Unearthing the Monstrous, Supernatural, and Uncanny in Medieval and Early Modern Europe

The PRIN 2022 Conference

Join us for a captivating three-day international conference at the University of Siena, delving into the fascinating realms of monsters, sorcery, and witches in Northwestern Europe during the late Middle Ages and early modern era.

Our conference seeks to illuminate the interplay between monstrous births, illicit magic, and witchcraft, exploring their impact on individuals and society. We aim to uncover the marginalized and misunderstood narratives surrounding these extraordinary beings and practices.

Non-Canonical Sources: A Hidden Tapestry

Our focus extends beyond traditional literary works, venturing into the vibrant world of non-canonical sources. Ballads, broadsheets, pamphlets, and chronicles bring diverse voices and perspectives to the fore, capturing the beliefs and fears of everyday people. By examining these unconventional texts, we seek a deeper understanding of the popular imagination.

Beyond Borders: Crossing into the Unnatural

Monsters and witches challenge societal norms and transgress boundaries. They represent the marginalized and the grotesque, blurring the lines between normality and the supernatural. Through presentations that explore these liminal spaces, we hope to shed light on the complexities of difference and the persistent allure of the unknown.

Embracing Interdisciplinarity: Diverse Perspectives

Our conference eagerly welcomes submissions from a broad range of disciplines. Literary, historical, theological, medical, legal, and cultural perspectives will enrich our collective understanding of the multifaceted nature of these phenomena.

Paper Submission and Conference Details

Share your groundbreaking research with us by submitting an abstract of 250-300 words and a short bionote to monsterswitchesnorthwesterneu.com.

Deadline for proposals: 2 March 2025

Notification of acceptance: 16 March 2025

Conference dates: 9-11 July 2025

Venue: University of Siena, Italy

For more information and ongoing updates, please visit our website: https://sites.google.com/view/monsterswitches/conferences/international-conference-prin2022-project-monsterswitches