Theophanes’ account of Kavadh I, legendary treasure, and exorcism at a demon-guarded castle in late antique Persia Zoubdadeyer is the name of a fortified site mentioned in the Chronicle of Theophanes the Confessor, a Byzantine source composed in the early 9th century, recounting events from late antiquity. According to Theophanes, the castle stood on the … Read more
The use of phylacteries in modern Judaism and the distinction between Zizis and tefillin in liturgical context The term Zizis is sometimes used in modern Jewish vernacular, though it is not a standard or precise term for phylacteries. The correct and canonical Hebrew term for phylacteries is tefillin (תְּפִלִּין), referring to two small black leather … Read more
The evil eye is a widespread belief in a malevolent glare, usually directed at a person who is unaware, that can cause misfortune, injury, or even death. Rooted in the idea that envy or excessive praise can manifest as a tangible curse, this belief has persisted for millennia, with its origins tracing back to ancient … Read more
Veil (in Jewish modern tradition) refers to the belief that covering one’s face with a veil prevents a ghost (dybbuk or ruach) from recognizing the individual who fears it. However, it is held that if God judges the person as deserving punishment due to sins, the veil or mask will fall, allowing the ghost to … Read more
Veil refers to a modern Jewish folk belief concerning ghosts. According to tradition, placing a veil over the face prevents a ghost from recognizing a fearful person. If the individual is judged by God to deserve punishment for sins, the veil will fall, allowing the ghost (shade) to see and potentially harm them. This concept … Read more
Verge of Moses refers to the rod used by Moses and Aaron in the Book of Exodus. According to biblical narratives and interpretations, the rod was the instrument for several miracles, including the transformation into a serpent and the summoning of plagues. Some legends attribute magical properties to the rod, associating it with the power … Read more
Golden Calf (עֵגֶל הַזָּהָב in Hebrew) refers to the idol constructed by the Israelites during the Exodus, as described in the Book of Exodus. Jewish and Islamic traditions contain legends that the calf was animated or produced sounds. Some rabbis attributed its creation to magicians among the Israelites, and the Quran states the calf lowed. … Read more
Titus (Titus Flavius Vespasianus), Roman emperor, appears in Jewish folklore as a figure punished for his role in the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem (70 CE). A tradition, cited in medieval Jewish sources, recounts that a gnat entered his nose and fed on his brain for seven years, causing his death. This story … Read more
The theme of Temptations in demonology is addressed extensively in theological literature. Demons, described as fallen angels, are depicted as entities allowed by God to test, punish, or challenge humans. According to Christian doctrine and theological treatises by authors such as Nicole and others, demons are believed to exert influence over humans by exploiting their … Read more
The expression Powers of Darkness (Puissances des ténèbres) is used in Judeo-Christian tradition to describe demons as beings that ‘cannot endure light.’ In biblical texts and Christian theology, these entities are considered fallen angels expelled from the divine presence after rebelling against God. The concept also connects to the description of Hell as a ‘place … Read more
