Powers of stone (1)

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A Greek poem known as Lithica, attributed in the Middle Ages to Orpheus, concerns the magic powers of stones and contains Babylonian-style correlations between divine powers and different stones. Together with a similar work known as the Lithica Kerygmata, it belongs generally in the group of Hermetic literature, which implies restricted access and secrecy, and is a type of work, often attributed to Hermes Trismegistos. Several characteristics point to a core of older, Mesopotamian material within a Hellenized end-product. The Sumerian-Akkadian myth Lugale, still read at the late Assyrian court, recounts how the god Ninurta defeated the stones and then blessed or cursed them according to their natures, beginning with crystal in the list of blessed stones.

Bibliography

Stephanie Dalley

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