Chronicles and Grimoires: The Occult as Political Commentary

Sponsoring Organization(s)

Medieval Association of the Midwest (MAM)

Organizer Name

Dominique Hoche

Organizer Affiliation

West Liberty Univ.

Presider Name

Dominique Hoche

Paper Title 1

Eustache the Monk: Necromancy and Outlaw Politics

Presenter 1 Name

Alexander L. Kaufman

Presenter 1 Affiliation

Auburn Univ.-Montgomery

Paper Title 2

Malory’s Morgan: Witchcraft, Wisdom, and the Politics of Magical

Presenter 2 Name

Matthew D. O'Donnell

Presenter 2 Affiliation

Indiana Univ.-Bloomington

Paper Title 3

Myth, History, and Prophecy in Royal Genealogies

Presenter 3 Name

Jaclyn Rajsic

Presenter 3 Affiliation

Queen Mary, Univ. of London

Start Date

12-5-2016 10:00 AM

Session Location

Schneider 1350

Description

Whether seen in signs and portents, or read in grimoires or magic books, the occult in the premodern world is both marveled at and feared. A significant amount of the description of occult and sorcerous activity functions as political commentary, whether as direct criticism of secular current events or as a voice or conceptual space for the spiritual “other” in medieval society. Political commentary regarding the occult often tests the limits of scribal activity, and can lead to persecution and/or charges of treason or heresy. Papers in this session explore the dangerous connection between the reception of the occult and political commentary or criticism.

Alison Langdon