Who was the real prototype of Dr. Faust, and why in the XVI century believed that he sold his soul to the devil

The story of the alchemist and the scientist who sold his soul to the devil is known all over the world. Despite the obviously mystical motives, Dr. Faust has a real prototype, who lived in the XVI century. It is not known whether he has a relationship with otherworldly forces, but the glory of the warlock and necromancer he received during his lifetime. In fact, at the time of writing the famous tragedy of Goethe, this character was already popular throughout Europe.

The life of the real doctor Faust is described in many literary works, it was the basis for folk legends, so it is very difficult to distinguish from these materials a rational grain today. Continue reading →