Magic and Belief in the Middle Ages

This talk will examine why medieval people believed in the efficacy of magic and whether this was a rational or irrational belief according to the prevailing world view. Scepticism about magic was possible in the Middle Ages but between the eleventh and fifteenth centuries there was a shift towards more acceptance of its efficacy. The approach of ecclesiastical authorities was strategic as well as philosophical: theologians used stories about magic to confirm the existence and malevolence of demons. Even when the Church accepted the efficacy of magic, however, its explanations for how magic worked conflicted with those of practitioners. In particular, I will examine the tension between practitioners who saw themselves as messengers of God, and critics who viewed them as servants of the Devil.

Sophie Page is a lecturer in late Medieval European history at University College London. Her research focuses on European medieval magic and astrology, especially in relation to orthodox religion, natural philosophy, medicine and cosmology. She is also interested in the imagery of medieval magic and the history of animals. Her new book on monks and magic:  Magic in the Cloister. Pious Motives, Illicit Interests, and Occult Approaches to the Medieval Universe will be published on October.