Magic in Anglo Saxon England

Magic in Anglo-Saxon England: galdorcræft) refers to the belief and practice of Magic by the anglo Saxons between the fifth and eleventh centuries AD in Early Medieval England. In this period, magical practices were used for a variety of reasons, but from the available evidence, it appears that they were predominantly used for healing ailments and creating amulets, although it is apparent that at times they were also used to curse. The Anglo-Saxon period was dominated by two separate religious traditions, the polytheistic Anglo Saxon Heathenism and then the monotheistic Anglo Saxon christianity both of which left their influences on the magical practices of the time. What we know of Anglo-Saxon magic comes primarily from the surviving manuscripts all of which date from the Christian era. Written evidence shows that magical practices were performed by those involved in the medical profession. From burial evidence, various archaeologists have also argued for the existence of professional female magical practitioners.