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{{ | {{Short description|Gnostic mystical word with many meanings}} | ||
{{Other uses}} | {{Other uses}} | ||
[[File:Abraxas, Nordisk familjebok.png|thumb|Engraving from an Abraxas stone.]] | |||
[[File:Abraxas, Nordisk familjebok.png|thumb|Engraving from an | |||
{{gnosticism}} | {{gnosticism}} | ||
'''Abraxas''' ({{langx|grc-x-biblical| | '''Abraxas''' or '''Abrasax''' ({{langx|grc-x-biblical|Ἀβράξας}} or {{lang|grc-x-biblical|Ἀβρασάξ}})<!--9,380 hits on Google scholar for Abraxas, vs 934 for Abrasax--> is a term for the "Great [[Archon (Gnosticism)|Archon]]" in [[Gnosticism|Gnostic Christianity]].<ref name="Schaff-Herzog">{{Cite Schaff-Herzog|no-icon= |last=Drexler |first=W |author-link= |title= ABRASAX, ab´rɑ-sax (ABRAXAS, ab-rax´as) |url=https://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/encyc01.html?term=Abrasax |access-date= |volume=1 |pages=16-18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/book/10.1002/9781444338386 |title=The Encyclopedia of Ancient History |date=2013-01-21 |publisher=Wiley |isbn=978-1-4051-7935-5 |editor-last=Bagnall |editor-first=Roger S |edition=1 |language=en |doi=10.1002/9781444338386.wbeah17001 |editor-last2=Brodersen |editor-first2=Kai |editor-last3=Champion |editor-first3=Craige B |editor-last4=Erskine |editor-first4=Andrew |editor-last5=Huebner |editor-first5=Sabine R |editor-link5=Sabine R. Huebner }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Smith |first=Andrew Phillip |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=h1tbBgAAQBAJ&dq=%22Abraxas%22+gnosticism&pg=PR7 |title=A Dictionary of Gnosticism |year=2014 |publisher=Quest Books |isbn=978-0-8356-3097-9 |language=en}}</ref> The word is found in Gnostic texts such as the ''[[Holy Book of the Great Invisible Spirit]]'' and the [[Apocalypse of Adam]], and also appears in the [[Greek Magical Papyri]]. It was engraved on certain [[Engraved gem|antique gemstones]], called on that account '''Abraxas stones''', which were used as [[amulet]]s or charms.<ref name="EB1911">{{EB1911|inline=1|wstitle=Abraxas|volume=1|page=72}}</ref> | ||
There are similarities and differences between such figures in reports about Basilides's teaching, ancient Gnostic texts, the larger [[Magic in the Graeco-Roman world|Greco-Roman magical traditions]], and modern magical and esoteric writings. | There are similarities and differences between such figures in reports about [[Basilides]]'s teaching, ancient Gnostic texts, the larger [[Magic in the Graeco-Roman world|Greco-Roman magical traditions]], and modern magical and esoteric writings. | ||
== Etymology == | == Etymology == | ||
{{More citations needed section|date=September 2020}} | |||
The initial attested spelling was {{transl|grc|Abrasax}} ({{lang|grc-x-biblical|Αβρασαξ}}). It appears in nearly all the legends on gems; in the [[Koine Greek|Greek]] writers, [[Hippolytus of Rome|Hippolytus]], [[Epiphanius of Salamis|Epiphanius]], [[Didymus the Blind|Didymus]] (''De Trin''. iii. 42), and [[Theodoret]]; and in Latin writers [[Augustine]] and ''[[Praedestinatus]]''. The spelling {{transl|grc|Abraxas}}, common today, probably originated in the Latin [[transliteration]], either due to a confusion made between the Greek letters [[sigma]] (Σ) and [[Xi (letter)|xi]] (Ξ),<ref name="WaceDict">{{cite book |editor1-last=Wace |editor1-first=Henry |editor2-last=Smith |editor2-first=William |title=A Dictionary of Christian biography, literature, sects and doctrines : being a continuation of 'The dictionary of the Bible' |date=1877 |publisher=London : J. Murray |pages=9–10 |url=https://archive.org/details/dictionaryofchwace01smituoft/page/9/mode/1up |chapter=Abrasax}}</ref><ref name="Leclercq1913"/> or to a [[euphemism|euphemistic]] inversion. It appears in the translator of Irenaeus and the other Latin authors, and even, though most sparingly, in the magical papyri and engraved stones.<ref name="WaceDict"/> | |||
The attempts to discover a derivation for the name, Greek, Hebrew, Coptic, or other, have not been entirely successful: | The attempts to discover a derivation for the name, Greek, Hebrew, Coptic, or other, have not been entirely successful: | ||
