Changing attitudes to witchcraft

Question 1

What was included in the Malleus Maleficium?

Answer 1

• 1486 - written by 2 German Cominican friars
• Witches held a covenant with the devil
• Guidebook for witch-hunters
• Steps to secure the conviction of a witch
• Idea of a diabolical pact with the devil
• Counter the threat of the Catholic Church coming from the reformation

Question 2

Year - Malleus Maleficum published

Answer 2

1486

Question 3

What was the result of the reformation?

Answer 3

• Increased tensions between Catholics and Protestants
• Distrust + accusations that each was harbouring witches
• Martin Luther started Protestant Reformation 1517 - critical of Catholic so focused on salvation through good works and rituals than simply faith
• Took hold in Britain when Henry VIII broke from Church in Rome and Daughter Elisabeth set up Protestant Church settlement in 1559
• More extreme Puritanism emerged.

Question 4

How were familiars associated with witchcraft?

Answer 4

• AKA imps
• Supernatural creatures representatives of the Devil
• Use Devil’s Mark on Witch to feed and suckle blood, assist them by carrying out acts.
• Alleged to receive after meeting the Devil.
• Said to protect witch after they have become initiated

Question 5

How can witches be identified?

Answer 5

• Scratch witch to break a spell by drawing blood
• Swimming test - right thumb to left big toe and vise versa secure with ropes and throw into water 3 times - if float guilty.
• Asked to recite Lord’s prayer
• Devil’s Mark
• Sleep Deprivation