Berserk Recollections of the Witch In the depths of folklore and dark fairy tales, the image of the witch holds a powerful grip on our imaginations. Conjuring up visions of pointy hats, broomsticks, and cauldrons, the witch has long been a symbol of otherworldly power and intrigue. From the Renaissance era to modern-day literature and movies, this figure continues to captivate us with her spellbinding mysteries. In the world of fantasy literature, one of the most notable depictions of the witch can be found in the Berserk series by Kentaro Miura. Set in a dark and brutal medieval world, Berserk follows the journey of the mercenary Guts, who becomes entangled in a horrifying battle between demons, witches, and other supernatural entities. The witch in Berserk, named Schierke, is portrayed as a young but wise sorceress with immense magical abilities.
Perhaps you’ve also spent quarantine watching a lot of occult movies, listening to Kate Bush, and generally looking for a sign from the forest gods on when, and how, this pandemmy will end. All the more reason to build up an esoteric library capable of humoring that aspiring, hermetic haus witch bender (or at least helping you decode all the Satanic references in the Richard Ramirez documentary).
We re finally ready, at the ripe age of 496 vampire years, to invest in books that both challenge, and enrich what we already love about esoteric and spiritual traditions. A history of paganism and British Traditional Witchcraft written for a popular audience with a critical analysis of medieval and early modern witchcraft practices and trials.
The witch in Berserk, named Schierke, is portrayed as a young but wise sorceress with immense magical abilities. Living in Elfhelm, a hidden sanctuary, Schierke practices her craft under the guidance of her mentor, Flora. Her knowledge of spells, potions, and astral projection make her a formidable ally to Guts and his band of warriors as they face the demons plaguing their world.
Materials Relating to Witchcraft and the Occult
This guide is designed as a helpful shortcut to many of the materials relating to witchcraft and the occult in the collections at the RBML. It is not meant to be definitive and may not always reflect the most recent acquisitions by the library.
Background
The RBML has a significant collection of material pertaining to witchcraft, magic, and the occult. Most of the items focus on European and American experiences and range from the medieval period to modern publications. The collection is heavily tilted towards early modern publications given that our main areas of collecting include Early Modern Literature and Culture and the History of Science. In collaboration with the Social Sciences, Health, and Education Library (SSHEL), RBML also participates in the purchasing of tarot cards, runes, and other esoteric material.
Subject keywords
-Witchcraft
-Demonology
-Devil
-Magic
Primary sources – manuscripts
Crafte of conjureynge and howe to rule the ffierye spiritts of ye planetts & make the devyle appearre. [Approx. 1590]. Shelfmark Pre-1650 MS 0102. This manuscript contains astrological tables, Rosicrucian charts and diagrams, and text describing and explicating spells.
Disputatio de malis spiritibus eorumque in corpora potestate. 1651. England. Shelfmark Post-1650 MS 0154. This manuscript describes malign spirits.
Newton, Isaac. Translation with emendations of Opus galli anonymi by Sir Isaac Newton. [1690s?]. Shelfmark: Post-1650 MS 0676 facsim. [NB. The original manuscript is currently in conservation until further notice.] Newton’s notes on an alchemical text. A digitized version of the text can be found here.
[Ostrakon magical charm]. Egypt, 500-700CE. Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Shelfmark: Pre-1650 MS 0231. A pottery shard with ink drawing and Coptic text.
Primary sources – print
The Compleat Wizzard: Being a Collection of Authentic and Entertaining Narratives of the Real Existence and Appearance of Ghosts, Demons and Spectres; Together with Several Wonderful Instances of the Effects of Witchcraft. To Which Is Prefixed, an Account of Haunted Houses, and Subjoined a Treatise on the Effects of Magic. London: T. Evans, 1770. Shelfmark X 133 C738. Tract describing a variety of supernatural incidents, with some commentary where applicable on known recipes for aphrodisiacs and elixirs.
