Magic in ancient Greece

For the Greeks, magic (mageia or goeteia) is a broad theme, involving spells and evil prayers (epoidai), curse pills (katade *** oi), strengthening drugs and deadly poisons (Pharma), amulets (periapta) and powerful love potions (philtra). )。 The modern separation of magic, superstition, religion, science and astrology was not so clear in the ancient world. This mysterious and all-encompassing magic art is practiced by male and female professional magicians, who seek to help them in their daily lives and overcome the obstacles they think are happiness.

Mageia practitioners, magicians, the first of which, at least for the Greeks, was the Persian Magi (magoi) priests. They were not only regarded as clever secret holders, but also as masters in different fields, such as mathematics and chemistry. Death-related divination and evil magicians are undoubtedly frightening. They live on the edge of the community, which means that practitioners are often poor and rely on charities to survive.

Magic in Greek mythology

Magic appeared in ancient Greek mythology and was associated with these characters: Hermes, Hecate (the goddess of moon and witchcraft), orpheus and Helius, the witch daughter of Sethi. She was an expert in magical herbs and potions and helped Odysseus summon ghosts from hades. Myths are full of magical potions and curses. For example, Hercules, his wife Diane Niera, died tragically after absorbing the magical blood of Centaur. Nessos and spread it freely on the cloak of the hero. After wearing it, Hercules was badly burned and later died of his injuries. Many literary figures also use magic, perhaps the most famous of which is Medea's tragedy of the same name in euripides.

Magic in the Greek world is not only popular in the personal field, but also exists not only in the poor and illiterate.

Who believes in magic?

Magic in the Greek world is not only popular in the personal field, but also exists not only in the poor and illiterate. We know that the official inscription is entrusted by the polis to protect their city from any possible disaster. There are also some cases, just like Teos in the 5th century BC, where the state sentenced a person convicted of harmful magic and his family to death (pharmaka deleteria). Another example, in the 4th century BC, a woman named Torres was sentenced to death for distributing charming drugs and spells. Obviously, the authorities admit that magic is an activity that can produce results, not just the domain of weak-willed farmers. Of course, some intellectuals realize that it may be abused, just as Plato wants to punish those who sell spells and curse pills. Epicurus and Stoic philosophers are another group fighting for the elimination of magic.

amulet

Although officials are cautious about magic, many people believe in its power. Farmers rely on unpredictable weather and are particularly vulnerable to amulets. For example, they can be worn around the wrist or neck because people want to wear them to ensure that there is enough rainfall in that season. Greek amulets can be divided into two categories: amulets (bringing good luck) and amulets (protecting). They are made of wood, bones, stones and even rarer semi-precious stones. They can also be written on small papyrus paper or metal, put in bags or small containers, or just consist of a small bag of mixed herbs. There are also some special shapes that are considered as auspicious miniature forms: * * *, eyes, vulva, knots, Egyptian scarab and a small hand that makes obscene gestures. Some of these amulets are still widely used in Greece (the Eye of Evil) and southern Italy (the Horn of Cornicello).

For example, amulets are worn to treat physical diseases, as a means of contraception, to win sports competitions, to attract lovers, to drive away robbers, to ward off evil eyes, or to protect the wearer from any harmful magic that may be caused. Be guided to their path. Usually, in order to make amulets, people must pray to gods (especially Hecate) or say something, such as nonsense or foreign words that are considered magical. Amulets are not limited to people, because walls, houses and even the whole town can have their own amulets to protect them from any negative events.

Curse movies

Curse (agos, ara and euche) is a means to maintain public order by punishing acts that threaten to harm communities, especially crimes such as murder. They are also considered as a way to do harm to the enemy. Curse monuments usually take the form of metal plates (especially lead) engraved with curses, which are then rolled up or folded, sometimes nailed to the ground and buried in graves or wells. Pottery fragments, papyrus and limestone fragments all have similar inscriptions. The second form is wax or clay figurine, imitating the victims of curse. These people's limbs are tied or twisted, sometimes caught by nails or buried in miniature lead coffins.

Interestingly, although mythological wizards are usually women, the records of curse films and spells usually show that they are male users. Curse films are mainly used as a means to solve disputes that are beneficial to them. Their first records can be traced back to the 6th century BC, covering topics such as business transactions, relationship problems, legal disputes, revenge cases, and even sports and drama competitions. In Greek literature, there are examples of whole families and dynasties being cursed, the most famous of which may be Oedipus and his descendants.

magic

Egyptians have long used spells (more precisely, a series of instructions to follow) and spells written on papyrus, and the Greeks have continued this tradition. The existing Greek papyrus on the date of magic can be traced back to the 4th and 3rd centuries BC. They cover instructions on how to overcome physical diseases, improve sexual life, exorcise demons, drive away pests at home, etc. As part of the initiation ceremony, they even include how to make their own amulets. Cookies and poisons often appear. They usually use rare herbs and exotic ingredients from far away Asia, such as spices and incense.