In 1597, he wrote Daemonologie, an in depth step by step instructional on how to hunt and execute witches. In day to day society, witches were viewed as earth dwelling pagan worshipers sent by the devil to arouse corruption. Though, oddly enough, audiences were intrigued by witches in plays, until 1604 witchcraft wasn't considered a capitol offense. It was believed that they could foresee the future, control weather and call upon the dead. In order to unlock their powers they had to dig up graves for body parts to make potions, unbaptized babies were especially prized. For many in a 17th century audience, witches provided a thrill in which they still do in present horror movies. Also because nearly all of England was Christian at the time having supernatural antagonists appealed to them on a more personal level. Day in and day out the populous feared for their lives and thus surrounded themselves in counter active superstitious practices. With the witches playing a significant figure in Macbeth, a unique tension was created which only added to the masterpieces
In 1597, he wrote Daemonologie, an in depth step by step instructional on how to hunt and execute witches. In day to day society, witches were viewed as earth dwelling pagan worshipers sent by the devil to arouse corruption. Though, oddly enough, audiences were intrigued by witches in plays, until 1604 witchcraft wasn't considered a capitol offense. It was believed that they could foresee the future, control weather and call upon the dead. In order to unlock their powers they had to dig up graves for body parts to make potions, unbaptized babies were especially prized. For many in a 17th century audience, witches provided a thrill in which they still do in present horror movies. Also because nearly all of England was Christian at the time having supernatural antagonists appealed to them on a more personal level. Day in and day out the populous feared for their lives and thus surrounded themselves in counter active superstitious practices. With the witches playing a significant figure in Macbeth, a unique tension was created which only added to the masterpieces