Azande Witchcraft and Religion: Bridging the Gap between Spirituality and Magic

The Azande people, who reside in the central region of Africa, have a rich tradition of witchcraft, oracles, and magic that plays a significant role in their daily lives. Witchcraft is deeply rooted in their cultural beliefs, providing explanations for misfortunes and serving as a way to maintain social order. In Azande society, witchcraft is seen as a natural force that exists within individuals. It is believed that some people are born with the innate ability to use witchcraft, referred to as "mangu." These individuals are believed to possess malevolent powers and can cause harm to others through their actions. To recognize witches within their community, the Azande rely on divination techniques performed by an oracle.

Yes: 74% | No: 16% | It's complicated: 8%

adventurous 89 emotional 71 tense 59 dark 52 mysterious 44 challenging 33 hopeful 27 funny 26 sad 23 reflective 8 inspiring 7 lighthearted 4 informative 1 relaxing 1. A HEART DRIVEN BY VENGEANCE; A SOUL DEVOURED BY REGRETAfter finally ending the Dark King s perceived reign of terror, a heartbroken Raven must face the grief and guilt of becoming a murderer.

To recognize witches within their community, the Azande rely on divination techniques performed by an oracle. The oracle is a person who possesses the ability to communicate with the spiritual world and gain insight into the causes of misfortunes or illnesses. The oracle uses various tools, such as poison oracles or termite oracles, to determine if witchcraft is involved in a particular situation.

The unbound witch

512 pages • first pub 2023 (editions)

Publisher: Not specified

Publication date: 21 March 2023

The StoryGraph is an affiliate of the featured links. We earn commission on any purchases made.

The StoryGraph is an affiliate of the featured links.
We earn commission on any purchases made.

Description

A HEART DRIVEN BY VENGEANCE; A SOUL DEVOURED BY REGRETAfter finally ending the Dark King's perceived reign of terror, a heartbroken Raven must face the grief and guilt of becoming a murderer. Her best friend Kirsi might've helped her cope, except .

Community Reviews Summary of 220 reviews

adventurous 89%
emotional 71%
tense 59%
dark 52%
mysterious 44%
challenging 33%
hopeful 27%
funny 26%
sad 23%
reflective 8%
inspiring 7%
lighthearted 4%
informative 1%
relaxing 1%

Plot- or character-driven?

A mix: 73% | Plot: 21% | Character: 5%

Strong character development?

Yes: 74% | No: 16% | It's complicated: 8%

Yes: 91% | It's complicated: 6% | No: 1%

Diverse cast of characters?

Yes: 92% | N/A: 2% | No: 2% | It's complicated: 1%

Flaws of characters a main focus?

No: 40% | Yes: 31% | It's complicated: 27%

Content Warnings

Submitted by users as part of their reviews

Collapse filter menu

Collapse filter menu

Death, Sexual content, Violence

Emotional abuse, Death of parent

512 pages • first pub 2023 (editions)

Magic, on the other hand, is seen as a more positive aspect of Azande culture and is considered a skill that can be developed by individuals. Magic is often used for healing purposes or to enhance personal attributes, such as attractiveness or intelligence. It is believed that anyone can learn and practice magic through proper training and rituals. The belief in witchcraft and magic influences various aspects of Azande society, including their legal system. In cases where harm is believed to be caused by witchcraft, the guilty party is often identified and punished accordingly. This punishment may vary from social exclusion to more severe measures, such as banishment or death. The Azande also rely on magic to protect themselves from potential harm, often wearing amulets or engaging in rituals to ward off evil spirits or witchcraft. Despite the influence of Western culture, the belief in witchcraft, oracles, and magic remains strong among the Azande people. These beliefs continue to shape their worldview, providing them with explanations for the unexplained and offering a means to maintain social order within their community..

Reviews for "Witchcraft and Social Cohesion in Azande Communities: An Ethnographic Study"

- John Smith - 1 star:

I found "Witchcraft, Oracles, and Magic Among the Azande" to be extremely dull and uninteresting. The author spends a lot of time discussing the intricacies of the Azande belief system, but fails to provide any real insight or analysis. The book is filled with endless anecdotes and examples that ultimately feel disconnected and irrelevant. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to anyone looking for a deeper understanding of African witchcraft.

- Sarah Johnson - 2 stars:

While "Witchcraft, Oracles, and Magic Among the Azande" promises an exploration of Azande culture and beliefs, I found it to be overly academic and inaccessible. The author relies heavily on theoretical frameworks and jargon, making it difficult for non-specialists to grasp the main points. Additionally, the book lacks a clear structure and organization, leading to a disjointed reading experience. I would have preferred a more balanced approach, with a mix of theoretical analysis and engaging storytelling. Unfortunately, this book didn't meet my expectations.

- Michael Anderson - 1 star:

I struggled to get through "Witchcraft, Oracles, and Magic Among the Azande" due to its overly dry and monotone writing style. The author fails to inject any excitement or emotion into the subject matter, leaving the reader disengaged. Additionally, I found the book to be repetitive, with the same points being reiterated throughout. Overall, I found this book to be a tedious read and would not recommend it to those seeking an engaging exploration of witchcraft and magic.

The Azande Perspective on Witchcraft: A Comparative Study with Other Cultures