=== Egyptian === | === Egyptian === | ||
* [[Claudius Salmasius]] (1588–1653) thought it Egyptian, but never gave the proofs which he promised.<ref name="Schaff-Herzog" /> | |||
* [[Claudius Salmasius]] (1588–1653) thought it Egyptian, but never gave the proofs which he promised. | *J. J. Bellermann thinks it is a compound of the [[Egyptian language|Egyptian]] words ''{{Lang|egy|abrak}}'' and ''{{Lang|egy|sax}}'', meaning "the honorable and hallowed word", or "the word is adorable".<ref name="Schaff-Herzog" /> | ||
*J. J. Bellermann thinks it is a compound of the [[Egyptian language|Egyptian]] words ''{{Lang|egy|abrak}}'' and ''{{Lang|egy|sax}}'', meaning "the honorable and hallowed word", or "the word is adorable".<ref | |||
* [[Samuel Sharpe (scholar)|Samuel Sharpe]] finds in it an Egyptian invocation to the Godhead, meaning "hurt me not".<ref name="Sharpe_1870">{{cite book |last=Sharpe |first=Samuel |date= 1870 |title=The History of Egypt: From the Earliest Times Till the Conquest by the Arabs, A.D. 640, Volume 2 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Qw0GAAAAQAAJ&q=abraxas |location=London, United Kingdom |publisher=Bell & Daldy |page=172}}</ref> | * [[Samuel Sharpe (scholar)|Samuel Sharpe]] finds in it an Egyptian invocation to the Godhead, meaning "hurt me not".<ref name="Sharpe_1870">{{cite book |last=Sharpe |first=Samuel |date= 1870 |title=The History of Egypt: From the Earliest Times Till the Conquest by the Arabs, A.D. 640, Volume 2 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Qw0GAAAAQAAJ&q=abraxas |location=London, United Kingdom |publisher=Bell & Daldy |page=172}}</ref> | ||
=== Hebrew === | === Hebrew === | ||
* [[Abraham Geiger]] sees in it a Grecized form of ''{{Lang|he-latn|Ha-Brachah}}'', "The Blessing." [[Charles William King]] supports this gloss, citing a similar translation of the word ''[[abracadabra]]'' as ''{{Lang|he-latn|Ha-Brachah-dabarata}}'', "Pronounce the Blessing."{{sfn|King|1887|pp=251-252}} | * [[Abraham Geiger]] sees in it a Grecized form of ''{{Lang|he-latn|Ha-Brachah}}'', "The Blessing." [[Charles William King]] supports this gloss, citing a similar translation of the word ''[[abracadabra]]'' as ''{{Lang|he-latn|Ha-Brachah-dabarata}}'', "Pronounce the Blessing."{{sfn|King|1887|pp=251-252}} | ||
*J. B. Passerius derives it from ''{{Lang|he-latn|abh}}'', "father", ''{{Lang|he-latn|bara}}'', "to create", and ''{{Lang|he-latn|a-}}'' negative—"the uncreated Father".{{ | *J. B. Passerius derives it from ''{{Lang|he-latn|abh}}'', "father", ''{{Lang|he-latn|bara}}'', "to create", and ''{{Lang|he-latn|a-}}'' negative—"the uncreated Father".<ref name="Schaff-Herzog" /> | ||
*Giuseppe Barzilai goes back for explanation to the first verse of the prayer | *Wendelin connected it with the numerical value of: "{{Lang|he-latn|abh}}" father, "{{Lang|he-latn|ben}}" son, {{Lang|he-latn|rouach hakadōs}} holy spirit.<ref name="Schaff-Herzog" /><ref>{{Cite book| publisher = ex officina Plantiniana Balthasaris Moreti| last = Macarius| first = Johannes| title = Ioannis Macarii canonici Ariensis Abraxas, seu Apistopistus; quae est antiquaria de gemmis Basilidianis disquisitio. Accedit Abraxas Proteus, seu multiformis gemmae Basilidianae portentosa varietas; exhibita, & commentario illustrata a Ioanne Chifletio, canonico Tornacensi, ...| date = 1657| page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=Bq4QGY_SjSkC&pg=PA112 112ff] }}</ref> | ||
*Giuseppe Barzilai goes back for explanation to the first verse of the [[Ana BeKoach]] prayer, for which he takes on the traditional attribution to [[Nehunya ben HaKanah]] of the [[Mishnah|Mishnaic period]], but it has been critically redated to the middle ages. The literal rendering of the line is "O [God], with thy mighty right hand deliver the captive [people]". By forming an [[acronym]] (from the initial letters of the first two words, the final letters of the last two words, then the final letters of the fourth and third words), the word {{lang|he|אברהכת}} is proposed. Barzilai latinizes it freely as ''Abrakd'' (pronounced Abrakad), which he interprets as "the host of the winged ones", i.e., angels. His theory is without regard to grammar (the usual word-order in Hebrew [[Compound (linguistics)#Noun–noun compounds|compounds]], [[grammatical number]]), nor to any attestation or parallel. Further, while this theory can explain the mystic word ''Abracadabra'', the association of this phrase with Abraxas is uncertain.