So, What’s In A Name? Sometimes, what was an odd bit of cultural theorizing becomes mainstream; C.K., or common knowledge as it’s known in academic circles. A… Read more “A Transylvanian in Ireland: Dracula’s Celtic Roots”
Category: Magic and Witchcraft
the Demonization of Morgan La Fey: A Timeline
In recent decades, there has been a pop cultural and feminist reclamation of Morgan La Fey, savior and nemesis to King Arthur. This re-appropriation is historically grounded,… Read more “the Demonization of Morgan La Fey: A Timeline”
Waterfall Demon Princess: Raising the Bones of the Dead
Imagine this: your father was a powerful Samurai, who led an unsuccessful revolt against the Emperor. And so, in the (Western) year 939 C.E., the Emperor had… Read more “Waterfall Demon Princess: Raising the Bones of the Dead”
Touched by a Zombie: the Tibetan Ro-Langs
In the past, Zombie possession was typically presented in Western media as a function of sorcery, often tied to Africa or Haiti. While these Zombies were mind… Read more “Touched by a Zombie: the Tibetan Ro-Langs”
Deals with the Devil: the Red Dragon’s Demons
Let me begin with a significant disclaimer: Kids, don’t try this at home. To be a little more serious about it, today’s topic is demonology; specifically, the… Read more “Deals with the Devil: the Red Dragon’s Demons”
Pope Innocent VIII and the Hammer of the Witches
If you’re familiar with the late Medieval European witch-hunts, chances are you’ve heard of the Malleus Maleficarum (English: the Hammer of the Witches). This text, published in 1487, would… Read more “Pope Innocent VIII and the Hammer of the Witches”