King James VI of Scotland, his treatise Daemonologie, and the subsequent influence on witchcraft prosecution in Scotland
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Date
2014-08-19
Authors
Rhodes, Sarah
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Abstract
James VI of Scotland was influential in the continuation of the prosecution of witchcraft in Scotland. James’ efforts against witchcraft began in the early 1590s with the instigation of the North Berwick Trials of 1590-1592 where he played a pivotal role against the witches who were supposedly trying to kill him. After this trial, James wrote his treatise Daemonologie in 1597 which was a compilation of all that he learned about witchcraft as well as a way to disseminate information on his belief in divine right monarchy and an attack on those who were skeptical about the reality of witchcraft. All of these factors led Daemonologie to become an important work in regards to the trials of witchcraft in Scotland. After his efforts against witchcraft in Scotland, James would ironically return to his skeptical beliefs that were present before 1590.
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James I, King of England, 1566-1625; Witchcraft -- Scotland -- History