Original scientific paper
"NOT ON WOOD, NOR ON STONE...": MAGICAL FORMULAE IN CROATIAN LEGENDS ABOUT WITCHES
Ljiljana Marks
; Institute of Ethnology and Folklore Research, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
Verse formulae that are directly connected with the flight of witches are repeated in numerous variants in Croatian legends about witches, often dependent on the region of origin of the notation. The successful flight of the witch is enabled by the correct use of the formula (along with other set acts and props). Faulty recitation of one and the same formula, even the most minute alteration of its structure, does allow flight by the observer, but he arrives at the witches' coven in a bruised, battered and wounded state. The firm and enclosed structure of such formulae (such as small prayers, entreaties, spells, healing incantations) permits the interpretation that what are in question are magical textual structures linked with ritual charms whose precise use also has material power. The latent poetic function of language (verse, rhyme) also served as a mystic means aimed at the achievement of a practical effect.
Analysis is made in the paper of the mentioned formulae as they appeared in court cases in Croatia involving witches and in more recent oral literary notations.
Keywords
magical formulae; flight of witches; legends about witches; Croatia
Hrčak ID:
23264
URI
Publication date:
19.12.2007.
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