The Witch of Endor: A Study in History and Folklore The Folklore Society Presidential Address 2022

• 28/06/2022
• 17:30-18:30
• Online and at 50 Fitzroy Street, London W1T 5BT

Saul_and_the_Witch_of_Endor_by_Jacob_Cornelisz_van_Oostsanen.jpg, Wikimedia Commons

The 2022 Folklore Society Presidential Address

Prof. Owen Davies (University of Hertfordshire), Tuesday 28 June 2022, 17:30-18:30

‘The Witch of Endor: A Study in History and Folklore’

Click here for the Audio recording of the lecture

The Old Testament account, in 1 Samuel 28, of how the “Witch of Endor” apparently raised the spirit of the prophet Samuel, has been a matter of theological debate for centuries. In this talk Owen Davies looks at two aspects of interest to the folklorist. First, how the “woman of Endor” described in the King James Bible became popularly known as the “witch of Endor”. Secondly, how the account of the raising of the spirit of Samuel became a widespread defence of both ghosts and the existence of witchcraft in British and American folk belief.

Attend the lecture in person (Folklore Society members only): In-person attendance is restricted to Folklore Society members booked to attend the AGM at 50 Fitzroy Street, London W1T 5BT from 18:30-19:30, immediately after the Presidential Address. To register to attend in person, contact thefolkloresociety @ gmail.com. Please note: FLS members may observe the AGM online, but only those present in the room may vote.

Attend the lecture online: Tickets for the lecture are Free, and open to all, booking via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-witch-of-endor-a-study-in-history-and-folklore-tickets-260566089187