Maelifica Compendium
So in the Bandai releases of the Witch Hunter Robin dvds, there's a section in the Extras called the Maelifica Compendium. They're basically little wikipedia-like entries on the symbols, terms, and references used during the course of the series. A good deal of it is informative and helps understand what happens in the show, and some of it's just random trivia. I've copied the more interesting entries here.
Note: Some of these will contain spoilers.
Notes from Disc 1:
Witch - In Witch Hunter Robin, the term "witch" is applied to a human of either gender who has paranormal powers. It does not specifically relate to the use of magic. (note: This doesn't exactly make sense because the definition of magic differs in many cultures and has been redefined for several thousand years, but that is another argument entirely; I think paranormal powers and magic can be applied in the same sense) The difference between a "witch" and a "Hunter" seems to be based on which side one is on, as Robin and Karasuma both have special abilities.
Ogam - Ogam is the written language of the Ancient Celts; it was used for a variety of reasons, including spell casting. Ogam is usually written in straight lines, either vertical or horizontal. The circle on the floor in episode 1 is actually a "Fionn's Wheel," in which all 25 Ogam symbols are arranged around a series of concentric circles. This was used in "Pathworking," a powerful magical technique.
Hagal's Eight - Hagal's Eight (or the Eight Letters of Hagal) are runic symbols. While the Ogam writing system was developed by the Celts, the runes are derives from Norse languages. Believed to be a gift from Odin himself, runes were believed to be powerful magical symbols. The Runes are divided into three groupings of eight: Freya's Eight, Hagal's Eight, and Tyr's Eight. Hagal's Eight deal with the forces of nature; the first four runes (the left grouping) deal with the disruptive natural forces and the last four runes (the right grouping) represent protective spiritual forces.
Scarab - The scarab was a sacred symbol to the ancient Egyptians. It was associated with Khepri, the creator god, and also with the sun god Ra. The image of the scarab was used as an official seal of the Pharaohs, and also as a symbol for luck. Because of its association with the sun god Ra, it came to symbolize resurrection, reincarnation, rebirth, healing, and new beginnings. Thus, it is an appropriate tattoo for the character of Kurata, since he could control insects and used them to drain the life from other Witches and extend his own lifespan.
Crows - Throughout history, ravens and crows have been linked to deities, supernatural forces, and the occult. They have been the messengers and eyes of Odin, ruler of the Norse Gods. They have also been associated with Celtic goddesses of war and death. They have been associated with witches since the Middle Ages, and were reputed to be one of their more common familiars (along with the black cat, toad, and owl).
Notes from Disc 2:
Multiple Personality Disorder - While searching her records, it was revealed that Chie (episode 6) had a head injury that should have resulted in MPD, but it never manifested. (Or so they thought) Researchers now believe that many people suffering from various forms of illness, including multiple personality disorder and schizophrenia, were mistakenly believed to be witches during the Middle Ages.
Telekinesis - The Witch in episode 7 exhibits the power of telekinesis, that is, to move or otherwise affect objects with only his mind, and it proves to be a very devastating power. When Robin and Dojima talk to a neighboring old woman, she comments on how Mamoru was always "bending spoons" and doing other strange things. This is a reference to one of the demonstrations made popular by psychic Uri Gellar in the late 1960s and 1970s.
Life Force Transfer - Dr. Kurosawa's ability in episode 8 to transfer the life force from one person into another is one of the more unusual powers seen so far. The idea of life force transfer from one person to another has existed in many religions and mythologies dating back to mankind's earliest records. Shamans, village priests, and other spiritualists and healers were said to have this ability. However, the application here is much more modern.
Astral Projection - In astral projection, the soul of the body (or "astral form") is said to leave the body and travel through various planes of existence, which are not limited to the physical and mortal plane on which we spend our lives. In episode 9, Saki used this procedure to communicate with her deceased sister. Most current practices of astral projection and other out-of-body experiences focus on meditation and relaxation, rather than the use of witchcraft.
