The Greek magical papyri : diversity and unity

This thesis investigates the notion of diversity and unity, in the Greek Magical Papyri through a careful and detailed analysis of the ritual actions and spells. The issue of diversity and unity is examined in the manifold religious identities and identifications of the gods and deities in the PGM. The idea of diversity and unity is also examined in the various relationships described in the spells; the relationship of the individual to the divine in the concept of Ttäpcb. eoc; the relationship between the nd peb pos and the divine; the relationship between the individual and his/her personal daimon; and finally the erotic relationships of individuals. The aim of this thesis is to uncover the underlying philosophical, mainly Neo- Platonic, and mystical parallelisms and influences on the spells. I aim to show that the philosophical notion of diversity, plurality, and unity may apply to the religious identifications of the gods, thereby revealing significant religious tendencies. My intention is also to prove that the concept of diversity and unity may also apply to the various relationships described and developed in the PGM texts, between the humans and the divine, or between the various forms of divine, or in the most intimate human relationships, the erotic and sexual relationships, or even between humans and their inner selves. The common factor in all these relationships is unity in a strong mystical and philosophical sense.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo