Walter Scott

Walter Scott (1771–1832) was a Scottish novelist and historian whose works frequently draw from folklore, demonology, and witchcraft traditions. He published a collection of letters discussing demonology, witches, and related popular beliefs. These letters examine the belief in apparitions, the tradition of original sin, and interpretations of magicians and diviners in ancient law and custom. Scott’s analysis extends to Roman, Celtic, and Northern European beliefs, fairy lore, familiar spirits such as Puck or Robin Goodfellow, witchcraft, divination, and revenants. His works are considered sources for the study of folk traditions, though his religious views and skepticism have been noted by contemporaries and later scholars.