Baker, Richard C. The History of the Lancashire Witches: Containing, the Manner of Their Becoming Such; Their Enchantments, Spells, Revels, Merry Pranks, Raising of Storms and Tempests, Riding on Winds, &c. The Entertainment and Frolicks Which Happened Among Them. With the Loves and Humours of Roger and Dorothy. Also, a Treatise of Witches in General. Conducive to Mirth and Recreation. The Like Never before Published. London?: s.n., 1785. Shelfmark 398.5 P818. A history of the Pendle witch trials much after the fact, with quasi-fictional elaborations on events.
Cooper, Thomas. The Mystery of Witch-Craft: Discouering, the Truth, Nature, Occasions, Growth and Power Therof : Together with the Detection and Punishment of the Same : as Also, the Seuerall Stratagems of Sathan, Ensnaring the Poore Soule by This Desperate Practize of Annoying the Bodie, with the Seuerall Vses Thereof to the Church of Christ : Very Necessary for the Redeeming of These Atheisticall and Secure Times. London: Printed by Nicholas Okes, 1617. Shelfmark IUA03315. Religious tract on the evils of witchcraft.
De virtutibus herbarum. Shelfmark: Incunabula 580.2 H4131499. An early herbal describing plants and their uses, drawing on knowledge mundane and folkloric.
Heywood, Thomas et al. The Late Lancashire Vvitches: a Well Received Comedy, Lately Acted at the Globe on the Banke-Side, by the Kings Majesties Actors . London: Printed by Thomas Harper for Benjamin Fisher, and are to be sold at his shop at the signe of the Talbot, without Aldersgate, 1634. Shelfmark IUA06704. A fictionalized drama of the events leading to the Pendle witch trials, with several invented episodes revolving around shape-shifting and cuckoldry.
Incipit Tractatus de virtutibus herbarum. [4 April 1520]. Shelfmark: IUA00526. Another early herbal.
Institoris, Heinrich, Jakob Sprenger, and Anton Koberger. Malleus maleficaru[m]. Nuremberg: Anthonium Koberger Nure[m]bergen[sis]. civem est impressus et ad hunc fine[m] p[ro]ductus., 1496. Shelfmark Incunabula 133.4 In7m1496. The famous “hammer of the witches” that laid the foundations for the identification and prosecution of witches.
James I, King of England. Daemonologie : in forme of a dialogve : diuided into three books. London: Printed by Arnold Hatfield for Robert VVald-graue, 1603. Shelfmark IUA07170.
Potts, Thomas et al. The Vvonderfull Discouerie of Witches in the Countie of Lancaster : Vvith the Arraignement and Triall of Nineteene Notorious Witches, at the Assizes and General Gaole Deliuerie, Holden at the Castle of Lancaster, Vpon Munday, the Seuenteenth of August Last, 1612. Before Sir Iames Altham, and Sir Edward Bromley, Knights; Barons of His Maiesties Court of Exchequer: And Iustices of Assize, Oyer and Terminor, and Generall Gaole Deliuerie in the Circuit of the North Parts. Together with the Arraignement and Triall of Iennet Preston, at the Assizes Holden at the Castle of Yorke, the Seuen and Twentieth Day of Iulie Last Past, with Her Execution for the Murther of Master Lister by Witchcraft. Published and Set Forth by Commandement of His Maiesties Iustices of Assize in the North Parts . London: Printed by W. Stansby for Iohn Barnes, and are to be sold at his shop neare Holborne Conduit, 1613. Shelfmark IUA10083. Potts was the clerk of the court for the trials of the Pendle witches; this narrative reflects on the events leading up to the trials.
Two East Anglian picture books: a facsimile of the Helmingham herbal and bestiary and Bodleian MS. Ashmole 1504. Printed for presentation to the members of the Roxburghe Club. London: 1988. Shelfmark: Q. 091.0942 T93. A useful facsimile of an early herbal.
Secondary sources
Morris, David. Fire burne & cauldron bubble: witchcraft at the dawn of modernity : summer exhibition at the Rare Book & Manuscript Library 30 May-8 August 2014. Shelfmark: IUQ04702. Brochure from the exhibit held at the RBML in 2014.
Schulke, Daniel A., and Graham. King. The Occult Reliquary: Images and Artefacts of the Richel-Eldermans Collection. Richmond Vista, Calif: Three Hands Press, 2010. Shelfmark: IUQ04576. Catalog of the 2,000 materials archived at the Museum of Witchcraft in Boscastle, Cornwall.
