Les odeurs répugnantes des démons : une preuve de leur présence corporelle au sabbat ?

Details

Serval ID
serval:BIB_60DECF3A0B25
Type
Inproceedings: an article in a conference proceedings.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
Les odeurs répugnantes des démons : une preuve de leur présence corporelle au sabbat ?
Title of the conference
Parfums et odeurs au Moyen Âge : science, usage, symboles
Author(s)
Ostorero M.
Publisher
SISMEL- Edizioni del Galuzzo
Address
Florence
ISBN
978-88-8450-597-2
Publication state
Published
Issued date
2015
Editor
Paravicini Bagliani A.
Volume
67
Series
Micrologus' Library
Pages
259-288
Language
french
Notes
Actes d'un colloque tenu aux Universités de Louvain et de Leuven les 15-17 mars 2012
Abstract
The present article examines the meaning and function of olfactory remnants, often repugnant, linked to demons in the context of late medieval witchcraft and demonology. This reflection is developed within the framework of a «make believe» logic sustained by the doctrinal, theological, narrative and judiciary constructions of the witches' Sabbath. Incorporated within the order of sensory perception, references to the fetid smell of demons - who are by nature devoid of odour because they are pure spirits - constitute further proofs bearing witness to demonic presence, and thus testifying to the ignominy of the crime of witchcraft and to the guiltiness of the accused. According to those who attacked demon worshippers, the devil truly revealed himself physically; human beings were able to touch, hear, see and smell him. Sensory faculties were therefore perceived as being instrumental in corroborating the existence and reality of the Sabbath and the presence of the devil in bodily form. These considerations bring us to examine the olfactory fields associated with the devil's odour: odour of corpses, hell, sin, deviance, but also of defilement, impurity, corruption and excrements. These fetid odours are embedded in a logic of moral, spiritual and religious inversion of positive odours, such as the «sweet fragrance» of the saints, the «pure odour» of Christ or the «soft perfume» of virtue.
Create date
22/07/2014 13:57
Last modification date
20/08/2019 14:18
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