Think Egypt Think Magic: Essence of Spells, Incantations, Amulets and Absolute Faith – Part II

04 Jan 2019
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Magic Wand of hippopotamus ivory (Middle Kingdom-Second Intermediate) depicting a procession of deities. The curve of this wand follows that of the hippopotamus tusk from which it was made, but its flat form is reminiscent of the curved throwing sticks used to catch fowl. Powerful protective deities, such as Taweret and Bes, are depicted together with protective uraeus serpents and other mythical creatures. Many of the figures brandish knives to dispel evil spirits.

Think Egypt Think Magic: Essence of Spells, Incantations, Amulets and Absolute Faith – Part II

Popular stories from different eras of ancient Egyptian history reveal staggering and incredible tales of magical feats that were performed by lector priests, sorcerers and even kings. How much of this was true? Did the masses blindly follow practices involving magic, or was this unshakeable faith, based on concrete results, that constituted their core belief?

(Read Part I here)

Coptic codex with magic spells – fifth to sixth century AD. Museo Archeologico, Milan. (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Coptic codex with magic spells – fifth to sixth century AD. Museo Archeologico, Milan. (CC BY-SA 3.0)


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