engleski

Werewolves, Witches, Demons. The Concept of Otherness in Ethno-Confessional Determination

Beliefs in supernatural beings such as werewolves, vampires, fairies, witches etc. have always been connected with human need to explain and to arrange his society. Hence throughout the history forming of such beliefs had a social function of organizing the relationship among members as well as to determine "us" from "them". Today in the Dalmatian hinterland we have groups and individuals still telling vivid stories, and some even believe in supernatural beings. Those stories and beliefs help people in many aspects of social and spiritual life. One of those aspects is that supernatural beings have the purpose of indirect determination of the relationship toward other ethno-confessional groups. By attaching negative characteristics of supernatural beings to the Others or by comparing the members of other groups with particular supernatural beings, the differences between groups are emphasized and at the same time, by presenting the Others in the negative lights, an attempt is made to create a positive image about oneself.

supernatural beings; ethno-confessional determination; otherness; Dalmatian hinterland; present

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