This course will introduce students to many aspects of 'Folk magic', from the later Anglo-Saxon period to the earlier 20C. Topics will include protective hostile and healing magic, domestic magic and the uses of magical artefacts, charms, spells, talismans and incantations. We will look at the socially important activities of 'wise women', 'old wives' and cunning men, including plant magic, divination, the creation of love charms and ritual magic.
Handouts and illustrative material will be provided.
At the conclusion of the course students will have a better understanding of this fascination but little studied subject.