Post by Marquis Black on Jul 23, 2007 17:05:57 GMT -5
Lesson I - Sumerian Magic
1.1 Religious Pantheons as a Cover for Wizards
Lecture: We are all aware that in all civilizations there exists a central belief structure in the so-called metaphysical, which the Muggles have dubbed "religion." As Magic-gifted folk, however, we, of course, know better. What Muggles have made their religion is merely the actions of a rogue Wizard or Witch that has refused to steer clear of our less tolerant counterparts. This is even more so in Ancient Times, when no Statute of Secrecy existed.
What we see as a result of this behaviour is single Wizards and Witches usually claiming to be a messenger from a higher being and, not knowing any better, the Muggles will usually fall for this claim as soon as the Wizard or Witch demonstrates his magical ability, which Muggles sadly attribute to divine power.
As a result, we see the deification of average, common Magical folk.
1.2 Sumerian Mythology
As far as the Magical World is concerned, we share very few similar conclusions with our Muggle counterparts. However, one of those few is that the Sumerian Civilization was the first civilization around. It is also where organized Magical communities began to spring to life, although these were far more integrated than we are now.
However, as the previous section demonstrated, there was, and still is, a general trend among those who are gifted to use their power to lord over others. In Sumer, where life was already hard just because of geographical location, the so-called "divine" abilities that the Wizards had would have easily coerced the people into believing them Gods.
While the exact, ancient Sumerian names of these wizards are now lost to us forever, we have nonetheless managed to salvage the names attributed to them by their Muggle servants. Among these are Anu, Enlil, Enki, and Ninlil. Each had an attribute appointed to them, most likely in correspondence to their most common spell or power.
1.3 Fall of Sumer
Unfortunately, as all things do, Sumer came to an end as a civilization when the Akkadian Empire, led by infamous Dark Lord Sargon of Akkad. However, it was not Sargon who bore all the responsibility for taking over Sumer, for the Sumerians themselves had weakened their cities through years of inter-city conflict, instigated mainly at the (subtle) behest of the wizards who made themselves the patron Gods of each city. As a result, Sargon's more centrally organized nation was easily able to take over the first of all civilizations.
Homework Assignment: Find three Sumerian deities who were probably based on a Witch or Wizard, and explain how their attributed "divine powers" could have been real-life spells.
Bonus Question: Is there any evidence to suggest that most of these Wizards were Dark? If so, explain.
1.1 Religious Pantheons as a Cover for Wizards
Lecture: We are all aware that in all civilizations there exists a central belief structure in the so-called metaphysical, which the Muggles have dubbed "religion." As Magic-gifted folk, however, we, of course, know better. What Muggles have made their religion is merely the actions of a rogue Wizard or Witch that has refused to steer clear of our less tolerant counterparts. This is even more so in Ancient Times, when no Statute of Secrecy existed.
What we see as a result of this behaviour is single Wizards and Witches usually claiming to be a messenger from a higher being and, not knowing any better, the Muggles will usually fall for this claim as soon as the Wizard or Witch demonstrates his magical ability, which Muggles sadly attribute to divine power.
As a result, we see the deification of average, common Magical folk.
1.2 Sumerian Mythology
As far as the Magical World is concerned, we share very few similar conclusions with our Muggle counterparts. However, one of those few is that the Sumerian Civilization was the first civilization around. It is also where organized Magical communities began to spring to life, although these were far more integrated than we are now.
However, as the previous section demonstrated, there was, and still is, a general trend among those who are gifted to use their power to lord over others. In Sumer, where life was already hard just because of geographical location, the so-called "divine" abilities that the Wizards had would have easily coerced the people into believing them Gods.
While the exact, ancient Sumerian names of these wizards are now lost to us forever, we have nonetheless managed to salvage the names attributed to them by their Muggle servants. Among these are Anu, Enlil, Enki, and Ninlil. Each had an attribute appointed to them, most likely in correspondence to their most common spell or power.
1.3 Fall of Sumer
Unfortunately, as all things do, Sumer came to an end as a civilization when the Akkadian Empire, led by infamous Dark Lord Sargon of Akkad. However, it was not Sargon who bore all the responsibility for taking over Sumer, for the Sumerians themselves had weakened their cities through years of inter-city conflict, instigated mainly at the (subtle) behest of the wizards who made themselves the patron Gods of each city. As a result, Sargon's more centrally organized nation was easily able to take over the first of all civilizations.
Homework Assignment: Find three Sumerian deities who were probably based on a Witch or Wizard, and explain how their attributed "divine powers" could have been real-life spells.
Bonus Question: Is there any evidence to suggest that most of these Wizards were Dark? If so, explain.