The onset of the witch trials, also known as the witch craze or witch hunt, refers to a period in European history, particularly between the 15th and 18th centuries, when the persecution and execution of individuals accused of witchcraft reached its peak. This phenomenon was fueled by religious, societal, and cultural factors that led to a widespread belief in the existence of witches and their malevolent powers. During this time, witchcraft was seen as a serious threat to Christian society, particularly during the time of the Protestant Reformation. The Catholic Church had historically condemned witchcraft, but the Protestant reformers brought renewed attention to the issue, believing that witches were in league with the devil and were responsible for causing misfortune, illness, and crop failures. The witch hunts began in rural areas, with accusations of witchcraft often made against women who were believed to have close connections with nature, herbal medicine, or midwifery. These women were seen as a threat to the established patriarchal order and were accused of using their powers to harm others.
You'll first encounter Nepheli Loux in Stormveil Castle, just before the battle with Godrick the Grafted. You can find her just before the Secluded Cell, in a room to the right as you make your way through the barricades and Warhawks, just before the Golden Sapling. Be extra sure that none of the footsoldiers in this area follow you into this room, as they may easily aggro or kill her in such a confined space.
The worldbuilding is logical, and while a lot of the information is provided in infodumps, for the most part the explanations are well-timed and not long enough to grow tedious. When you visit Seluvis in his tower, he will ask you to take a potion and give it to Nepheli Loux, which marks the beginning of the Seluvis Questline.
These women were seen as a threat to the established patriarchal order and were accused of using their powers to harm others. The onset of the witch trials can also be attributed to societal anxieties and fears. As Europe experienced social, political, and economic upheaval during this time, people searched for explanations for their misfortunes.
The onset of the witch loux
Saybil, a young man with no memory of his past, is the worst student at the Wenias magic school. If he fails, he’ll be expelled and his memories will be sealed away. Desperate to keep the memories he’s made at school, he joins a special class led by eccentric professor Loux Krystas, the Dawn Witch. His classmates include Hort, a gifted witch who signs up as a sort of graduate student, and Kudo, a sullen “Beastfallen” lizard-man. The motley group makes its way to a village where witches live openly and the students can be a part of an ongoing peace process between humans and witches
Tatsuwo’s art is excellent, though it leans heavily on moe fanservice and panty shots. This includes one of the more unpleasant tropes in manga: the magical character who looks like an underage girl, but it’s okay to see her panties all the time because she’s actually really old. That said, the art is beautifully detailed, with exquisite costume designs and unique characters. The inks, probably digital, have a smooth flow and softness.
The story is cleverly told through flashbacks, each one of which sheds light on a character’s history and develops their personality. The worldbuilding is logical, and while a lot of the information is provided in infodumps, for the most part the explanations are well-timed and not long enough to grow tedious. The first volume doesn’t lack for action, either. There’s a harrowing chase and rescue after Kudo is targeted by witch hunters. Even Loux is an entertaining character who speaks with a quirky formality and refreshing honesty.
The central mystery revolves around Saybil, his amnesia, and his seeming inability to do magic. He begins the book as a typical hapless average Joe, but it quickly becomes apparent he has a unique view of the world around him, as well as some strange afflictions, like a nearly paralyzed face which means he can barely emote. But that’s only the beginning of Saybil’s problems, and given the promising start to this adventure, he’s sure to grow into a character worth rooting for.
publisher: Kodansha Comics
story : Kakeru Kobashiri
art: Tatsuwo
character design: Takashi Iwasaki
rating: 13+
The idea of witches provided a convenient scapegoat, offering a way to rationalize these troubles and assign blame. Accusations of witchcraft often arose from personal grudges, jealousies, or communal tensions, and the hysteria surrounding witch-hunting created a climate of fear and suspicion. The witch trials were characterized by the use of cruel and inhumane methods to extract confessions and gather evidence. Suspects were subjected to torture, such as the strappado or water torture, until they confessed to practicing witchcraft. These confessions were often used as evidence in trials that were heavily biased against the accused, with little regard for due process or the presumption of innocence. The witch trials eventually waned towards the end of the 17th century, as skepticism towards witchcraft began to grow and Enlightenment ideals of reason and rationality gained prominence. Many intellectuals and legal experts began to question the legitimacy and fairness of witch trials, leading to a decline in the number of prosecutions. The witch hunts, however, had a lasting impact on society, leaving behind a legacy of fear, superstition, and the persecution of those who were different or non-conforming. In conclusion, the onset of the witch trials was a dark chapter in European history, marked by a widespread belief in witchcraft and the persecution of those accused of practicing it. The witch hunts were fueled by religious, societal, and cultural factors, as well as fears and anxieties of the time. Although the witch trials eventually faded away, the legacy of this period continues to resonate in society and serves as a reminder of the dangers of mass hysteria and the persecution of the innocent..
Reviews for "The Witch Loux: Tracing the Evolution of Her Powers from Onset to Mastery"
1. Emily - 2 stars - I really wanted to like "The Onset of the Witch Loux" because I'm a big fan of fantasy novels, but this book just didn't do it for me. The characters felt flat and one-dimensional, and I couldn't connect with them at all. The plot also dragged on and didn't have any real suspense or excitement. Overall, I found it disappointing and struggled to finish it.
2. Jason - 1 star - "The Onset of the Witch Loux" was a complete waste of my time. The writing style was confusing and hard to follow, making it difficult to understand what was happening. The story lacked direction and purpose, and the ending left me feeling unsatisfied. I was hoping for a thrilling fantasy read, but this book didn't deliver at all. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I picked up "The Onset of the Witch Loux" expecting a captivating and immersive fantasy world, but I was left sorely disappointed. The world-building was sparse, and I found it hard to visualize the environments and the magic system. The pacing was also slow, and I struggled to stay engaged with the story. It had potential, but it fell flat in execution. It's not a book I would ever revisit or recommend to others.
4. Michael - 3 stars - "The Onset of the Witch Loux" had an intriguing premise that drew me in, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. The story started off strong, but as it progressed, it became convoluted and confusing. The author introduced too many subplots and characters without fully developing them, leading to a lack of cohesion. While there were some interesting moments, overall, it felt disjointed and rushed. It wasn't a terrible read, but it definitely fell short of its potential.