Magic and the Supernatural in the Ancient World

Exam Questions

Derek Pepiak:dpepiak@mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu

What is an agogai? It is a spell of attraction meant to draw someone to you.
Differentiate between the theory concerning erotic spells proposed by Graf and the theory proposed by Winkler (See notes from 3-3-98).

Christina Wilson: cwilson2@mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu

1. What is the importance of magical objects? (to make the spell more lasting, to increase its strength for weaker magicians, tangible)
2. Describe the differences and similarities between curses and prayers.

Zach harrelson:zharrel@mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu

(obj) Both esoteric and exoteric alchemy were concerned with the discovery of the (?) which was believed to transform base metals into precious ones and mortals to immortals.
(answer: Philosopher's Stone)
(SA) Explain the relationship between incantation and physical objects with regard to their power contributions to spells and curses. Be sure to address verbal and inscribed incantations and the use of dolls.

Michelle Arens marens@mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu

Essay: Compare curses, prayers and erotic spells. What characteristics do they have in common, and how are they different?
Define the two types of sympathetic magic. Contagious-using something that has touched the person who will be affected.
Analogous-using something that resembles the person/objected that will be affected.

Kate Bolin--kbolin@mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu

Objective: What was the goal of exoteric alchemy? To find the Philosopher's Stone
Subjective: What is a talisman? What sort of images were used as talismans and what was the reasoning behind their use?

Bradley Laye: blaye@mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu

What were some of the uses for amulets and talismans?
Literary sources show that women were the main practitioners of magic erotica, but evidence shows men were just as much involved. What is the implication of women being pegged as main users in ancient literary sources, what are these sources?

Nick Backer: nbacker@mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu

Which of the following is not an agonistic situation in which binding spells were used? a) judicial proceedings b) philosophical ideas c) commercial situations d) sporting event
Discuss the purpose and distinguishing features of erotic spells. From class notes.

Jay Munsch: wmunsch@mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu

Name the four states that make up earth, fire, water, and air in alchemy? a. Hot, moist, cold, and dry
Discuss the importance of written words in spells. Are they required? Is there a certain formula to the written spells? Are there any special objects involved in spellcasting? If so, are these objects necessary?

Robert Fraser: rfraser@mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu

1. objective-what are the fout characteristics of growth according to the Greeks? (seed, soil, breath(of the divine), and warmth)
2. subjective-Explain the relationship between Eros and the love sickness idea that was prevalent during ancient times. Give specifics.

Barbette Spaeth: spaeth@mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu

List and briefly describe the four types of formulae used in binding spells identified by Chris Faraone.
Define "rubric", "voces magicae," "ousia", "iynx" and "rhombus"
Discuss the issues of social class and gender of the experts and the "requesters" of binding and erotic spells in both reality and literary representations of magic. Why is there a difference between the reality and the representation?
List three different types of amulets.
Explain the difference between exoteric and esoteric alchemy.