Mystic South

Throughout the early chapters of human history, the witch was regarded not as mere fiction but as a menacing and frightening reality. However, during the Enlightenment of the 18th century, her existence became threatened as superstitious beliefs gave way to rationalist thinking. Simultaneously, a burgeoning fascination with the study of folklore swept across Europe. Unwittingly, it was this interest that would, in part, help the witch to not only endure but to become fully embodied two centuries later. In this class, we will discuss the intriguing development of folklore studies and the pivotal role it played during the modern witchcraft revival of the 20th century.