Anglo Saxon Religion and Witchcraft

Anglo Saxon Religion and Witchcraft

From The Wanderer Anglo Saxon History, mythology, Folklore and religion by Frank Docherty

July 5, 2025 · 7 min

About this episode

This episode explores the interplay of Anglo-Saxon religion, witchcraft, and the transition to Christianity from the 5th to the 11th centuries.

From the 5th to the 11th centuries, Anglo‑Saxon England was shaped by a rich tapestry of religion and magic: early on, villagers and warriors honored a polytheistic pagan pantheon—Wōden, Thunor, Tīw, Frīge—worshipped in groves, springs, and timber sanctuaries, alongside a belief in spirits such as elves and dwarfs. Embedded in daily life were practices of magico‑medicinal healing and protective charms—meticulously recorded in manuscripts like Bald’s Leechbook and the Lacnunga , exemplified by the Nine Herbs Charm As Christianity spread from the 7th century onwards, pagan rites and witchcraft—terms rooted in Old English words like wicca and hæġtesse —were increasingly criminalised by church law codes and royal decrees Yet, despite official condemnation, folk magic persisted, practiced by “cunning folk” renowned for healing and charms, forging a syncretic culture at the crossroads of ancient pagan customs and emerging Christian norms

People in this episode

Host: Frank Docherty

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Bald’s Leechbook, Lacnunga

More episodes of The Wanderer Anglo Saxon History, mythology, Folklore and religion

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The Wanderer Anglo Saxon History, mythology, Folklore and religion podcast page.