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Lecturer(s)
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Solomon Kristýna, doc. Mgr. Ph.D.
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Course content
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The Devil in the Middle Ages and the Early Modern Period - Literary Encounters with the Devil This semester course focuses on the literary representation of the Devil in the Middle Ages and the Early Modern Period. Central to the course are encounters with the Devil in this world (in earthly reality) as depicted in religious and secular narratives across various literary genres. The analysis targets hagiography (saints' legends), exempla (moralizing exemplary tales) by the Cistercian monk Caesarius of Heisterbach, chronicle literature, schwanks and mären (Middle High German rhymed couplet tales), early modern novellas by Giovanni Boccaccio, as well as the folklore genres of fairy tales and legends. The examined figurations of the Devil range from the concept of the Devil as a seducer and notions of incubi and succubi, through the phenomena of possession and exorcism, motifs of the Devil's companions and "demonic popes," to the issues of diabolical masquerades and the motif of the cheated Devil.
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Learning activities and teaching methods
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Lecture, Work with Text (with Book, Textbook)
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Learning outcomes
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The lecture "The Devil in the Middle Ages and the Early Modern Period" presents the medieval devil as a diverse and multifaceted figure - from the embodiment of threat and evil, a demonic seducer, and a tool of deterrence or education, to a liar, a chronic loser, or a comic character. Since his main earthly activity consisted of seducing humanity, attention is paid to stable thematic areas (topoi), such as the devil's proximity to sexuality and secret knowledge, his inspirational abilities, or his changing of masks and adaptability.
Upon completing the course, students will acquire the ability to analyze and compare scholarly literary reflections of the motif of the Devil in both the religious and secular narrative traditions of the Middle Ages and the Early Modern Period. They will demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the genre-specific characteristics of the period's production (e.g., hagiography, exempla, mären) and will be able to identify key topoi associated with the earthly manifestations of demonic forces. Students will develop the skill to critically interpret the motifs of literary encounters with the Devil within the context of contemporary religious beliefs, folklore traditions, and historical mentalities, and to apply these insights in their independent work with primary sources.
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Prerequisites
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This course is intended for students in German studies programs as well as other interested students at Palacký University. Knowledge of German at approximately the B1-B2 level is required.
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Assessment methods and criteria
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Mark, Written exam, Student performance
The series of lectures will be completed with a written exam.
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Recommended literature
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(2020). Der Teufel und seine poietische Macht in literarischen Texten vom Mittelalter zur Moderne. Berlin / Boston.
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Brall, Helmut (Hg.). (1998). Von Sünde, Leidenschaft und Laster. Teufelsgeschichten aus tausend Jahren. München.
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NODL, Martin. (2015). Středověk v nás. Praha.
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SIMEK, Rudolf. (2023). Dämonen, Teufel, Hexenglaube: Böse Geister im europäischen Mittelalter. Wien / Köln.
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