Witchcraft: Catalogue of the Witchcraft Collection in Cornell University Library. Millwood, N.Y: KTO Press, 1977. Shelfmark: Q. 016.1334 C81W. A catalog of the holdings held at Cornell.
Additional recommended reading
Hutton, Ronald. The Witch: A History of Fear, from Ancient Times to the Present. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2017. Landmark accounting on a global scale of attitudes towards witches and witchcraft.
Williams, Liz. Miracles of Our Own Making: A History of Paganism. London: Reaktion Books, 2020. A history of paganism and British Traditional Witchcraft written for a popular audience with a critical analysis of medieval and early modern witchcraft practices and trials.
All the clocks had stopped. A void out of time.
And here they are - looking out and holding themselves still -
holding still at that point where two worlds join -
the familiar - and the other.
What sets Berserk apart is its exploration of the psychological aspects associated with witches. Rather than being merely mystical and enigmatic beings, the witches in Berserk are portrayed as tormented individuals with complex pasts. Schierke, for instance, has gone through traumatic experiences that have shaped her into the person she is today, filled with compassion and a strong sense of justice. Furthermore, Berserk delves into the duality inherent in the witch archetype, presenting them not just as purveyors of darkness and chaos, but also as guardians of ancient knowledge and wisdom. The witches possess the ability to tap into the ethereal realms and access powerful forces that lie beyond the comprehension of ordinary humans. In this sense, they serve as conduits between different worlds, bridging the gap between the supernatural and the mundane. The recollections of the witch in Berserk offer a glimpse into the complex and multifaceted nature of this character. It challenges the traditional notion of the witch as a malevolent force and instead presents her as a figure who embodies both light and darkness. Through Schierke's experiences and her interactions with other characters, we see the internal struggles and dilemmas that witches face as they navigate a world that fears and misunderstands them. In conclusion, the depiction of the witch in Berserk is a testament to the enduring allure and complexity of this mythical figure. By delving into the psychological depths of the character and exploring her dual nature, Kentaro Miura brings to life a witch that resonates with readers on a profound level. Through Schierke's recollections, we come to appreciate the intricate tapestry of worlds, powers, and emotions that define the witch in the realm of Berserk..
Reviews for "Unleashing the Witch's Memories: A Journey into the Realm of Madness"
- Samantha P. - 2/5 stars - I really wanted to like "Berserk: Recollections of the Witch," as I had heard so many great things about it. However, I found the story to be incredibly confusing and disjointed. The pacing was all over the place, and I struggled to connect with any of the characters. The artwork was impressive, but unfortunately, that was not enough to save this manga for me. I would only recommend it to die-hard fans of the franchise who are willing to overlook its flaws.
- Michael R. - 1/5 stars - I have tried multiple times to get into "Berserk: Recollections of the Witch," but it just doesn't work for me. The violence and dark themes are excessive and seem to be there for shock value more than anything else. The characters lack depth, and the plot is hard to follow. The artwork is admittedly well done, but it's not enough to make up for the numerous issues I have with this manga. I would not recommend it to anyone who is not already a fan of the series.
- Jennifer M. - 2.5/5 stars - "Berserk: Recollections of the Witch" left me feeling underwhelmed and disappointed. The story was convoluted, and it felt like the manga was trying too hard to be edgy and dark. The characters lacked development, and I found it difficult to care about what happened to them. The gore and violence were excessive and gratuitous, which further detracted from my overall enjoyment of the series. While the artwork was impressive, it was not enough to make me overlook the major flaws in this manga. I would only recommend it to die-hard fans of the franchise who are willing to look past its faults.
- Mark H. - 2/5 stars - I had high hopes for "Berserk: Recollections of the Witch," but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The story was confusing and hard to follow, and I struggled to connect with any of the characters. The excessive violence and dark themes seemed more like shock value than anything else, and it became tiresome after a while. While the artwork was visually appealing, it wasn't enough to salvage this manga in my opinion. I would only recommend it to fans of the series who are willing to overlook its flaws.