The Demonic and Non-human Beings

Lizanne Henderson

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Chapter 11 The Demonic and Non-human Beings

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

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Lizanne Henderson

Lizanne Henderson
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Type:: Chapter

Pages:: 232â250

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004536449_012

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Abstract

In medieval and early modern Europe many beings were believed to exist that fell outside the orthodox Christian framework of Creation. Elves, dwarves, sprites, and a multitude of others were assumed to populate Europe, and human interaction with them could vary from the beneficial to the disastrous. This chapter describes the type of beings found in premodern European folklore that were frequently equated with demons. It analyzes the way in which learned, Latinate authors demonized them, although never thoroughly, and it assesses the intellectual foundations for such demonization and the reasons why it was never fully accepted. In the process, it considers the exchange of ideas between such authors and a broader population who would accept these beingsâ existence and, at times, seek their assistance.

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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 11 The Demonic and Non-human Beings

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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