Film Science Questions for: Sorcerers & Wizards

1. Wizards were thought to have the power to transform themselves into what?

2. Evidence suggests wizards first occurred in the history of what area of the world?

3. What was the original purpose of magic?

4. To early Europeans, what was the relationship between themselves and the forest's animals?

5. Why might one want to "transform" oneself into an animal?

6. To the Innuits of Siberia, what was the status of human - animal connections?

7. A successful hunt requires that the hunter understand what about the prey?

8. What is the archaeological evidence Siberian shamans were revered by their society?

9. The wand, a potent and favorite tool of wizards, was though to do what for them?

10. The historical Merlin was thought to have lived in what country?

11. Why are Druids described as "natural scientists?"

12. Why were the divination rods belonging to the Druid "doctor" buried with him?

13. a) The Gundestrup Cauldron is decorated with fantastic images that might represent what?

b) It depicts what sorts of things? Look at: www.scholiast.org/history/denmark/danhist1.html

c) Liquid bubbling in the cauldron might have sounded like what to the wizard and observers?

14. a) Bogs and marshes were thought to be what?

b) How did the "otherworld" resemble ours?

15. a) Why was Tollund Man so well preserved? Look at: www.silkeborgmuseum.dk/english/index.html

b) What might be the origin of the cape and pointed hat often seen in depictions of wizards?

16. What is a herbalist?

17. What may be some medicinal benefits of mandrake root?

18. What may have been the purpose of a wizard's chant during the preparation of some secret chemical?

19. In Medieval times, why might spells and curses have been so feared?

20. Is the narrator objective or biased in his references to Christianity?

21. Do you agree with the film's description of modern "wizards?"

22. Opinion + reasoning: The natural world is governed by laws knowable through science. Does this film seek to

confuse myth and speculation with fact? Is it about science or silliness? Is it a "balanced" presentation?