The Donkey King: Asinine Symbology in Ancient and Medieval Magic

The al-Sakkākī s Kitāb al-Shāmil is a 13th-century Arabic grimoire that provides methods of contacting jinn, with the first jinn described as Abū Isrā īl Būzayn ibn Sulaymān, who arrives with a donkey. The Element reveals the double-sided nature of asinine symbology and explains why the donkey has served as the companion of demons and prophets. It also refers to evidence from the ancient Near East, Egypt, and Greece, as well as to medieval Jewish and Christian texts.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 74 pages
Publication date: 21 December 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The 13th-century Arabic grimoire, al-Sakkākī s Kitāb al-Shāmil (Book of the Complete), offers a wealth of methods for contacting jinn. The first jinn described in the book is Abū Isrā īl Būzayn ibn Sulaymān, who arrives with a donkey. Throughout his explanation of the ritual, this Element delves into the dual nature of asinine symbology, shedding light on why this animal has been the companion of both demons and prophets. By examining two key nodes of donkey symbology—the phallus and the bray—it reveals a fascinating coincidentia oppositorum in the seemingly humble and comical form of this animal. The donkey, carrying a demonic voice and symbolizing base materiality, also represents a transcendence of the material and a protection against the demonic.

In addition to Arabic literature and occult rituals, the Element draws upon evidence from the ancient Near East, Egypt, and Greece, as well as medieval Jewish and Christian texts. This rich tapestry of sources adds depth and complexity to the understanding of jinn and their interactions with humans. Through the meticulous exploration of the Element, readers gain a deeper appreciation for the multifaceted nature of asinine symbology and the profound implications it holds for our understanding of the supernatural and the human psyche.

ISBN-13: 9781009074933