Necromancy and the Demonic

Julien VÃ©ronÃ¨se

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Chapter 5 Necromancy and the Demonic

In: A Companion to the Devil and Demons, c.1100â1750

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Julien VÃ©ronÃ¨se

Julien VÃ©ronÃ¨se
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Type:: Chapter

Pages:: 95â114

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004536449_006

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Abstract

Necromancy is the practice of magic using the non-living. Traditionally the ânon-livingâ have been defined as spirits, and in the Middle Ages demons were especially valued in these rites because of the power and occult knowledge they were presumed to wield. This chapter begins by considering attacks on demonic necromancy by late medieval clergy and situates the actual practice of necromancy within its condemnation as a diabolic tool. It describes the key surviving sources and compares the ways necromancers described their experimentum with the interpretations of less sympathetic theologians. While portraying various practices, it also explains how processes of coercion and control underlie demonic necromancy and how such activities, even when presented as orthodox pursuits, could lead to necromancers being labeled idolatrous or even heretical because of their presumed relationships with demons.

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A Companion to the Devil and Demons, c.1100â1750

Series:Â Brill's Companions to the Christian Tradition, Volume: 111

E-Book ISBN:: 9789004536449

Publisher:: Brill

Print Publication Date:: 12 Aug 2025

Subjects
- History
- Religious Studies
  - History of Religion

Front Matter

Part 1 The Medieval Intellectual Foundation

Part 2 Demons of the Confessional Era

Part 3 Interpreting Demons in Daily Life

Part 4 Demons, Witchcraft, and Science

Part 5 Depicting Demons

Back Matter

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Chapter 5 Necromancy and the Demonic

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A Companion to the Devil and Demons, c.1100â1750

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A Companion to the Devil and Demons, c.1100â1750