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Concerning Magic

Haunted Cosmos

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Exploration of Immortality Quest and Sorcery in Ancient Mythology

The ancient myth of Gilgamesh reveals humanity's struggle against death and the pursuit of immortality. The longing for eternal life stems from the belief that man was not meant to die. Attempts to thwart death through sorcery and magic led to further evils. The Babylonians, influenced by Gilgamesh, delved into apotropaic magic, seeking protection from evil and misfortune. The apkalu, demigods with pure blood, were believed to bring knowledge and sorcery from the gods to rid the world of evil and death. Spell tablets were used to drive away demons causing inconvenience. The Babylonians saw magic rituals as vital as agriculture, trade, or war, as they sought protection and a life free from sorrow and death. This relentless pursuit of immortality and protection from evils symbolizes an age-old quest deeply ingrained in human history.

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