overall, I didn't feel invested in the world or the characters, and I wouldn't recommend this book to others who are looking for an engaging and immersive fantasy read.
2. Ethan - 1/5 - "World of Bewitchcraft" was a complete letdown for me. The plot was predictable and filled with cliches, making it difficult to stay interested. The characters lacked depth and development, making it hard to connect with any of them. The pacing was slow, and there were unnecessary scenes that didn't contribute much to the overall story. I struggled to finish this book and felt frustrated with the lackluster writing. I would advise others to skip this one and find a better fantasy novel to dive into.
3. Jessica - 2/5 - I had high hopes for "World of Bewitchcraft", but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The world-building was weak, leaving me with many unanswered questions and a lack of understanding of the magical system. The pacing was inconsistent, with some chapters dragging on and others feeling rushed. Additionally, the romance felt forced and lacked chemistry. It's disappointing when a book fails to deliver on its promising premise, and I wouldn't recommend this one to fellow fantasy enthusiasts.
4. David - 1/5 - "World of Bewitchcraft" was a disaster of a fantasy novel. The writing was repetitive and unpolished, with awkward sentence structure and grammar mistakes. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked any true personality. The plot was predictable and unoriginal, making it a struggle to finish the book. I was hoping for an exciting adventure, but I was left feeling underwhelmed and unsatisfied. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a well-crafted fantasy story.
5. Olivia - 2/5 - I must admit, "World of Bewitchcraft" did not live up to my expectations. The story was convoluted and confusing, with a myriad of characters and subplots that didn't seem to tie together coherently. There were too many unnecessary side stories that distracted from the main plot, making the overall reading experience frustrating. The lack of character development prevented me from feeling any emotional investment in the story. While the concept had potential, the execution fell short, leaving me disappointed with the end result. I wouldn't recommend this book to readers seeking a captivating fantasy adventure.