Trafficking with Demons: Magic, Ritual, and Gender from Late Antiquity to 1000
Gwendolyne Knight
Martha Rampton’s Trafficking with Demons: Magic, Ritual, and Gender from Late Antiquity to 1000 is a comprehensive study of the changes continuities that magic—and its gendered ritual associations—underwent early Christianity through Carolingian period. Although Rampton focuses on Roman subsequently Merovingian heartlands, she adduces an impressively broad range primary sources cover Latin West Empire Ireland. Following general introduction, Demons comprises four substantial sections. Part 1 contains two chapters delve deeper into magic different perspectives. From there volume proceeds chronologically, part 2 exploring in Rome Early Church, 3 “post-Roman” period (in total ca. mid-fifth mid-eighth centuries) 4 Europe (covering century just after millennium).The introduction 1, “Studying Magic,” present scope, historical background, fundamental concepts study. Given swath time book covers, this no easy task, at times particular can feel somewhat disjointed. Ritual forms central axis around which turns, as does concept itself, both cases provides thorough overview history field, but more discussion her own relation them would have been appreciated. The first chapter “Magic Its Sources Middle Ages,” argues magic, most fundamental, constitutes dealings demons; thus, second chapter, “Demons Lower Air,” discusses demonology millennium it took developing expanding periods Christian Church. Critically, demonic pact later Ages not concern: medieval traffic demons focused these beings illusion illicit power—a subversive potentially threatening alternative divine.Part 2, “Breaking In: Classical Rome,” begins 3, “Ritual, Demons, Sacred Space,” lays out Christianity’s precarious position centuries prior legalization. Key process, argues, was legitimization establishment sacred spaces, which, crucially, were located indoors. Rituals associated nature thus became only illegitimate directed toward rather than God. also issues prophecy divination, problems because their widespread appeal prominent place prophets omens within Scripture. final section focus women, or “women’s magic.” could perhaps made distinction that, literature, love overwhelmingly women; points out, however, material finds demonstrate women men attempting least certain kinds albeit for ends. Indeed, many texts practices much complex straightforward association yet magic” remains theme. In concludes “The Screech Owl, Vampire, Moon, Woman,” elevates women’s practice creatures such lamiae, striae, and, importantly upcoming chapters, figure pagan goddess Diana herself.Rampton moves forward “Traffic Post-Roman Europe.” There some lack clarity between labels, overall point transition clear: whereas previous situated rise dominant religion Rome, effort spread center peripheries Europe. This chronological movement always reflected illustrate arguments, local nuances are obscured by identification broad, reductive, patterns. Chapter 7, “Sub Dio,” echoes discussing delineation natural world, full should be worshipped, spiritual safety church. contrasts classical antiquity’s preoccupation maleficium social community harm greater concern countering traditions. These traditions include worship games, weather Kalends January (the New Year festival celebrated January). 8, “Victimless Magic Execrable Remedies,” takes up specific objectional practices, false prophecy, astrology, divination. Here amulets medical treatment. 9, Awesome Power Woman’s Craft,” late antique post-Roman perspectives drew similar themes stereotypes, even if archetypes, performed secret, patristic sources. Importantly, though, taken seriously—even seen serious problem—and, functioned means empowerment women.Finally, 4, “Skepticism: Era,” reader eighth end millennium. title encapsulates one main observations regarding millennium: regardless attitudes magic—especially women—even authoritative voices had nevertheless considered effective. notes skepticism efficacy attendant loss female belief power across multiple domains, key change during Themes familiar chapters—tension improper proper ritual, spaces amulets—appear well, highlights emphasis powerful figures questioning all. 12, “Women’s Challenged,” doubt elite writers regarded who perceived themselves magically powerful. Nevertheless, surprising amount continuity earlier leads case studies 13, “Magic, Women, Court.” While Empress Judith Queen Theutberga indeed changing political positions potential sorcery implicated problematic situations, connection demons, seem especially either case. accusations call mind birth (or abortive) mentioned 14, Materia Medica,” directly materials. extent reveal rituals hinted other textual documents here, various images strength—representing healing.Rampton reminding readers all three surveyed, “For pagans Christians, natural—not supernatural” (384). They simply existed needed coped like any phenomenon. Change incremental often localized, task identifying response deemed “demonic” tricky. book, has, visible shown how them, hence changed perception millennium.Overall, work, extensive secondary cited throughout. Ultimately, imparts sense really knowing what wants be; considerations sometimes imperfectly integrated surrounding argument, feels contrived, unclear. Examining gender trafficking may ultimately diluted force argument. breadth chronology has come cost depth patterns identifies, results reductive interpretation names variation well genre conventions factors, take account. extremely valuable study, will scholars students entering seeking foothold magic.
Preternature