Margaret Murray
Introduction
Margaret Alice Murray (1863–1963) was a trailblazing Anglo-Indian scholar whose work spanned Egyptology, archaeology, anthropology, history, and folklore. As the first woman to lecture in archaeology in the UK, she taught at University College London (UCL) from 1898 to 1935. While celebrated for her contributions to Egyptology, she also gained notoriety for her witch-cult hypothesis, a theory now debunked but influential in shaping modern Wicca and Neopaganism. Born in Calcutta, British India, Murray’s career spanned over seven decades, leaving a lasting impact on both academic and esoteric circles.
Area of Expertise
Murray’s scholarship extended beyond Egyptology to folklore, mythology, and anthropology. She proposed the witch-cult hypothesis, arguing that the European witch trials targeted adherents of an underground pre-Christian fertility religion. Outlined in The Witch-Cult in Western Europe (1921) and The God of the Witches (1933), her theory described a secret society worshipping a horned god. Though later dismissed due to methodological flaws, her ideas shaped modern Wicca and Neopagan traditions.
Her academic foundation was in Egyptology, studying under Sir Flinders Petrie at University College London (UCL) from 1894. She contributed to major excavations in Egypt and Palestine, focusing on funerary rites, religious symbolism, and the societal roles of women in ancient Egypt. Murray’s interdisciplinary approach, blending archaeology with folklore, reflected her broader fascination with cultural and religious history.
Books & Publications
Margaret Murray was a prolific writer whose work spanned Egyptology, folklore, and anthropology. She gained widespread attention for The Witch-Cult in Western Europe (1921), where she introduced her controversial theory that the witch trials were efforts to suppress a pre-Christian fertility cult. She expanded on this idea in The God of the Witches (1933), further exploring the concept of a Horned God as the central figure in the alleged underground religion. Though later discredited, these works left a lasting mark on modern Wicca and Neopaganism.
Her contributions to Egyptology were equally significant. In The Splendour That Was Egypt (1949), Murray provided an accessible yet detailed overview of ancient Egyptian civilization, covering its history, art, and religious beliefs. She also compiled Ancient Egyptian Legends (1920), a collection of myths and folktales designed for a wider audience. Additionally, her Elementary Egyptian Grammar (1905) served as an important educational resource for those studying the Egyptian language. Her scholarship in this field reflected her deep commitment to making Egyptology accessible to both academics and the general public.
Beyond her books, Murray was an influential contributor to encyclopedias and academic journals. From 1929 to 1969, she authored the Witchcraft entry for Encyclopædia Britannica, presenting her witch-cult hypothesis as historical fact, further cementing its influence. Her autobiography, My First Hundred Years (1963), offered personal insights into her pioneering career as a female archaeologist and scholar. Through her extensive writings, Murray’s impact extended far beyond academia, shaping popular interpretations of both ancient history and witchcraft.
Research & Contributions
Margaret Murray made significant contributions to both Egyptology and folklore, leaving a lasting impact on both fields. In Egyptology, she participated in major excavations at sites like Abydos and Saqqara, working closely with Flinders Petrie. Her research helped document ancient Egyptian religious practices, particularly funerary rites. In 1908, she led the public unwrapping of the mummy Khnum-nakht from the Tomb of Two Brothers, a landmark event that highlighted her expertise. She also conducted archaeological investigations in Malta and Minorca, expanding her influence beyond Egypt.
Her most controversial work centered on the witch-cult hypothesis, which argued that the witch trials of early modern Europe were not mere superstition but an attempt to eradicate a pre-Christian fertility religion. She proposed that accused witches were members of a structured, clandestine tradition centered around a horned god. Murray analyzed trial records as ethnographic data, interpreting confessions as remnants of genuine pagan practices. Despite being discredited for its selective use of evidence and speculative conclusions, her theory profoundly influenced the development of Wicca and other Neopagan movements.
Murray’s approach to historical research often blended scholarship with bold interpretation. Her willingness to challenge mainstream academic views made her both influential and controversial. Beyond her books and excavations, she contributed extensively to academic literature, including writing the Witchcraft entry for Encyclopædia Britannica for four decades. While modern scholars criticize her methods, her work continues to spark debate and inspire interest in both archaeology and the study of witchcraft.
Awards & Recognitions
Margaret Murray received several prestigious awards and honors throughout her career, acknowledging her groundbreaking work in archaeology and folklore. In 1927, she was awarded an honorary doctorate by University College London (UCL) in recognition of her significant contributions to Egyptology. Her academic achievements were further acknowledged when she became an assistant professor at UCL in 1928, one of the first women to hold such a position in the field of archaeology. Additionally, in 1931, Murray was made an honorary fellow of UCL for her exceptional contributions to the study of Egyptology.
Murray’s leadership in the folklore community was also widely recognized. From 1953 to 1955, she served as president of the Folklore Society, solidifying her role as a prominent figure in the study of folklore and mythology. Her expertise and influence in the field were pivotal in shaping modern perspectives on witchcraft and ancient religious practices. These accomplishments earned her a reputation as a leading authority on both Egyptian history and European folklore.
Posthumously, Margaret Murray’s legacy continued to be celebrated. A Margaret Murray Award was established to honor individuals who demonstrate determination and hard work, and in 2014, a different Margaret Murray was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her contributions to music. Additionally, Margaret “Mickey” Kelly Murray, a graduate of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, received the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2019. These recognitions reflect the lasting impact of Murray’s work across various fields.
Social Media Profiles
As Margaret Murray lived in an era before the advent of social media, she did not have any social media profiles. However, her legacy continues to be celebrated and discussed in various online platforms and academic forums. Modern scholars, historians, and enthusiasts of Egyptology and folklore often reference her work and contributions in their discussions and publications.
Bibliographic Sources
Margaret Murray – Wikipedia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret_Murray
Margaret Murray — Magickal Women Conference – https://www.magickalwomenconference.com/margaret-murray
Margaret Murray: Shaping Modern Paganism & Witchcraft – https://www.paganclub.com/margaret-murray-witchcraft/
Whitehouse | Margaret Murray (1863–1963): Pioneer Egyptologist – https://journals.uclpress.co.uk/ai/article/id/2074/
