Johann Weyer (Jean Wierus, 1515–1588), a Brabant physician and demonologist, studied under Cornelius Agrippa and authored ‘De Praestigiis Daemonum’ (On the Tricks of Demons). His works, translated into French as ‘Cinq livres de l’imposture et tromperie des diables,’ contributed to Renaissance demonology. Weyer argued against witch hunts, attributing many accusations to delusion. He also published ‘Pseudomonarchia Daemonum,’ an inventory of demons that influenced later grimoires.
Wierus (Jean)
Creature Types: Other
Mythological/Cultural Origins: Renaissance, Western European
Roles/Functions in Lore: Demonologist, Physician
Literary Sources/Traditions: De Praestigiis Daemonum), Pseudomonarchia Daemonum)
Historical/Legendary Time Periods: Renaissance (16th Century)
Attributes/Powers: Critique of witch trials, Demonology
Alignments/Moral Standings: Neutral
