Strix-Witch

The strix was a woman who flew by night to penetrate homes and devour, blight, or steal new-born babies. The motif-set of a strix attack is reconstructed from Ovid, Petronius, John Damascene, and other sources, and its impact is traced upon the representation of witches in Latin literature. The concept of the strix is contextualized against the longue-durée notion of the child-killing demon.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 75 pages
\n Publication date: 10 June 2021
\n Publisher: Cambridge University Press
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The strix, a captivating figure in Roman folklore, persisted throughout the Latin West and Greek East. She was a mysterious woman who traversed the night, taking on the form of an owl or a projected soul, to infiltrate homes discreetly. Her purpose was to consume, destroy, or steal the precious new-born babies within. This haunting narrative, known as the strix-paradigm, is reconstructed from various sources, including Ovid, Petronius, John Damascene, and others. It profoundly influenced the portrayal of witches in Latin literature, often depicting them in grotesque and unsettling ways.

The concept of the strix is placed within the broader context of the child-killing demon, which had its origins in the ancient Near East. This demonic entity, known by various names, continued to resonate in the minds of people, shaping the portrayal of vampires in Victorian fiction. The strix, with her nocturnal exploits and predatory nature, became a symbol of fear and terror, haunting the dreams and imaginations of those who encountered her in the folklore of the Roman world.

Over time, the strix's story evolved and spread across different cultures, leaving a lasting impact on the folklore and mythology of the region. She became a symbol of darkness, mystery, and the supernatural, captivating the minds of storytellers and scholars alike. The strix's legacy continues to be explored and interpreted in various forms of media, including literature, art, and film, reminding us of the enduring power of myth and the enduring fascination with the darker aspects of human nature.

\n Weight: 136g\n
Dimension: 151 x 228 x 11 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781108948821\n \n