| Magical Myths 101 Lessons Six |
| During the sixteenth century, the word �wizard� began to take on new meaning. The term was used not only for the �wise� women and men, but to magicians who practiced alchemy, summoned demons, it was used for court astrologers, and conjurers of magic tricks for entertainment. Eventually it became the favorite term of storytellers, who endowed their characters with magical powers more spectacular than any historical wizard had even imagined.
We first hear about �famous witches and wizards� from Ron Weasley on the Hogwart�s Express in book one when he introduces Harry to the Chocolate Frog trading cards. Mentioned are Dumbledore, Merlin, Paracelsus, the Druidess Cliodna, Henqist of Woodcraft, Morgana, Ptolemy and Circe. Some are actually historical figures; others exist in legends going back hundreds of years. We will briefly look at these and include Gandalf. Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa � Considered a wizard during the Renaissance who was born in Cologne, Germany in 1486. He worked as a doctor, astrologer, lawyer, and faith healer, but made enemies and was branded a sorcerer. In 1529, he published a book called On Occult Philosophy, combining ancient Hebrew and Greek text to argue that the best way to know God was through magic. Course this did not sit well with the Church and he was branded a heretic and jailed. He died in 1535, and his trading card is one of the most rare! |
| Paracelsus � Was born in Switzerland in 1493 and is considered a founder of modern chemistry and medicine. He started out as a medical doctor then turned to study magic, especially alchemy and divination. Because he did not limit himself to traditional medical education of the time and developed his own successful treatments, he was deemed a sorcerer. He developed several useful remedies, found the cause of silicosis (a miner�s disease) and also helped stop the outbreak of the plaque in 1534. Because of his attitude and accomplishments he was not liked by other doctors and spent most of a decade in exile. However, at his death in 1541, his reputation had improved.
Quiz: 1.) What was the change in the sixteenth century about the word "wizard"? 2.) Which famous witches and wizards did Ron Weasley tell us about in the first book? 3.) What is so special about Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa's card? 4.) Where was Paracelsus born? 5.) Paracelsus was considered the founder of what? 6.) Why did Paracelsus want to learn alchemy and divination? 7.) Why was he looked down upon by others and why did this attitude change after he died? |
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