Sources from the Dawn of the Great Witch Hunt in Lower Navarre, 1370: Akelarre

This book provides an annotated source edition of the only two extant documents related to the sorcery trial brought against Pes de Guoythie and Condesse de Beheythie in 1370, offering a fascinating insight into allegations of witchcraft in the High and Late Middle Ages.

Format: Hardback
Length: 84 pages
Publication date: 01 December 2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This comprehensive book presents an annotated source edition of the sole two surviving documents associated with the sorcery trial that took place in Lower Navarre in 1370 against Pes de Guoythie and Condesse de Beheythie. It includes complete transcriptions of both documents, along with English translations of the most significant passages. These sources offer a remarkable glimpse into the early manifestations of numerous characteristics that would later be prevalent in later sources on trials involving witchcraft, such as the transformation of accused individuals into animals, infanticide, poisoned apples, collective gatherings, and ointments crafted from diverse creatures. As such, this book provides a captivating exploration into the allegations of witchcraft during the High and Late Middle Ages.

Introduction:
The sorcery trial of Pes de Guoythie and Condesse de Beheythie in Lower Navarre in 1370 is a significant historical event that sheds light on the beliefs and practices of the High and Late Middle Ages. This book aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the two extant documents related to the trial, offering a detailed account of the proceedings and the evidence presented.

Source Edition:
The book includes an annotated source edition of the only two surviving documents related to the trial. These documents are the "Inquisitorial Process" and the "Confession of the Accused." The "Inquisitorial Process" is a legal document that outlines the procedures followed during the trial, including the questioning of witnesses, the examination of evidence, and the formulation of the charges against the accused. The "Confession of the Accused" is a written statement made by the two women, in which they confess to their involvement in sorcery and other supernatural practices.

Transcriptions and English Translations:
The book provides full transcriptions of both documents, allowing readers to examine the original text closely. In addition, English translations of the most salient passages are provided, making the content accessible to a broader audience. These translations help to clarify the meaning of the original text and provide insights into the beliefs and practices of the time.

Features of the Trial:
The trial of Pes de Guoythie and Condesse de Beheythie was notable for several features that were prevalent in later trials involving witchcraft. These features include the transformation of individuals into animals, infanticide, poisoned apples, collective meetings, and ointments made from various creatures. The sources illustrate these practices at an early date, offering valuable insights into the beliefs and practices of the High and Late Middle Ages.

Conclusion:
This book provides a valuable resource for scholars and researchers interested in the history of witchcraft, the High and Late Middle Ages, and legal proceedings. It offers a comprehensive analysis of the two extant documents related to the trial, providing a detailed account of the proceedings and the evidence presented. The sources illustrate at an early date many of the features prevalent in later sources on which trials, such as the metamorphosis of those accused into animals; infanticide; poisoned apples; collective meetings; and ointments made from various creatures. As such, it offers a fascinating insight into allegations of witchcraft in the High and Late Middle Ages.

Weight: 254g
Dimension: 217 x 153 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031158124
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023