Dominican inquisition and witch-trial theology

Malleus Maleficarum (The Hammer of Witches)

Name: Malleus Maleficarum (The Hammer of Witches)
Author: Heinrich Kramer

IntermediatePrimary Sourcecomplete

The infamous 15th-century guide for identifying, prosecuting, and punishing witches. Written primarily by Heinrich Kramer after his failed witch trial in Innsbruck, it became the most influential witch-hunting manual despite initial rejection by the Inquisition. The work is divided into three parts: proving witchcraft exists, describing witches' powers and how to identify them, and legal procedures for prosecution. This 1928 translation by Montague Summers is the most well-known English version, noted for its scholarly (if credulous) apparatus. Reflects the theological and legal frameworks that fueled the witch-hunts of the early modern period. Responsible for codifying many witch-hunt procedures that led to thousands of executions.

Also known asThe Hammer of Witches · Hexenhammer

This edition1928

EditionOriginal Latin publication 1487, Montague Summers English translation 1928. Public Domain EPUB Integration

DemonologyCatholic Scholasticismfolk divinationScholasticismbinding and hexingWitchcraft (Historical)Demonic pactswitchcraft theologyDemonic PossessionReligious demonology

Archive Paths

Demonology

Demonology texts covering spirit hierarchies, possession, exorcism, theological classification, grimoires, and early modern debates on magic.

Witchcraft

Witchcraft texts on trials, accusations, maleficium, popular magic, demonological theory, and the social history of magical practice.

Astrology and Divination

Astrology and divination texts on zodiacal symbolism, astrological doctrine, geomancy, dream interpretation, and related predictive arts.

Contents17 chapters

01Translator's Introduction
02Bibliography
03Part I: Treating of the Three Necessary Concomitants of Witchcraft
04Question I: Whether the Belief in Witches is Essential to Catholic Faith
05Question II: Concerning Devils' Ability to Work Wonders
06Question VI: Why Women are Chiefly Addicted to Evil Superstitions
07Part II: The Methods by which Witchcrafts are Wrought and How They May Be Removed
08Question I - Chapter I: Of the Several Methods of Witchcraft
09Part III: Relating to Judicial Proceedings in Ecclesiastical and Civil Courts
10Question I: Who are Fit Judges in the Trial of Witches
11Question VI: Of the Quality and Condition of Witnesses
12Question XIII: Methods of Initiating a Process
13Question XIV: The Method of Pronouncing a Witch Convicted
14Question XV: Of the Continuing of Torture
15Question XXV: The Sixth Kind of Sentence
16Question XXXI: Of One Convicted but Not Yet Sentenced
17Question XXXIII: Of the Method of Sentencing a Witch