Maleficia vel litterae solutoriae
This article deals with literary and epigraphic evidence related to the magical use of runes in the Germanic Middle-Ages. In the typological and chronological variety of the texts handed down, we can point out some survivals of pagan belief even in Christian Anglo-Saxon England. Rune spells for loos...
| Published in: | Studi e materiali di storia delle religioni |
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| Main Author: | |
| Format: | Electronic Article |
| Language: | Italian |
| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
| Journals Online & Print: | Drawer...
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| Fernleihe: | Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste |
| Published: |
Morcelliana
2010
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| In: |
Studi e materiali di storia delle religioni
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| Further subjects: | B
Runes
B Germanic magic B Incantations B Germany B Occultism |
| Summary: | This article deals with literary and epigraphic evidence related to the magical use of runes in the Germanic Middle-Ages. In the typological and chronological variety of the texts handed down, we can point out some survivals of pagan belief even in Christian Anglo-Saxon England. Rune spells for loosening fetters (litterae solutoriae) are quoted in Bede's Historia ecclesiastica, as well as different superstitious practices strongly condemned in Ælfric's Catholic Homilies. Scandinavia converted late to Christianity, in comparison with other Germanic countries. It offers a considerable amount of finds and texts concerning runes to cast cursing, banishing, and blessing spells, as widely attested by runic stones, Eddic lays and sagas. Finally, excavations in the Alemannic area have brought to light a short love text carved on a wooden loom by a woman; by contrast a manly powerful spell for love has been preserved in the Old Norse Skírnir's Journey, and is still partly echoed through Icelandic folklore. (English) |
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| ISSN: | 2611-8742 |
| Contains: | Enthalten in: Studi e materiali di storia delle religioni
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