Based on research in the Inquisitorial archives, the book recounts the story of a peasant fertility cult centered on the benandanti. These men and women regarded themselves as professional anti-witches, who (in dream-like states) apparently fought ritual battles against witches and wizards, to protect their villages and harvests. If they won, the harvest would be good, if they lost, there would be famine. The inquisitors tried to fit them into their pre-existing images of the witches' sabbat. The result of this cultural clash which lasted over a century, was the slow metamorphosis of the…
Counted ratings come from accounts older than 7 days and were made on or after publication. Finished readers weigh ×1.0. Readers who have not finished yet weigh ×0.5. Did-not-finish ratings are shown but not counted.
Editions
20 editions · 4 languages
Paperback · English · 1992
The Night Battles
The Johns Hopkins University Press · 232 pages · 9780801843860
Other · English · 2015
Night Battles
Taylor & Francis Group · 240 pages · 9781138997998
Other · English · 2013
Night Battles
Johns Hopkins University Press · 240 pages · 9781421409924
Other · English · 2013
Night Battles
Johns Hopkins University Press · 9781421409931
Other · English · 2012
Night Battles
Taylor & Francis Group · 216 pages · 9781136740060
Other · English · 2012
Night Battles
Taylor & Francis Group · 216 pages · 9780203819005
Religious life and customsWitchcraftHexenglaubeFruchtbarkeitskultHekserijRitenVie religieuseSorcellerie
