Towards a Comparative Study of Polish and Hungarian Witchcraft Persecutions

Historiographical and Legal Perspectives

Abstract

This article explores the possibility of a legal-historical comparison of Polish and Hungarian witchcraft trials. It begins by outlining the historiographical background, tracing developments since the so-called anthropological turn in witchcraft studies. It then presents the most significant statistical data pertaining to the regions of both countries. Finally, it proposes a microhistorical framework through a discussion of general legal issues. The paper concludes that a straightforward regional or subregional comparison is not feasible; instead, thematic, contemporaneous, trial-by-trial comparisons can be conducted by building on individual cases and examining parallel court practices.

Pubblicato
2025-12-31
Come citare
Brandl, G. (2025). Towards a Comparative Study of Polish and Hungarian Witchcraft Persecutions: Historiographical and Legal Perspectives. Rocznik Filozoficzny Ignatianum, 31(4), 365-382. https://doi.org/10.35765/rfi.2025.3104.19
Sezione
Artykuły