La invención del Enemigo (Las figuras diabólicas en el Valle del Ebro, del siglo IV al XVII)

Abstract

This paper tells the history of the Devil from the beginning of Christianity to the 17^th century, using documents linked to a restricted region in the north of Spain. The purpose is to recognize concrete figures of the Devil in a certain space and time instead of enforcing previous conceptions about him. Far from being a stable figure, adapted from pre-christian or classical lore, the Devil evolues in this long-time range. He goes from a intruder spirit, through semi-animal qualities, to a higher or/and subtler form as King of a realm of his own, or as soul disturber. The Devil, thoroughly popularized, is the majar core in the making and diffusion of the Catholic pantheon personages such as the Saints, and the Holy Virgin. He seizes for a time the real center of Christian effective theology. The Devil appears also as the creator of soul interior experience in Christian culture.