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Premodern beliefs and witch trials in a Swedish province, 1669-1672 / Göran Malmstedt.

9783030761202 (electronic bk.)
3030761207 (electronic bk.)
9783030761196
3030761193

Cham : Palgrave Macmillan, [2021]

©2021

English

Translated from Swedish.

1 online resource (xi, 229 pages) : illustrations

10.1007/978-3-030-76120-2 doi

BF1584.S8 M35 2021

133.4/3094867

This book examines the worldview and perceptions of reality that formed the setting for the witch trials held in the Swedish province of Bohuslan in 1669-1672. The first part of the book explores the conduct of the trials and provides, among other things, an analysis of the defendants and of the various accusations from neighbours and the court. The following parts analyse the perceptions of reality found in the statements made in court by witnesses and the accused. The topics addressed include the relationship between dreams and reality, belief in shape-shifting, the power of words, emotions, and magically charged matters, as well as perceptions of God and the Devil. The beliefs that surfaced during the trials were part of a general mentality that characterised peoples perception of the world, both before and after the trials. As the records from the prolonged cross-examinations of the accused are unusually detailed, the defendants statements, together with accusations, testimonies, and the courts questions, provides a unique insight into premodern worldviews.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

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Description based on print version record.

Palgrave historical studies in witchcraft and magic.

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