The Language of the Corpse: The Power of the Cadaver in Germanic and Icelandic Sorcery

by Cody Dickerson

Among the ancient Germanic peoples there existed a highly developed stream of magical belief and practice devoted to, and stemming directly from, the dead. While it is difficult for the modern mind to understand these beliefs, it was simply an acknowledged matter of fact that a tremendous wellspring of virtuous power dwelt among the physical remains of the once living, be they man or beast, long after the spirit abandons flesh.

In this short but powerful treatise, the author has gathered together disparate elements of faith, folklore and a multitude of fascinating practices related to the dead. In examining ancient and modern materials among the Teutonic peoples of Europe, we begin to distill an understanding of the powerful significance reserved not only for the revenants of the departed, but their physical remains as well. From the folk charming traditions of the British Isles to the extravagant ritual sacrifices held in medieval Uppsala, Sweden, the book provides the reader a glimpse into to the core strata of the power of the cadaver, and its subsequent role in the sorcerous practices witnessed amongst the European diaspora.

https://threehandspress.com/shop/the-...

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Witchcraft, Horror, Occult

76 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2016

Reviews

[lilias · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was so interesting. I loved learning about similarities between Germanic and Scandinavian and Appalachian folklore. And the etiquette behind raising the dead in Iceland (put it back when you’re done or else your family will be haunted for generations.) That a finger bone is required for a fart spell and about the healing powers of a hanged man’s hand.

I wish this book had been better organized because I felt a bit lost sometimes. I also wish it could have gone further in depth.

[Cornelius Bythesea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great overview of the way various cultures have used the dead in their magical practices, and it provides a look at some of the folklore that surrounds it. While I do wish it had gone into a little more detail in describing some of these practices, the generous citations leave plenty of other sources for the reader to explore. A fine book overall and a quick read, but don't expect more than a foundation in this topic.

[Marcus de Babilonia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dudaba entre ponerle 2 o 3 estrellas, ya que es un libro que recopila de forma ultra comprimida varios puntos relacionados con la muerte en la magia de los pueblos nórdicos y que por desgracia no ahonda mucho en ellos, pero finalmente he decidido ponerle 3 porque me ha aportado información que desconocía totalmente y habla de las fuentes originales. Aun así me parece demasiado corto como para hacer un libro y no lo recomiendo adquirir, aunque si leer.

[reqbat · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted more, and I wanted it better organized. Only having 75 pages means you have to pack a punch, but in the end I feel like I read a really good skeleton for a book (pun intended!) rather than a substantial tome. 5/5 for citing reference materials.

[Mizzy Mint · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so phenomenal. It is so well written, and while super short and concise, it is packed with well researched information. Very entertaining and informative. My only disappointment is that it is so short.

[Kali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well cited and super information dense for such a short read!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Language of the Corpse is short, but detailed, monograph discussing the ways that ancient Germanic peoples interacted with dead bodies, especially as it relates to folklore, sorcery, and spiritual faith. From ritual sacrifice to ‘farting spells’, Dickerson writes an interesting look into interactions between the living and the dead. I would recommend this for people, like me, who are very interested in death studies and cultural anthropology.