Medival times

The Medieval times

Where to begin? The burnings at the stake? The countless crusades against "dark" magic? Or how about how "magic" was used for medical purposes? You might be wondering, how on earth did sleight of hand and entertainment turn into a bunch of weird wizards claiming they can perform unheard magical miracles? Well it began when not only magicians began using magic. Monks, doctors, priests, midwifes, folk healers and diviners all at some point decided to jump on the bandwagon for "magic". How did this happen, how did misdirection and illusions turn into spells and hex's? Ever played Chinese whispers? What happened was the truth of events that magicians performed at were blown way out of proportion and soon everyone wanted a part of the action. Remember in ancient times magicians were literally worshiped much like todays sports stars and actors. So who wouldn't want that? And soon it was accepted that magic was a real thing and could cause amazing miracles. Monks and priests could apparently perform prayers that healed the sick. Doctors could heal any wounds with only three drops of your blood and some herbs as well as uttering a secret spell. Diviners could tell you're future by simply looking at your palm. So how on earth did sleight of hand and misdirection turn into spells and incantations? Have you ever played Chinese whispers? The aim of the game is to have one person begin by whispering in someone's ear, just a random phrase or word and the word or phrase would have to travel from one person to the next and be repeated at the end. But most of the time people will mishear the word or phrase and something "hi how are you?" could become "fishes aren't actually Christian". The point I'm trying to make is that events were misheard, exaggerated and completely blown out of proportion. Magicians became feared and respected. So of course everyone wanted to become a magician or wizard. Who doesn't want power and respect? What could go wrong? Witch trials. Priests, popes and monarchs all feared and respected. Most even had magicians as close advisors. But those found guilty of placing curses or nit healing someone properly were put on trail and often executed. In the 15th century witch trails became increasingly common as friars preached fear and doom to the common folk who became increasingly paranoid of witches and sorcerers. Neighbour reported neighbour and many were burned alive on no evidence other than what one person said. A book published in 1487 called Malleus Maleficarum did not help matters. It roughly translates to "Hammer of the Witches". And within its content it detailed how to execute witches and how to transport them from place to place. These "witches" were said to perform dark magic and harmed anyone they came into contact with. Whereas priests and doctors apparently performed white magic that healed and benefitted others. In conclusion during the medieval ages there was a high risk and reward system in place for those who claimed had magic. If you could prove you were a good magician then you had a place beside the king or even the pope. But if you were accused of dark magic then you would be brutally executed. Yep medieval Europe sure was a great place.

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