<ref name="Schaff-Herzog" />{{sfn|Barzilai|1873|pp=12-13}} Considering the Abraxas stone more generally, Barzilai noted some iconographic similarities between them and biblical passages, for example between [[Harpocrates]] and [[Moses]].{{sfn|Barzilai|1873|pp=9-12}} | |||
=== Greek === | === Greek === | ||
* Wendelin discovers a compound of the initial letters, amounting to 365 in numerical value, of four Hebrew and three Greek words, all written with Greek characters: {{transl|grc|ab, ben, rouach, hakadōs; sōtēria apo xylou}} ("Father, Son, Spirit, holy; salvation from the cross").<ref name=" | * Wendelin discovers a compound of the initial letters, amounting to 365 in numerical value, of four Hebrew and three Greek words, all written with Greek characters: {{transl|grc|ab, ben, rouach, hakadōs; sōtēria apo xylou}} ("Father, Son, Spirit, holy; salvation from the cross").<ref name="Schaff-Herzog" /> | ||
*According to a note of Isaac de Beausobre's, [[Jean Hardouin]] accepted the first three of these, taking the four others for the initials of the Greek ''{{Lang|grc-latn|anthrōpoussōzōn hagiōi xylōi}}'', "saving mankind by the holy cross".<ref name=" | *According to a note of Isaac de Beausobre's, [[Jean Hardouin]] accepted the first three of these, taking the four others for the initials of the Greek ''{{Lang|grc-latn|anthrōpoussōzōn hagiōi xylōi}}'', "saving mankind by the holy cross".<ref name="Schaff-Herzog" /> | ||
* [[Isaac de Beausobre]] derives Abraxas from the Greek ''{{Lang|grc-latn|habros}}'' and ''{{Lang|grc-latn|saō}}'', "the beautiful, the glorious Savior".<ref name=" | * [[Isaac de Beausobre]] derives Abraxas from the Greek ''{{Lang|grc-latn|habros}}'' and ''{{Lang|grc-latn|saō}}'', "the beautiful, the glorious Savior".<ref name="Schaff-Herzog" /> | ||
* [[Gaius Julius Hyginus]] (''[[Fabulae]]'', 183) gives ''Abrax Aslo Therbeeo'' as names of horses of the sun mentioned by '[[Homer]]us'.<ref name="WaceDict"/> The passage is miserably corrupt, but it may not be accidental that the first three syllables make Abraxas. | |||
=== Other === | |||
The seven letters spelling its name may represent each of the [[classical planet|seven classic planets]].{{sfn|Mead|1906|p=402}} | |||
Perhaps the word may be included among those mysterious expressions discussed by [[Adolf von Harnack]],{{sfn|Harnack|1891|pp=86–89}} "which belong to no known speech, and by their singular collocation of vowels and consonants give evidence that they belong to some mystic dialect, or take their origin from some supposed divine inspiration". | Perhaps the word may be included among those mysterious expressions discussed by [[Adolf von Harnack]],{{sfn|Harnack|1891|pp=86–89}} "which belong to no known speech, and by their singular collocation of vowels and consonants give evidence that they belong to some mystic dialect, or take their origin from some supposed divine inspiration".<ref name="Schaff-Herzog" /> | ||
The Egyptian author of the book ''[[De Mysteriis Aegyptiorum|De Mysteriis]]'' in reply to [[Porphyry (philosopher)|Porphyry]] (vii. 4) admits a preference of 'barbarous' to vernacular names in sacred things, urging a peculiar sanctity in the languages of certain nations, as the Egyptians and [[Assyrian people|Assyrians]]; and Origen (''Contra Cels''. i. 24) refers to the 'potent names' used by Egyptian sages, [[Persia]]n [[Magi]], and Indian [[Brahmin]]s, signifying deities in the several languages. | The Egyptian author of the book ''[[De Mysteriis Aegyptiorum|De Mysteriis]]'' in reply to [[Porphyry (philosopher)|Porphyry]] (vii. 4) admits a preference of 'barbarous' to vernacular names in sacred things, urging a peculiar sanctity in the languages of certain nations, as the Egyptians and [[Assyrian people|Assyrians]]; and Origen (''Contra Cels''. i. 24) refers to the 'potent names' used by Egyptian sages, [[Persia]]n [[Magi]], and Indian [[Brahmin]]s, signifying deities in the several languages.<ref name="WaceDict"/> | ||
