Perceptions of Witchcraft over time Flashcards
1
Q
What was a witch’s familiar?
A
A demon that supposedly attended and obeyed a witch. Often assumed the form of an animal.
2
Q
What was the diabolic pact?
A
A deal with the devil.
Traditional Christian belief saw it as a pact between a person and Satan.
3
Q
What was a Sabbat?
A
It was a secret meeting of witches.
4
Q
Who was Richard Bernard (1568-1641)?
A
A puritan clergyman and author.
Wrote a tract about witchcraft in 1627 and why ‘commoners’ resorted to cunning people.
5
Q
What were Bernard’s reasons for people resorting to cunning people?
A
- Widely believed that they did good - powers came from God.
- They could cure illness, find stolen items and thieves.
- They were cheaper than other sources of help.
