mckaywest11e

Chapter Chronology

Quiz for Primary Source 4.3: A Hellenistic Spell of Attraction

Question

1. Which of these might a reader reasonably conclude on the basis of this spell?

There was considerable mixing of elements from different religions during this period.

The Greeks were contemptuous of Egyptian religion.

Hellenistic people believed magic could be used only for good.

Most Hellenistic people were highly skeptical about magic.

Correct. The answer is a. The spell included appeals to both Greek and Egyptian deities.

Incorrect. The answer is a. The spell included appeals to both Greek and Egyptian deities.

Question

2. According to the spell, how did one gain control over deities and spirits?

By devoting a lifetime to religious inquiry and practice

By devoting oneself to their service

Through the use of secret incantations and symbols

By promising to do favors in return for their assistance

Correct. The answer is c. The caster’s belief in the power of incantations and symbols is revealed in the final command to the deities to, “Come hither, fulfill my wishes, because I summon you by these secret symbols.”

Incorrect. The answer is c. The caster’s belief in the power of incantations and symbols is revealed in the final command to the deities to, “Come hither, fulfill my wishes, because I summon you by these secret symbols.”