== | == Written sources == | ||
=== In heresiologies === | |||
Several [[heresiology|heresiological]] works (from 2nd century [[Proto-orthodox Christianity]] through the [[Christianity in the 5th century|5th century]]) describe Abraxas in the context of the [[Basilidians|Basilidian heresy]], but it is uncertain what the actual role and function of Abraxas was in the Basilidian system, as they often show no direct acquaintance with the doctrines of [[Basilides]] himself. | |||
=== As an archon === | ==== As an archon ==== | ||
[[File:Abraxas3.jpg|thumb|right|Gemstone carved with Abraxas, obverse and reverse.]] | [[File:Abraxas3.jpg|thumb|right|Gemstone carved with Abraxas, obverse and reverse.]] | ||
In the system described by [[Irenaeus]], "the Unbegotten Father" is the progenitor of ''[[Nous]]'' "Discerning Mind"; ''Nous'' produced ''[[Logos]]'' "Word, Reason"; ''Logos'' produced ''[[Phronesis]]'' "Mindfulness"; ''Phronesis'' produced ''[[Sophia (wisdom)|Sophia]]'' "Wisdom" and ''[[potentiality and actuality|Dynamis]]'' "Potentiality"; ''Sophia'' and ''Dynamis'' produced the principalities, powers, and angels, the last of whom create "the first heaven". They, in turn, originate a second series, who create a second heaven. The process continues in like manner until 365 heavens are in existence, the angels of the last or visible heaven being the authors of our world. | In the system described by [[Irenaeus]], "the Unbegotten Father" is the progenitor of ''[[Nous]]'' "Discerning Mind"; ''Nous'' produced ''[[Logos]]'' "Word, Reason"; ''Logos'' produced ''[[Phronesis]]'' "Mindfulness"; ''Phronesis'' produced ''[[Sophia (wisdom)|Sophia]]'' "Wisdom" and ''[[potentiality and actuality|Dynamis]]'' "Potentiality"; ''Sophia'' and ''Dynamis'' produced the principalities, powers, and angels, the last of whom create "the first heaven". They, in turn, originate a second series, who create a second heaven. The process continues in like manner until 365 heavens are in existence, the angels of the last or visible heaven being the authors of our world. "The ruler" [''principem'', i.e., probably ''ton [[archon (Gnosticism)|archonta]]''] of the 365 heavens "is Abraxas, and for this reason he contains within himself 365 numbers".<ref name="WaceDict"/><ref name="EB1911"/> | ||
The name occurs in the ''[[Refutation of All Heresies]]'' (vii. 26) by [[Hippolytus of Rome | The name occurs in the ''[[Refutation of All Heresies]]'' (vii. 26) by [[Hippolytus of Rome]], who appears in these chapters to have followed the ''Exegetica'' of Basilides. After describing the manifestation of the Gospel in the [[Ogdoad (Gnosticism)|Ogdoad]] and [[Archon (Gnosticism)#Hebdomad|Hebdomad]], he adds that the Basilidians have a long account of the innumerable creations and powers in the several 'stages' of the upper world (''diastemata''), in which they speak of 365 heavens and say that "their great archon" is Abrasax, because his name contains the number 365, the number of the days in the year; i.e. the sum of the numbers denoted by the Greek letters in ΑΒΡΑΣΑΞ according to the rules of [[isopsephy]] is 365:<ref name="WaceDict"/> | ||
{{block indent|1=Α = 1, Β = 2, Ρ = 100, Α = 1, Σ = 200, Α = 1, Ξ = 60}} | {{block indent|1=Α = 1, Β = 2, Ρ = 100, Α = 1, Σ = 200, Α = 1, Ξ = 60}} | ||
=== As a god === | ==== As a god ==== | ||
[[Epiphanius of Salamis|Epiphanius]] (''[[Panarion|Haer]]''. 69, 73 f.) appears to follow partly Irenaeus, partly the lost Compendium of Hippolytus.<ref>Lipsius, R. A., ''Zur Quellenkritik d. Epiphanios'' 99 f.</ref> He designates Abraxas more distinctly as "the power above all, and First Principle", "the cause and first archetype" of all things; and mentions that the Basilidians referred to 365 as the number of parts (''mele'') in the human body, as well as of days in the year. | [[Epiphanius of Salamis|Epiphanius]] (''[[Panarion|Haer]]''. 69, 73 f.) appears to follow partly Irenaeus, partly the lost Compendium of Hippolytus.<ref>Lipsius, R. A., ''Zur Quellenkritik d. Epiphanios'' 99 f.</ref> He designates Abraxas more distinctly as "the power above all, and First Principle", "the cause and first archetype" of all things; and mentions that the Basilidians referred to 365 as the number of parts (''mele'') in the human body, as well as of days in the year.<ref name="WaceDict"/> | ||
