Origins of WITCHES
Witches are frequent characters in folktales and fantasy, often as malign figures, but this was not restricted to stories. Women accused of witchcraft in the medieval and early modern period were sometimes subject to death. However, where do these stories come from and is there any truth to them? What is the origin of the witch and what are her real powers?
This is a wonderfully researched and articulated video, but it lacks in a couple areas, and here's why: A major point he only lightly touches on is that historically, Witches were not just female, and Witchcraft was practiced by both men and women. In fact, when you look at the number of accused and executed during the burning times, you can see a direct correlation with how christain a country is to the number of women murdered. The more pagan a country was the more men were accused. For example, in Iceland in the 17th century, out of 24 executions, only 1 was a woman. Many regions in Russia, particularly Siberia, men constituted a larger portion of the accused. Denmark as well, Switzerland around 50%, the list goes on.
He talks about Druids, but doesn't stress how Druids were, historically, either men or women, similarly Shamans, which he doesn't mention at all, nor Gothi for that matter, can both be either gender and both also practiced Witchcraft. I think the perception of Witches as women, came as societal views shifted in christain countries in the late 15th century, because the church held views of women as being unclean and corruptible. So, we can thank the the catholic church, as well in part also thank the Malleus Maleficarum and for that.
Women became increasingly associated with witchcraft due to the christain fears around female power and sexual amorality. This has gotten muddled up with historical truths and led to a lasting perception of witches being predominantly female, even though men were heavily involved in the history of witchcraft.
He does a wonderful job on the Etymologies, although I would have likes to see the word Warlock included, and it's possible connection with the Old Norse word Vardlokkur, meaning to sing forth Spirits. I really liked and enjoyed this video, but I would have like to have seen him explain the role of men in Witchcraft and as Witches more. It seems like an oversight on his part, although admittedly, he does say he's focusing on the English perception. All in all it is a wonderfully researched video, that could in my opinion use a little polishing.
Historian Answers Witchcraft Questions | Tech Support | WIRED
