Hey everyone!
I wanted to talk about something that's been on my mind lately—the term "Warlock" and why it shouldn't just be seen as "Oathbreaker." Let me share my thoughts with you!
So, first off, the word "Warlock" has some pretty cool origins. In Old Norse, it comes from "varð-lokkur," which means "caller of spirits." Isn't that neat? It gives off this mystical vibe, like someone who can connect with the spirit world. Then, in Old English, it's linked to "woerloga," which translates to "oathbreaker" or "deceiver." But here's the thing—this doesn't tell the whole story. In Modern Scottish Gaelic, "Warlock" simply means a male witch. So, it's not all about breaking oaths or being deceitful.
Now, diving into history, male witches, or Cunning Folk, were once really respected in rural areas. They were like the go-to people for healing and advice. But things took a turn during the witch hunts. These Cunning Folk became targets because of their connection to witchcraft. Interestingly, many of them were able to hide in plain sight by posing as respected church figures. The church, however, painted them in a negative light, making them seem like they were up to no good.
The term "oathbreaker" is often misunderstood. It wasn't just about breaking promises or being dishonest. It specifically referred to priests who were secretly practicing as Cunning Folk. This shows how intertwined religion and witchcraft were back then, even if it wasn't openly acknowledged.
I personally love the term "Warlock." It feels strong and rich with history. It's a shame it's often reduced to just "oathbreaker." There's so much more to it, like the connection to spirit work and the respect these individuals once had.
So, let's give "Warlock" the appreciation it deserves! It's a term with a deep past and a lot of meaning. What do you all think about it? I'd love to hear your thoughts!
