Letters on demonology and witchcraft / [Sir Walter Scott].

  • Walter Scott
Date:
1841
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Letters on demonology and witchcraft / [Sir Walter Scott]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    and angelic character expressed by the seraph, form an extraordinary contrast to the poor conception of a being who ought not, even in that lowest degrada- tion, to have seemed so unworthy an antagonist. Neither has Tasso been more happy, where he re- presents the divan of darkness, in the enchanted forest, as presided over by a monarch having a huge tail, hoofs, and all the usual accompaniments of popu- lar diablerie. The genius of Milton alone could discard all these vulgar puerilities, and assi gn to the author of evil the terrible dignity of one who should seem not “ less than arch-angel ruined.” This species of degradation is yet grosser when we take into consideration the changes which popular opi- nions have wrought respecting the taste, habits, powers, modes of tempting, and habits of tormenting, which are such as might rather be ascribed to some stupid, superannuated, and doting ogre of a fairy tale, than to the powerful-minded demon, who fell through pride and rebellion, not through folly or incapa- city. Having, however, adopted our present ideas of the Devil as they are expressed by his nearest ac- quaintances, the witches, from the accounts of sa- tyrs, which seem to have been articles of faith both among the Celtic and Gothic tribes, we must next notice another fruitful fountain of demonological fancies. But as this source of the mythology of the middle ages must necessarily comprehend some ac- count of the fairy folk, to whom much of it must be referred, it is necessary to make a pause before we enter upon the mystic and marvellous connexion supposed to exist between the impenitent kingdom of Satan, and those merry dancers by moonlight.