The Role of Magic in Society Flashcards
What did the role of magic allow the population to cope with?
Wars, death, disease
How did the church safeguard against danger?
Prayers, exorcisms, holy water and blessings
How were storms prevented and crop growth protected?
Ringing of bells and blessings from priests
How was superstition accepted across Europe?
Chanting and mystical songs could aid people and heal them
What happened in the Balkans?
Garlic used to ward off evil spirits
Who were cunning folk?
Used magic to intervene in matters of illness, crop failure or bewitchment.
What characteristics did a typical cunning person have?
Old, single women on the fringe of village life
What was white magic?
Magic that produced good results - protection from illness and recovery
What was black magic?
Magic that caused harm
Why was black magic feared in the countryside?
Reliance on crops and livestock
What did elitists believe about witches?
They had entered a diabolic pact with the devil
