A marginal figure in demonological tradition with no role in canonical grimoires Zubba is referenced in French demonological tradition as the name of a demon, though no narrative, function, or iconography is attached to the figure. The name appears in encyclopedic entries or secondary lists, where it is typically followed by a cross-reference to the … Read more
The usage of ‘Zincalis’ in ethnographic literature and its relation to Romani identity, language, and migration across Eurasia Zincalis is a historical term used in Spain and parts of the Orient to refer to the Romani people, commonly known in English as Gypsies. The word appears in 19th-century ethnographic and literary works, most notably in … Read more
The demonological role of Zepar as instigator of love and illusion in early modern grimoires Zepar is recorded in early modern demonological grimoires, most notably in the Lesser Key of Solomon (Ars Goetia), as a grand duke of Hell who commands twenty-eight legions of demons. He is typically described as appearing in the form of … Read more
A brief account of Zapan’s role in early modern demonological hierarchies Zapan is listed as a king of Hell in early modern grimoires, notably in Johann Weyer’s Pseudomonarchia Daemonum (1577) and the anonymously compiled Lemegeton, particularly the Ars Goetia, also known as the Lesser Key of Solomon. Despite the authoritative title of king, Zapan’s entry … Read more
Beliefs surrounding zahuríes in Spanish and southern French traditions, from water divining to occult perception Zahuríes (singular: zahorí) are folkloric figures found in Spanish and southern French traditions, attributed with supernatural perception of hidden substances such as underground water, precious metals, buried treasure, or even concealed corpses. These individuals were believed to possess an innate … Read more
The metallurgical and symbolic powers of Zagam, king and president of Hell, in the Pseudomonarchia Daemonum and Renaissance occult texts Zagam is listed in several early modern demonological texts, including Johann Weyer’s Pseudomonarchia Daemonum (1577), the Lemegeton (Ars Goetia), and later compilations such as Collin de Plancy’s Dictionnaire Infernal. He is described as a great … Read more
Depictions of Zaebos in the Pseudomonarchia Daemonum and the Dictionnaire Infernal, from infernal hierarchy to symbolic iconography Zaebos is listed in early modern demonological literature, most notably in Johann Weyer’s Pseudomonarchia Daemonum (1577) and Jacques Collin de Plancy’s Dictionnaire Infernal (first published in 1818), where he is described as a grand count of Hell. According … Read more
Xylomancy is a form of divination that interprets omens based on the arrangement, appearance, or behavior of pieces of wood, particularly dry branches found on one’s path. Practiced especially in Slavic regions, including Esclavonia, xylomancy involved drawing predictions from the position of logs in the hearth or the burning of wood. The practice is classified … Read more
Wivre is a mythical creature from French medieval folklore, often depicted as a fantastical monster, half-woman and half-serpent, sometimes compared to Mélusine. The wivre possesses a carbuncle on its forehead, used as a luminous guide. According to legends, anyone seizing the carbuncle could command spirits and obtain hidden treasures, but the wivre is ferocious and … Read more
André Welz was a burgher of Dottingen whose house was reported to be haunted by a poltergeist in 1689. The spirit manifested as a grey bird, an old ugly woman, and a cat, performing various mischievous acts. Such poltergeist accounts are found in European folklore, especially in connection with cases of unexplained household disturbances. Related … Read more