In ''Adversus omnes haereses'' (c. 4), the [[Pseudo-Tertullian]] likewise follows Hippolytus's Compendium,<ref>Lipsius 33 f. &c.</ref> and adds some further particulars; that 'Abraxas' gave birth to Mind (''nous''), the first in the series of primary powers enumerated likewise by Irenaeus and Epiphanius; that the world, as well as the 365 heavens, was created in honour of 'Abraxas'; and that Christ was sent not by the Maker of the world but by 'Abraxas'.<ref name="WaceDict"/> | |||
Nothing can be built on the vague allusions of [[Jerome]], according to whom 'Abraxas' meant for Basilides "the greatest God" (''De vir. ill''. 21), "the highest God" (''Dial. adv. Lucif''. 23), "the Almighty God" (''Comm. in Amos'' iii. 9), and "the Lord the Creator" (''Comm. in Nah''. i. 11). The notices in [[Theodoret]] (''Haer. fab''. i. 4), [[Augustine]] (''Haer''. 4), and 'Praedestinatus' (i. 3), have no independent value. | Nothing can be built on the vague allusions of [[Jerome]], according to whom 'Abraxas' meant for Basilides "the greatest God" (''De vir. ill''. 21), "the highest God" (''Dial. adv. Lucif''. 23), "the Almighty God" (''Comm. in Amos'' iii. 9), and "the Lord the Creator" (''Comm. in Nah''. i. 11). The notices in [[Theodoret]] (''Haer. fab''. i. 4), [[Augustine]] (''Haer''. 4), and 'Praedestinatus' (i. 3), have no independent value.<ref name="WaceDict"/> | ||
=== In Sethian texts === | |||
With the availability of primary sources, such as those in the [[Nag Hammadi library]], the identity of Abraxas remains unclear, but it appears lower on the cosmological hierarchy, than in the heresiological sources. Scholars have grouped three texts that allude to him under [[Sethianism|Sethian gnosticism]].<ref name="BEECO">{{Cite encyclopedia| publisher = Brill| doi = 10.1163/2589-7993_EECO_SIM_00000021| last = Fallica| first = Maria| title = Abrasax| encyclopedia = Brill Encyclopedia of Early Christianity Online| access-date = 2026-02-15| url = https://referenceworks.brill.com/display/entries/EECO/SIM-00000021.xml}}</ref> | |||
=== As an aeon === | ==== As an aeon ==== | ||
The ''[[Coptic Gospel of the Egyptians|Holy Book of the Great Invisible Spirit]]'', for instance, refers to Abraxas as an [[Aeon (Gnosticism)|Aeon]] dwelling with [[Sophia (wisdom)|Sophia]] and other Aeons of the [[Pleroma]] in the light of the luminary [[Eleleth]]. In several texts, the luminary Eleleth is the last of the luminaries (Spiritual Lights) that come forward, and it is the Aeon Sophia, associated with Eleleth, who encounters darkness and becomes involved in the chain of events that leads to the Demiurge's rule of this world, and the salvage effort that ensues. As such, the role of Aeons of Eleleth, including Abraxas, Sophia, and others, pertains to this outer border of the Pleroma that encounters the ignorance of the world of Lack and interacts to rectify the error of ignorance in the world of materiality. | |||
In the Apocalypse of Adam, Abrasax is sent along with [[Sablo]] and [[Gamaliel]] to bring some of the Gnostic people "out of the fire and the wrath, and take them above the aeons and the rulers of the powers, and take them away [...] of life [...] and take them away [...] aeons [...] dwelling place of the great [...] there, with the holy angels and the aeons. The men will be like those angels, for they are not strangers to them."