Notes from Disc 3:
Confraria - A group of citizens who were in special service to the church. Throughout history, there have been many different Confraria. Some have helped hide those who were being oppressed by religious orders. Others were in fact in league with the church and doing the oppressing. The idea of the Confraria, as Methuselah uses it, most likely harkens back to the days of the Spanish Inquisition, which she, as an immortal Witch, witnessed firsthand.
Witch's Mark
- This is the symbol that is transmitted to the STNJ computers via Robin's terminal; it is also the mark the Methuselah has on her arm. In the show they say that it is a mark that was put on all Salem Witches, but there is no evidence of this. In fact, this is the rune "Aesc" or "Ansuz", which has the meaning of "god". A "Witch's Mark" was in actuality any sort of skin blemish (mole, birthmark, etc.) which was supposed to "prove" that the person was a witch. Since this mark could be nearly any sort of skin abnormality, this made it easy to ascertain that the accused was a witch.
Salem Witch Trials - The Witch Methuselah claimed to be alive during the time of the Salem Witch Trials, a period of great hysteria in the colony of Massachusetts. Here is the abbreviated history of these events:
The Salem Witch Trials took place in 1692, in a village just outside Salem, Massachusetts. In January, two girls, Betty Parris and Abigail Williams, started behaving very strangely. When doctors were unable to explain this behavior, the conclusion was that it must be witchcraft. The girls accused three women, who were interrogated. However, during the course of these events, other townspeople were accused, and soon there were over 20 accused witches awaiting trial. A growing hysteria had swept the town. During the course of these trials, no hard evidence was offered, but rational thinking was overshadowed by the hysteria that tripped the region. By the end of the Salem Witch Trials, twenty-four people had died. A few died in prison; nineteen were hanged as witches; one person was pressed to death (crushed with stones) for refusing to stand trial. It is interesting to note that in October, in response to a letter he received, the Governor disallowed the use of intangible evidence in trials. Shortly afterwards, he dissolved the special court assembled to try the witchcraft cases. When the Superior Court tried the remaining cases in May 1693, no one was convicted.
Methuselah - The oldest man who was mentioned in The Bible. "The entire lifetime of Methuselah was nine hundred and sixty-nine years, and then he died." (Genesis, 5:27) It is a suitable name for an Immortal Witch.
European Witch Trials - This is far too broad a topic to detail here. (note: No kidding.) However, documents regarding Witch Trials in Europe date well up to the late 18th century. During this time, throughout much of Europe, people were accused of being witches, convicted, and executed. Once a person was accused, they were almost certainly doomed, for to remain silent was to imply agreement with the charges, and to argue against them was a sign of guilt as well. Some estimates of the number of people who died in the witch trials go as high as nine million people.
The Malleus Maleficarum - It is nearly impossible to discuss the witch trials without mentioning the book that had the greatest influence over them. Published in 1486, the Malleus Maleficarum (The Witch's Hammer) was written by two Dominican friars, Jakob Sprenger and Heinrich Kramer. It outlined the appearance of witches and witchcraft, and how to capture, try, and execute witches. It became the basis for all later writings on witchcraft and it was considered the most authoritative text available on the subject at the time. Since modern science was in its infancy at this time, the contents of the book were believed to be fact, and this was underscored when it was sanctioned by the Vatican. For those who doubt the power of this book, it should be noted that during the height of its popularity (or perhaps "notoriety" is a better word), it was the second-most recognized book in Europe. The first was the The Bible.
Saturn - Originally a Roman god of agriculture, who was the father of many Roman gods, including Jupiter, Juno, and others. His identity merged with the Greek Cronus, the father of Zeus and other Olympians. Just as he had slain his father and come to power, he was destined to be slain by one of his own offspring. To prevent this, each time his wife bore a child, he ate it, thus nullifying the prophecy. However, his wife managed to hide one child, who would grow up to overthrow his father. That child was Jupiter (Zeus).
