Language:
French
Year of publication:
2009
Titel der Quelle:
Pardès
Angaben zur Quelle:
45 (2009) 71-80
Keywords:
Jewish magic History Middle Ages, 500-1500
;
Jewish magic History 1500-
;
Blood accusation
;
Christianity and antisemitism History 1500-1800
Abstract:
Discusses blood libel accusations from the Middle Ages to the modern era. Traces how defaming libels turned rumors and popular antisemitic myths into judicial investigations and executions of Jews. Argues that the transformation of the language of myths into the precise language of legal discourse masked the irrational fear of Jewish magic. Behind the Christian myth of Jewish magic lay a complex social reality of infanticide, economic resentment, political power struggles, and religious fervor. The myth, centered around the juxtaposition between the crucifixion and ritual murder, expressed the power of magic beliefs within Christian society. During the 16th century, thanks to the Reformation, Jewish magic lost its power in Christian imagination. It was replaced by fear of witches and children who were born as monsters. However, antisemitism did not disappear, but survived in other Christian discourses and images.
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