Witches, Werewolves, and Fairies: Shapeshifters and Astral Doubles in the Middle Ages

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Claude Lecouteux

Witches, Werewolves, and Fairies

Shapeshifters and Astral Doubles in the Middle Ages

Claude Lecouteux

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English

Inner Traditions
23 July 2003

History; Contemporary non-Christian & para-Christian cults & sects; Folklore, myths & legends; Sociology: customs & traditions; Parapsychological studies; Mind, Body, Spirit

Reveals the true nature of medieval belief in the Double of the Soul

• Demonstrates the survival of a pagan belief that each individual owns three souls, including a double that can journey outside the physical body

• Explains the nature of death and the Other World hidden beneath the monsters and superstitions in stories from the Middle Ages

Monsters, werewolves, witches, and fairies remain a strong presence in our stories and dreams. But as Claude Lecouteux shows, their roots go far deeper than their appearance in medieval folklore; they are survivors of a much older belief system that predates Christianity and was widespread over Western Europe. Through his extensive analysis of Germano-Scandinavian legends, as well as those from other areas of Europe, Lecouteux has uncovered an almost forgotten religious concept: that every individual owns three souls and that one of these souls, the Double, can—in animal or human form—leave the physical body while in sleep or a trance, journey where it chooses, then reenter its physical body. While there were many who experienced this phenomenon involuntarily, there were others—those who attracted the unwelcome persecution of the Church—who were able to provoke it at will: witches.

In a thorough excavation of the medieval soul, Claude Lecouteux reveals the origin and significance of this belief in the Double, and follows its transforming features through the ages. He shows that far from being fantasy or vague superstition, fairies, witches, and werewolves all testify to a consistent ancient vision of our world and the world beyond.

By: Claude Lecouteux
Imprint: Inner Traditions
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 229mm, Width: 152mm, Spine: 18mm
Weight: 315g
ISBN: 9780892810963
ISBN 10: 0892810963
Pages: 224
Publication Date: 23 July 2003
Audience: General/trade , College/higher education , ELT Advanced , Primary
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Reviews for Witches, Werewolves, and Fairies: Shapeshifters and Astral Doubles in the Middle Ages

Surprisingly, and despite the consistently scholarly tone, Lecouteux treats his subject with unmistakable sympathy and enthusiasm. He contrasts traditional beliefs about the soul with those imposed by Christianity and clearly favors the former. --Joshua Buckley, TYR , Vol. 3, 2007-2008