Inquisition - In episode 13, the Inquisitor comes to determine if a prospective candidate is worthy of becoming a Hunter. Armed with some antiquated equipment and Orbo, he proceeds to test his subject. Historically, the Inquisition was a permanent part of the Catholic Church; its role was to eradicate heresy. (This of course would include practicing witchcraft.) By doing this, it helped to unite the Church under a central authority. Any practices that differed from the norm were considered heretical in nature, and thus, were to be expunged. An official institution was established in the 12th century, and by the end of the 13th century, it was flourishing. The Inquisitor could, at his sole discretion and on his own authority, accuse anyone. Penalties for heresy ranged from pilgrimages to imprisonment if the accused confessed. If they did not, the penalty was to be burned at the stake.
Of course, the most well-known of Inquisitions was the Spanish Inquisition. The Inquisitors, under the guide of the rulers of Spain, declared their independence from the Church's supervision. Thus began a dark period of history. It is worth noting, however, that in Northern Europe the Inquistion was much more mundane. The Inquisitor, when interrogating the candidate and accusing him of using his powers to harm others, mentions the following terms.
The Stone Axe Rune - The inquisitor is referring to Nyd, one of the runes of Hagal's Eight. It is a rune that denotes misery and suffering. (
)
Gematria - Hebrew Numerology. It was believed that each letter had a numerical value, and each word thus had a numerical value; these numbers could determine a word's power. There were multiple ways to perform these numerological readings. One reading, known as the "reduced value" reading, is equated to Yetzirah, the spirit world.
Sepher Yetzirah - The oldest book of Kabbalah occult wisdom, often translated as "The Book of Creation," but it is not a substitute for the Book of Genesis. Instead, it is more a philosophical treatise. In this text is the idea that numbers and letters are bound together and have power. "The twenty-two sounds and letters are the foundation of all things." (Chapter II, Section 1) Several chapters deal with specific letters, their origins, and their links to human abilities (speech, etc.), signs of the zodiac, times of the year, and parts of the body.
Andred - Also known as Andraste, Andred was the Celtic Goddess of War. She is also known as the Goddess of Witchcraft of Weald Forest in England.
Lagu - The rune "Lagu" is the rune for water. A water-based rune could logically provide protection against Robin's power of fire. (
)
Notes from Disc 4:
Seed - A "Seed" is someone who is said to have the genes of Witches but has not exhibited any supernatural powers themselves. The STNJ has a database of all known Witches and their relatives. Those who are related to Witches but don't exhibit any power are Seeds. When they begin to manifest their powers, they are reclassified as Witches.
Ingwaz - In the Elder Futhark, this rune is named after Ing, the god who is consort of Mother Earth (Nerthus) in Norse mythology. This rune appears in episode 17 when the little girl Minori is making her "mud dumpling" and Robin realizes that the girl is going to become a Witch. (
)
Karmic Bonds - In episode 17, Robin asks Nagira why he's helping Amon if their ideologies are so different. Nagira uses the word "Kusare'en" to describe their relationship. Literally, it's an "undesirable yet unseverable relationship or karmic bond." There is no similar term in English, but he's basically saying that he has no other choice.
Notes from Disc 5:
"Element of Air" - Many of the Witches in Witch Hunter Robin seem to have elemental-based powers. Robin's power is, of course, based on fire. Sastre's power in episode 20 is based on the very air around him, making him a formidable opponent, because his attacks are powerful and invisible. Other witch powers that we've seen are more psychic in nature (like Karasuma's scrying), but conceivably, there could be other Witches with elemental abilities.
Ogam Writing - Ogam runes return in episode 21, and are used by the Witch as magical wards. Once Robin physically touches one of them, she falls prey to the spell.
Haglaz - This rune has a wide variety of meanings, most of them relating to conflict and struggle: nature's wrath (especially weather, since the original meaning was "hail"), uncontrolled forces from the outside world or from within oneself. It seems to foreshadow more difficulties for Robin. (
)
Pi Genome - The geneticist Todou discovers what he calls the "Pi Genome," which is what makes Witches Witches and not ordinary humans. This makes their abilities an evolutionary, genetic issue instead of a mystical, supernatural one. It leads to the conclusion that Witches are not unnatural, which is in direct confrontation with Solomon's agenda.
