Keywords
Rituals
Demonology
Devils
Chaldeans
How to Cite
Abstract
Introduction / commentary, notes and translation of the little Byzantine prose Things that the Hellenes Think about Demons (Τίνα περὶ δαιμόνων δοξάζουσιν ῞Ελληνες). Opusculum of dubious authorship, attributed to Psellos. While concerning the demons, it portrays the main theme in eight different sections, including information regarding types, forms, characteristics of demon possessions / effects, prognosis, sorcery, magic, rituals, and invocations. Close to Timothy or On the Operations of Daemons (Τιμόθεος ἢ Περὶ Ενέργειας Δαιμόνων), it reflects a Neoplatonic trait, in a Judeo-Christian period, revealing knowledge and appreciation for the classic tradition of Hellenic taste, mutatis mutandis, adapted to demonology, a common theme in the Byzantine context.
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