Historical/Legendary Time Period: 9th Century

Encyclopedia of Mythical Creatures:
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Grimaldi, Duke of Benevento

During the reign of Louis the Pious (also known as Louis the Debonaire), a widespread epidemic affected livestock throughout Europe. Rumors spread that Grimaldi, Duke of Benevento, an enemy of Charlemagne, had caused this devastation by having his agents spread a deadly powder. Numerous individuals suspected of this crime were arrested. Under duress and torture, … Read more

Encyclopedia of Mythical Creatures:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Agobard: The Enlightened Archbishop

Agobard, Archbishop of Lyon in the ninth century, wrote against judicial ordeals and the superstitions of his time. He criticized beliefs that sorcerers controlled weather and natural phenomena, arguing that such ideas diminished God’s omnipotence. Agobard’s writings reflect the Church’s ongoing efforts to combat superstition while acknowledging the existence of magic and maleficence, albeit without … Read more