Der Alptraum in seiner Beziehung zu gewissen Formen des mittelalterlichen Aberglaubens Schriften zur angewandten Seelenkunde. Vierzehntes Heft

by Ernest Jones

"Der Alptraum in seiner Beziehung zu gewissen Formen des mittelalterlichen Aberglaubens" by Prof. Dr. Ernest Jones is a scholarly publication written in the early 20th century. This work explores the psychological impacts of nightmares on human belief, particularly in relation to superstitions prevalent in the medieval period. It delves into the connections between experiences of nightmares and various cultural beliefs, such as the existence of evil spirits and perceptions surrounding death and the afterlife. The opening of the text introduces the subject matter by outlining how the phenomenon of nightmares has significantly influenced the formation of certain erroneous beliefs, which flourished particularly between the 15th and 18th centuries. The author emphasizes the psychological aspects of these beliefs, suggesting that they stem from intense emotional experiences rather than historical or material explanations. Specifically, the text discusses how night terrors induce vivid feelings of fear and helplessness, contributing to superstitions regarding evil spirits and other supernatural phenomena that emerged during the Middle Ages, setting the stage for a deeper psychodynamic exploration throughout the rest of the work.