Ancient Greek Love Magic

The ancient Greeks commonly resorted to magic spells to attract and keep lovers--as numerous allusions in Greek literature and recently discovered "voodoo dolls," magical papyri, gemstones, and curse tablets attest. Surveying and analyzing these various texts and artifacts, Christopher Faraone reveals that gender is the crucial factor in understanding love spells. There are, he argues, two distinct types of love magic: the curselike charms used primarily by men to torture unwilling women with fiery and maddening passion until they surrender sexually; and the binding spells and debilitating potions generally used by women to sedate angry or philandering husbands and make them more affectionate.

About the author

Christopher A. Faraone is Professor and Chairman of Classics, University of Chicago.

Summary

Surveying and analyzing various texts and artifacts, Faraone reveals two distinct types of love magic: the curselike charms used primarily by men to torture unwilling women until they surrender sexually; and the binding spells and debilitating potions generally used by women to sedate angry or philandering husbands and make them more affectionate.

Product details

• Authors: Christopher A Faraone, Christopher A. Faraone, Faraone Christopher A.
• Publisher: University Presses
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 30.10.2001
• EAN: 9780674006966
• ISBN: 978-0-674-00696-6
• Weight: 345 g
• Illustrations: 5 tables
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > History > Antiquity; History, European History, HISTORY / Ancient / General, RELIGION / Wicca, Ancient Greece, Ancient History, Magic, alchemy and hermetic thought