Representing Magic in Modern Ireland
Belief, History, and Culture

Explores beliefs in magic and witchcraft in modern Ireland (1800–2000) and representation in literature, historical writing and the press.

Andrew Sneddon (Author)

9781108949279, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 19 May 2022

75 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 0.6 cm, 0.15 kg

This Element argues that Ireland did not experience a disenchanted modernity, nor a decline in magic. It suggests that beliefs, practices and traditions concerning witchcraft and magic developed and adapted to modernity to retain cultural currency until the end of the twentieth century. This analysis provides the backdrop for the first systematic exploration of how historic Irish trials of witches and cunning-folk were represented by historians, antiquarians, journalists, dramatists, poets, and novelists in Ireland between the late eighteenth and late twentieth century. It is demonstrated that this work created an accepted narrative of Irish witchcraft and magic which glossed over, ignored, or obscured the depth of belief in witchcraft, both in the past and in contemporary society. Collectively, their work gendered Irish witchcraft, created a myth of a disenchanted, modern Ireland, and reinforced competing views of Irishness and Irish identity. These long-held stereotypes were only challenged in the late twentieth-century.

1. Introduction
2. Witchcraft and Magic in Modern Ireland
3. Writing the History of Irish Witchcraft
4. Reimagining Irish Witchcraft: Literature and the Press
5. Conclusion.

Subject Areas: Mysticism, magic & ritual [VXW], Folklore, myths & legends [JFHF], Occult studies [HRQX], Religion & beliefs [HR], British & Irish history [HBJD1]