A different chronological focus
The University of Trieste description expressly focuses on the seventeenth century and on healing and counter-witchcraft in their social setting. This shifts attention away from a single story of eventual identification with witches.
Where the interpretation differs
According to Ereticopedia’s summary, Nardon disputes the idea that the public and self-understood identity of the Benandanti necessarily underwent a general reversal. Later sources still depict beneficial healers. He questions the breadth of the shamanic parallel as well.
The useful result
The question is not who wins a simplified debate. It is which collection of records supports each interpretation, and whether the two authors followed the same period, functions and assumptions. Readers should consult the university-hosted volume directly.
Source and revision record
- Franco Nardon (ed.), Benandanti e inquisitori nel Friuli del Seicento (1999)University repository · University of Trieste volume focused on seventeenth-century healing and counter-witchcraft.
- Santarelli and Weber, Benandanti, EreticopediaScholarly reference · Survey of agrarian, funerary and therapeutic strands, with discussion of scholarly disagreement.