Contesting Orthodoxy in Medieval and Early Modern Europe: Heresy, Magic and Witchcraft

In this insightful exploration, the authors delve into the intricate relationships between heresy, magic, and witchcraft during the medieval and early modern periods in Europe. By challenging conventional boundaries of periodization and geographical focus, they present a nuanced understanding of how these themes interacted within the sociopolitical context of their time. The authors draw on a variety of sources to underscore the complexities of belief and skepticism, revealing how societal norms and religious doctrines shaped perceptions of the supernatural and the heretical.

Kallestrup and Toivo bring fresh perspectives to the dialogue surrounding orthodoxy and dissent, demonstrating that the struggle against established beliefs was not limited to a single discipline or region. By examining the intersections of faith, folklore, and legal responses to magic and witchcraft, the book invites readers to reconsider the implications of heretical practices and their enduring legacy in shaping European thought and culture.