The Modern Mephistopheles

Magic, the Devil, and of course our Lord Jesus were big some 400 years ago. The woods were believed to be full of spirits, many of them evil; the churches were packed with the faithful; and the Devil was perceived to be everywhere, busy trying to lure the good into sin and damnation. Christ and his angels were our sole protectors against Satan and his infernal kingdom.

The Devil did not play fair, needless to say. He did not always appear with horns and fire-spitting breath, but transformed hims...