Malleus Maleficarum

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

—

Title

Malleus Maleficarum

Language

en

Book source

Global Grey

Description max 80 words

This chilling 15th-century treatise blends theology, superstition, and legal procedure to identify and prosecute alleged witches. It argues that witchcraft is an ally of darkness that threatens social order and religion, detailing the methods, punishments, and theological justifications for the persecution of witches across Europe.

Summary up to 500 words

The *Malleus Maleficarum*, a seminal treatise by Heinrich Kramer (with Montague Summers' later translation), serves as a comprehensive theological and legal manual for the persecution of witches. The text asserts that witchcraft is an inherent evil, an ally of the powers of darkness, and a disruptive force against social decency and religious order. Drawing upon ancient history, the work cites pagan deities like Hecate and Summanus, alongside biblical precedents such as the Mosaic command not to suffer a witch to live, to establish the eternal nature of the threat posed by sorcery. The treatise details the historical progression of laws against magic, tracing restrictions from Roman prohibitions on haruspices to the severe penalties enacted by Frankish and Visigothic codes, which often resulted in death or slavery. A significant portion is dedicated to the nature of demonic possession, arguing that devils can inflict every bodily infirmity, from leprosy to epilepsy, and cause death through pacts with witches. The author provides extensive examples of possession, including the case of a secular priest in Rome tormented by a devil until delivered through fasting and prayer. Furthermore, the work outlines specific judicial procedures for handling appeals in witchcraft cases. It instructs judges on evaluating frivolous objections versus legitimate defenses, emphasizing that heresy is a capital crime requiring strict custody. The text argues that while devils can act alone, injuries are justly ascribed to witches because they enter into pacts with the devil, surrendering themselves to his service. Ultimately, the *Malleus Maleficarum* provides the theological framework and legal statutes necessary for inquisitors and secular authorities to eradicate witchcraft and protect the 'City of God' from the 'stronghold' of evil.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.globalgreyebooks.com/ebooks/heinrich-kramer_malleus-maleficarum.epub

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Categories

• History
• Witchcraft