There's no Compendium for Disc 6, which is kind of a shame because the episodes on Disc 6 could probably have used it. >_>
Note: Some of these will contain spoilers.
Notes from Disc 1:
Witch - In Witch Hunter Robin, the term "witch" is applied to a human of either gender who has paranormal powers. It does not specifically relate to the use of magic. (note: This doesn't exactly make sense because the definition of magic differs in many cultures and has been redefined for several thousand years, but that is another argument entirely; I think paranormal powers and magic can be applied in the same sense) The difference between a "witch" and a "Hunter" seems to be based on which side one is on, as Robin and Karasuma both have special abilities.
Ogam - Ogam is the written language of the Ancient Celts; it was used for a variety of reasons, including spell casting. Ogam is usually written in straight lines, either vertical or horizontal. The circle on the floor in episode 1 is actually a "Fionn's Wheel," in which all 25 Ogam symbols are arranged around a series of concentric circles. This was used in "Pathworking," a powerful magical technique.
Hagal's Eight - Hagal's Eight (or the Eight Letters of Hagal) are runic symbols. While the Ogam writing system was developed by the Celts, the runes are derives from Norse languages. Believed to be a gift from Odin himself, runes were believed to be powerful magical symbols. The Runes are divided into three groupings of eight: Freya's Eight, Hagal's Eight, and Tyr's Eight. Hagal's Eight deal with the forces of nature; the first four runes (the left grouping) deal with the disruptive natural forces and the last four runes (the right grouping) represent protective spiritual forces.
Scarab - The scarab was a sacred symbol to the ancient Egyptians. It was associated with Khepri, the creator god, and also with the sun god Ra. The image of the scarab was used as an official seal of the Pharaohs, and also as a symbol for luck. Because of its association with the sun god Ra, it came to symbolize resurrection, reincarnation, rebirth, healing, and new beginnings. Thus, it is an appropriate tattoo for the character of Kurata, since he could control insects and used them to drain the life from other Witches and extend his own lifespan.
Crows - Throughout history, ravens and crows have been linked to deities, supernatural forces, and the occult. They have been the messengers and eyes of Odin, ruler of the Norse Gods. They have also been associated with Celtic goddesses of war and death. They have been associated with witches since the Middle Ages, and were reputed to be one of their more common familiars (along with the black cat, toad, and owl).
Notes from Disc 2:
Multiple Personality Disorder - While searching her records, it was revealed that Chie (episode 6) had a head injury that should have resulted in MPD, but it never manifested. (Or so they thought) Researchers now believe that many people suffering from various forms of illness, including multiple personality disorder and schizophrenia, were mistakenly believed to be witches during the Middle Ages.
Telekinesis - The Witch in episode 7 exhibits the power of telekinesis, that is, to move or otherwise affect objects with only his mind, and it proves to be a very devastating power. When Robin and Dojima talk to a neighboring old woman, she comments on how Mamoru was always "bending spoons" and doing other strange things. This is a reference to one of the demonstrations made popular by psychic Uri Gellar in the late 1960s and 1970s.
Life Force Transfer - Dr. Kurosawa's ability in episode 8 to transfer the life force from one person into another is one of the more unusual powers seen so far. The idea of life force transfer from one person to another has existed in many religions and mythologies dating back to mankind's earliest records. Shamans, village priests, and other spiritualists and healers were said to have this ability. However, the application here is much more modern.
Astral Projection - In astral projection, the soul of the body (or "astral form") is said to leave the body and travel through various planes of existence, which are not limited to the physical and mortal plane on which we spend our lives. In episode 9, Saki used this procedure to communicate with her deceased sister. Most current practices of astral projection and other out-of-body experiences focus on meditation and relaxation, rather than the use of witchcraft.
Notes from Disc 3:
Confraria - A group of citizens who were in special service to the church. Throughout history, there have been many different Confraria. Some have helped hide those who were being oppressed by religious orders. Others were in fact in league with the church and doing the oppressing. The idea of the Confraria, as Methuselah uses it, most likely harkens back to the days of the Spanish Inquisition, which she, as an immortal Witch, witnessed firsthand.
