Early Dynastic Incantations

 

- 46 Incantations -

 

The earliest Mesopotamian incantation tablets date to the Early Dynastic III period, and are extent in 16 Sumerian texts from Šuruppak,1 from Abu Salabikh, 2 from Lagash and 12 from Ebla. In addition, 12 Semitic language incantations are known from ED period Ebla. Incantations in this period are typically brief and formulaic with functions including the easing of childbirth and deliverance from illness. [1] The protoganists in these incantations are not as varied as in later incantations and the paucity of demons may reflect the type of incantations "which appear in Fara and Ebla, namely, predominantly 'snake' incantations (presumably against snake-bite) and so-called kultmittel-beschwörungen." [2]

1. G. Cunningham "Deliever me from Evil: Mesopotamian Incantations: 2500-1500 B.C."

2. M.J. Geller Review of Kreberniks "Die Beschworung aus Fara und Ebla" BSOAS 1987

 

 
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