Necromancy: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term originates from Greek, where 'necro' means 'dead' and 'mancy' refers to divination or prophecy.
• In ancient times, it was considered both a form of magic and a way to seek knowledge about the future or the past.
• The practice is often associated with dark or forbidden knowledge in many cultures.

Cultural depictions

• Necromancy features prominently in medieval literature, notable in works like 'The Malleus Maleficarum,' a treatise on witchcraft.
• In modern media, such as video games and movies, necromancers commonly appear as characters who summon the dead to fight for them.
• The concept has inspired numerous fantasy novels and films, often portraying necromancers as both villains and misunderstood figures.

Historical Perspectives

• Throughout history, various civilizations, including the Egyptians and Greeks, performed rituals that could be seen as forms of necromancy.
• The ancient Romans had festivals like Parentalia and Lemuria, where they would honor deceased ancestors, linking them to necromantic traditions.
• In the Middle Ages, accusations of necromancy could lead to witch trials, revealing society's fear of the unknown.

Psychological Insights

• Research shows that the fear of death often leads people to explore themes like necromancy in literature and art, reflecting a fascination with the afterlife.
• The practice can symbolize a desire for closure, as some people seek connections with the dead to process grief and loss.
• Engaging with necromantic themes in stories can serve as a coping mechanism for confronting mortality.

Folklore and Mythology

• In various myths, figures like the Greek sorceress Circe and the Roman magician Merlin are depicted as having the power to communicate with the dead.
• Folks tales often include characters who dabble in necromancy, exploring its moral implications and the consequences of disturbing the dead.
• Some cultures believe that practices similar to necromancy can channel the wisdom or warnings from ancestors to influence the living.

This word's position of #32,743 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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• 32740 abettor
• 32741 indenting
• 32742 defrost
• 32743 necromancy
• 32744 objectifying
• 32745 shabbily
• 32746 muddling
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