174. Merlin, Magic and the British
The Rest Is History
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Witchcraft and Power in Tudor and Stuart England
This chapter explores the religious tensions and conflicts surrounding transubstantiation in the 14th century, with a focus on the Lollards' criticism of this belief as witchcraft. It further examines the life of Dr. John Dee, a Renaissance scholar entangled in math, astrology, and occult practices, as well as the political implications of such beliefs during the tumultuous periods of the English Civil Wars and the reign of James II. By weaving together history, politics, and superstition, the chapter highlights how accusations of witchcraft served as a metaphor for political betrayal and the dynamics of power.
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