Фаталното докосване на демона Ламащу
The Fatal Touch of the Daemon Lamastu

Summary/Abstract: The present paper investigates some descriptions of the touch by a particular daemon – Lamaštu. The touch, always mentioned with its consequences, is attested mainly in two groups of written sources: ritual incantations and medical writings. Special attention is dedicated to the verbs, as a main grammatical instrument for the expression of actions.The incantations describe the touch by a great number of verbs with various meanings. Diversity is observed also in the descriptions on a higher, phraseological level. In these texts the touch is stated as the cause for a wide semantic range of tragic events like damages, unexpected death, and illnesses, which affect both the nature, and human beings, especially children. All descriptions in the spells are expressed through the use of a rich and figurative literary style, influenced by the traditions in this type of literature. The terms and phrases used here function as a part of a unified system of concepts with ritual and ethical character. Within this system, the touch is defined as a demoniac attack.

• Details
• Contents