Witch's Mark
- This is the symbol that is transmitted to the STNJ computers via Robin's terminal; it is also the mark the Methuselah has on her arm. In the show they say that it is a mark that was put on all Salem Witches, but there is no evidence of this. In fact, this is the rune "Aesc" or "Ansuz", which has the meaning of "god". A "Witch's Mark" was in actuality any sort of skin blemish (mole, birthmark, etc.) which was supposed to "prove" that the person was a witch. Since this mark could be nearly any sort of skin abnormality, this made it easy to ascertain that the accused was a witch.
Salem Witch Trials - The Witch Methuselah claimed to be alive during the time of the Salem Witch Trials, a period of great hysteria in the colony of Massachusetts. Here is the abbreviated history of these events:
The Salem Witch Trials took place in 1692, in a village just outside Salem, Massachusetts. In January, two girls, Betty Parris and Abigail Williams, started behaving very strangely. When doctors were unable to explain this behavior, the conclusion was that it must be witchcraft. The girls accused three women, who were interrogated. However, during the course of these events, other townspeople were accused, and soon there were over 20 accused witches awaiting trial. A growing hysteria had swept the town. During the course of these trials, no hard evidence was offered, but rational thinking was overshadowed by the hysteria that tripped the region. By the end of the Salem Witch Trials, twenty-four people had died. A few died in prison; nineteen were hanged as witches; one person was pressed to death (crushed with stones) for refusing to stand trial. It is interesting to note that in October, in response to a letter he received, the Governor disallowed the use of intangible evidence in trials. Shortly afterwards, he dissolved the special court assembled to try the witchcraft cases. When the Superior Court tried the remaining cases in May 1693, no one was convicted.
Methuselah - The oldest man who was mentioned in The Bible. "The entire lifetime of Methuselah was nine hundred and sixty-nine years, and then he died." (Genesis, 5:27) It is a suitable name for an Immortal Witch.
European Witch Trials - This is far too broad a topic to detail here. (note: No kidding.) However, documents regarding Witch Trials in Europe date well up to the late 18th century. During this time, throughout much of Europe, people were accused of being witches, convicted, and executed. Once a person was accused, they were almost certainly doomed, for to remain silent was to imply agreement with the charges, and to argue against them was a sign of guilt as well. Some estimates of the number of people who died in the witch trials go as high as nine million people.
The Malleus Maleficarum - It is nearly impossible to discuss the witch trials without mentioning the book that had the greatest influence over them. Published in 1486, the Malleus Maleficarum (The Witch's Hammer) was written by two Dominican friars, Jakob Sprenger and Heinrich Kramer. It outlined the appearance of witches and witchcraft, and how to capture, try, and execute witches. It became the basis for all later writings on witchcraft and it was considered the most authoritative text available on the subject at the time. Since modern science was in its infancy at this time, the contents of the book were believed to be fact, and this was underscored when it was sanctioned by the Vatican. For those who doubt the power of this book, it should be noted that during the height of its popularity (or perhaps "notoriety" is a better word), it was the second-most recognized book in Europe. The first was the The Bible.
Saturn - Originally a Roman god of agriculture, who was the father of many Roman gods, including Jupiter, Juno, and others. His identity merged with the Greek Cronus, the father of Zeus and other Olympians. Just as he had slain his father and come to power, he was destined to be slain by one of his own offspring. To prevent this, each time his wife bore a child, he ate it, thus nullifying the prophecy. However, his wife managed to hide one child, who would grow up to overthrow his father. That child was Jupiter (Zeus).
