Exam 2 Flashcards
(44 cards)
What kind of material was typically used for curse tablets?
Lead
What is the name of the spell book found in the sands of Egypt?
Papyri Graecae Magicae ( PGM)
What are some features typical of curse tablets (i.e. what might be mentioned?
-placed in a hidden area
-placed with material that is connected to the victim
- Identifying the victim by their mothers name
- calling upon the name of gods
- invocation of uncommon gods and other beings
Matronym
A name derived from ones mother
Katadein
“to bind” (Greek verb)
Katadesmos
binding spell, curse (Greek)
Katagraphein
“to write down, register, enroll” (Greek word)
Defigere
to bind down/fix down (Latin)
Defixio
a binding/fixing down (Latin)
What are the major types of formulas used on curse tablets?
-Direct binding formula
-prayer
- wish formulas
- Simila Simiibus
-Agenistic contents
In what contexts were curses most commonly used?
Agonistic: commercial curses, judicial curses, athletic games/public competitions, and amatory (love charms)
How did the Greeks envision Eros (i.e., as what kind of force?)
” Love is a disease sent by the gods (Eros God)
o No such thing of consent
o No such thing about orientation
o Curse someone to fall in love
Agoge
A spell that is a leading, driving, or dragging force
Iunx
A bird that is associated with sexuality and has a spell to go with it
Drawing Down The Moon
a magic incantation that is used by Thessalian girls/witches
- drawn down for the purpose of erotic attraction magic
What is the difference between Eros spells and Phillia spells
Eros- uncontrollable passion, sex, violent
Philia- Affection, gentle
What are the issues of gender surrounding types of love spells
-Eros spells are done my Males
- Philia spells are done by Females
- Liberated females ( widows,prostitutes) use Eros while Subservient males ( have no balls) use Philia
What are the major methods of gaining healing or protection in the ancient world?
-Prayers
-Sacrifice
-Incubation
- plants and herbs
- amulets
What materials might an amulet be made from?
- Use some sort of organic material or simple substance
o Gold or silver slips (lamellae)
o Leaves
o A ring
o Gemstones
What are the major types of formulas used on amulets?
- The “flee!” formula
“Flee, headache; a lion flees beneath a rock, wolves flee, horses flee on uncloven hoof, and speed beneath blows of my perfect charm.” - The “historiola” (“mini-story”)
“For a migraine headache.” Artemis can tell Antaura what to do. Remind the god of past. - Simple prayer formula
“O Lord archangels, gods, and divine characters drive away…..” - The “turn aside” formula
“Turn aside the inflicting ophthalmia and do not allow any more attacks…”
What is divination, and how does it get its name?
An attempt to answer a question or find out about the future via supernatural means
-Latin divinare ‘to be inspired by a god, to foresee’ (connected to divinus ‘divine’, deus ‘god’)
What are the major types of divination discussed in class?
- Asking a god via prayer or by visiting his or her shrine (although the term “divination” is often reserved for what are deemed to be more “magical” practices)
- Cleromancy: Getting answers or telling the future by casting lots or using some other item such as coins or cards. Urm and Thlum.
- Augury: getting answers by observing omens
“ The flight patterns of birds
“ The entrails or liver of a sacrificed animal (the specialty of ancient Roman haruspices)
“ Thunder or lighting
“ Eclipses - Dreams: A common way to receive messages from supernatural forces
“ Dream spells
What is Nekuia in Odyssey ( 144)
ghosts are scary unhumanistic creatures that have to feed on blood to become functioning and human figures again
The séance of King Darius in the The Persians (c.470 BC)
The séance of King Darius in the The Persians (c.470 BC)
