Malleus Maleficarum

What it is

This book is the most well-known historical document about witchcraft. It was written by Heinrich Kramer, a Catholic priest from Germany. The title translates to Hammer of Witches. Many scholars see it as a collection of earlier ideas rather than a new invention. It claims to represent the official view of the Church. However, it was actually rejected by many church leaders. The text focuses on how to identify and punish those accused of magic.

Where it comes from

Heinrich Kramer wrote this book after failing to prosecute witches in Tyrol. He was expelled from Innsbruck and called crazy by local bishops. He wrote this text to justify his actions and prove that witchcraft was real. He wanted to convince judges to use his specific methods for finding witches. Some people later claimed Jacob Sprenger helped write it, but this is debated. The book was first printed in Speyer in 1486.

How it is done

The text provides a legal framework for accusing people of heresy through magic. It suggests using torture to force confessions from the accused. It argues that death is the only way to stop the evil caused by witches. Secular courts used these rules to try people. The Inquisition did not use this book because they rejected its methods. The book treats witchcraft as a serious crime against God and society.

Tools and materials

The main tool is the Latin text itself. It includes a papal bull from Pope Innocent VIII. This bull gives authority to Kramer and Sprenger. It also includes a fake approval letter from the University of Cologne. These documents were used to give the book an air of official power. The text relies on religious arguments about demons and Satan.

What it is for

The book aims to help judges find and convict witches. It wants to end the perceived evil of sorcery. It teaches that women are more likely to be witches. It encourages harsh punishments like burning at the stake. The goal was to protect society from demonic influence. It was used by secular authorities to justify brutal trials.

Who does it

Heinrich Kramer was the main author. He was a Catholic clergyman and inquisitor. He faced opposition from other church members. Jacob Sprenger was later added as a co-author. His involvement is not certain. The book was used by secular judges and magistrates. They followed its advice to conduct trials.

Peoples and places

The book originated in Germany. It became popular across Renaissance Europe. Secular courts in many countries used it. It influenced Protestant and Catholic regions alike. Martin Luther supported its views on witches. The text spread through printed copies. It shaped the legal approach to witchcraft for centuries.

What people believe

The book believes witches make pacts with Satan. It sees magic as a form of heresy. It claims demons attack humans through witches. Prayer and exorcism are ways to fight back. The text treats witchcraft as a real and dangerous threat. It denies that magic is just a delusion. This view contrasted with earlier Church teachings.

When it is done

The book does not specify particular dates for rituals. It was used during periods of intense witch hunting. The worst trials happened between 1560 and 1630. Belief in witches faded after the Enlightenment. The text remained relevant until the late 18th century.

How scholars and sceptics see it

Historians note that the Inquisition rejected this book. They saw its methods as illegal and unethical. Modern scholars say it was misused by secular courts. Some early writers thought it represented the Church's true view. This is incorrect. The book was condemned by theologians in Cologne. It was praised by one Pope but ignored by others.

Compare and confuse

It differs from earlier Church texts that called magic a delusion. It aligns with later demonological works. It is similar to Protestant views on witchcraft. Other manuals existed but were less influential. The Inquisition had its own procedures which differed greatly.

Law and persecution

Secular courts adopted its legal advice. The Inquisition refused to use it. It was banned by some local bishops. The book helped change laws against witchcraft. It made witchcraft a capital crime in many places. Its influence lasted until the decline of witch trials.

Questions people ask about Malleus Maleficarum

Good reading and sources

• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle
• The World, The Flesh and the DevilHistory Today, Article

• Malleus Maleficarum on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data