Inquisition - In episode 13, the Inquisitor comes to determine if a prospective candidate is worthy of becoming a Hunter. Armed with some antiquated equipment and Orbo, he proceeds to test his subject. Historically, the Inquisition was a permanent part of the Catholic Church; its role was to eradicate heresy. (This of course would include practicing witchcraft.) By doing this, it helped to unite the Church under a central authority. Any practices that differed from the norm were considered heretical in nature, and thus, were to be expunged. An official institution was established in the 12th century, and by the end of the 13th century, it was flourishing. The Inquisitor could, at his sole discretion and on his own authority, accuse anyone. Penalties for heresy ranged from pilgrimages to imprisonment if the accused confessed. If they did not, the penalty was to be burned at the stake.
Of course, the most well-known of Inquisitions was the Spanish Inquisition. The Inquisitors, under the guide of the rulers of Spain, declared their independence from the Church's supervision. Thus began a dark period of history. It is worth noting, however, that in Northern Europe the Inquistion was much more mundane. The Inquisitor, when interrogating the candidate and accusing him of using his powers to harm others, mentions the following terms.
The Stone Axe Rune - The inquisitor is referring to Nyd, one of the runes of Hagal's Eight. It is a rune that denotes misery and suffering. (
)
Gematria - Hebrew Numerology. It was believed that each letter had a numerical value, and each word thus had a numerical value; these numbers could determine a word's power. There were multiple ways to perform these numerological readings. One reading, known as the "reduced value" reading, is equated to Yetzirah, the spirit world.
Sepher Yetzirah - The oldest book of Kabbalah occult wisdom, often translated as "The Book of Creation," but it is not a substitute for the Book of Genesis. Instead, it is more a philosophical treatise. In this text is the idea that numbers and letters are bound together and have power. "The twenty-two sounds and letters are the foundation of all things." (Chapter II, Section 1) Several chapters deal with specific letters, their origins, and their links to human abilities (speech, etc.), signs of the zodiac, times of the year, and parts of the body.
Andred - Also known as Andraste, Andred was the Celtic Goddess of War. She is also known as the Goddess of Witchcraft of Weald Forest in England.
Lagu - The rune "Lagu" is the rune for water. A water-based rune could logically provide protection against Robin's power of fire. (
)
Notes from Disc 4:
Seed - A "Seed" is someone who is said to have the genes of Witches but has not exhibited any supernatural powers themselves. The STNJ has a database of all known Witches and their relatives. Those who are related to Witches but don't exhibit any power are Seeds. When they begin to manifest their powers, they are reclassified as Witches.
Ingwaz - In the Elder Futhark, this rune is named after Ing, the god who is consort of Mother Earth (Nerthus) in Norse mythology. This rune appears in episode 17 when the little girl Minori is making her "mud dumpling" and Robin realizes that the girl is going to become a Witch. (
)
Karmic Bonds - In episode 17, Robin asks Nagira why he's helping Amon if their ideologies are so different. Nagira uses the word "Kusare'en" to describe their relationship. Literally, it's an "undesirable yet unseverable relationship or karmic bond." There is no similar term in English, but he's basically saying that he has no other choice.
Notes from Disc 5:
"Element of Air" - Many of the Witches in Witch Hunter Robin seem to have elemental-based powers. Robin's power is, of course, based on fire. Sastre's power in episode 20 is based on the very air around him, making him a formidable opponent, because his attacks are powerful and invisible. Other witch powers that we've seen are more psychic in nature (like Karasuma's scrying), but conceivably, there could be other Witches with elemental abilities.
Ogam Writing - Ogam runes return in episode 21, and are used by the Witch as magical wards. Once Robin physically touches one of them, she falls prey to the spell.
Haglaz - This rune has a wide variety of meanings, most of them relating to conflict and struggle: nature's wrath (especially weather, since the original meaning was "hail"), uncontrolled forces from the outside world or from within oneself. It seems to foreshadow more difficulties for Robin. (
)
Pi Genome - The geneticist Todou discovers what he calls the "Pi Genome," which is what makes Witches Witches and not ordinary humans. This makes their abilities an evolutionary, genetic issue instead of a mystical, supernatural one. It leads to the conclusion that Witches are not unnatural, which is in direct confrontation with Solomon's agenda.
There's no Compendium for Disc 6, which is kind of a shame because the episodes on Disc 6 could probably have used it. >_>