Abstract

Belief in the inheritance of witchcraft abilities from generation to generation is common to many cultures. Early modern Ukraine was not an exception. A series of cases from Volhynian town of Vyzhva is discussed here to illustrate how reputation for malevolent witchcraft could be once shaped and then continued to adhere to a family line, and how small town community preserved a memory about witchcraft for many years. This story is juxtaposed to other stories about succession of magical abilities by such magic practitioners as soothsayers, healers, wise men, etc. for whom the “magic reputation” of their parents was important to justify and support their own activities in the eyes of their clients.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.