<ref name="ApocAdamMacRae">{{cite web |last1=MacRae |first1=George W. (trans) |title=The Apocalypse of Adam |url=http://www.gnosis.org/naghamm/adam.html |website=The Gnostic Society Library |publisher=[[Gnostic Society]] |access-date=13 April 2025}}</ref> | In the ''[[Apocalypse of Adam]]'', Abrasax is sent along with [[Sablo]] and [[Gamaliel]] to bring some of the Gnostic people "out of the fire and the wrath, and take them above the aeons and the rulers of the powers, and take them away [...] of life [...] and take them away [...] aeons [...] dwelling place of the great [...] there, with the holy angels and the aeons. The men will be like those angels, for they are not strangers to them."<ref name="ApocAdamMacRae">{{cite web |last1=MacRae |first1=George W. (trans) |title=The Apocalypse of Adam |url=http://www.gnosis.org/naghamm/adam.html |website=The Gnostic Society Library |publisher=[[Gnostic Society]] |access-date=13 April 2025}}</ref> | ||
=== | == Magical objects == | ||
The | === Abraxas stones === | ||
A vast number of engraved stones are in existence, to which the name "Abraxas-stones" has long been given. The subjects are mythological, and chiefly grotesque, with various inscriptions, in which ΑΒΡΑΣΑΞ often occurs, alone or with other words. Sometimes the whole space is taken up with the inscription. In certain obscure magical writings of Egyptian origin ἀβραξάς or ἀβρασάξ is found associated with other names which frequently accompany it on gems;<ref name="WaceDict"/>{{sfn|Reuvens|1830}} it is also found on the Greek metal [[curse tablet]]s (''defixiones''), among other [[voces magicae|mystical words]]. | |||
The meaning of the legends is seldom intelligible: but some of the gems, if not all, are [[amulet]]s. Antiquarians from the 17th-19th centuries developed a thematic classification of the artefacts, some bearing ''Abrasax'' as inscriptions and some related only by [[iconography]]. Today they are often studied as part of a wider class of [[Magic (supernatural)|magical]] objects.<ref name="BEECO"/><ref>Many specimens can be studied in ''Phoinix Platform'', ([https://phoinixplatform.org/|phoinixplatform]), which is based on the older [http://cbd.mfab.hu/ Campbell Bonner Magical Gems Database (CBd)], in turn named after [[Campbell Bonner]].</ref> | |||
[[File:Montfaucon 358 Abraxas.xcf|thumb|A print from [[Bernard de Montfaucon]]'s ''L'antiquité expliquée et représentée en figures'' (Band 2,2 page 358 ff plaque 144) with different images of Abraxas.]] | [[File:Montfaucon 358 Abraxas.xcf|thumb|A print from [[Bernard de Montfaucon]]'s ''L'antiquité expliquée et représentée en figures'' (Band 2,2 page 358 ff plaque 144) with different images of Abraxas.]] | ||
*'''The Abraxas-image alone, without external Iconisms, and either without, or but a simple, inscription.''' The Abrasax-imago proper is usually found with a shield, a sphere or wreath and whip, a sword or sceptre, a cock's head, the body clad with armor, and a serpent's tail. There are, however, innumerable modifications of these figures: Lions', hawks', and eagles' skins, with or without mottos, with or without a trident and star, and with or without reverses. | *'''The Abraxas-image alone, without external Iconisms, and either without, or but a simple, inscription.''' The Abrasax-imago proper is usually found with a shield, a sphere or wreath and whip, a sword or sceptre, a cock's head, the body clad with armor, and a serpent's tail. There are, however, innumerable modifications of these figures: Lions', hawks', and eagles' skins, with or without mottos, with or without a trident and star, and with or without reverses. | ||
*'''Abraxas ''combined'' with other Gnostic Powers.''' If, in a single instance, this supreme being was represented in connection with powers of subordinate rank, nothing could have been more natural than to represent it also in combination with its emanations, the seven superior spirits, the thirty Aeons, and the three hundred and sixty-five cosmical Genii; and yet this occurs upon none of the relics as yet discovered, whilst those with Powers not belonging to the Gnostic system are frequently met with. | *'''Abraxas ''combined'' with other Gnostic Powers.''' If, in a single instance, this supreme being was represented in connection with powers of subordinate rank, nothing could have been more natural than to represent it also in combination with its emanations, the seven superior spirits, the thirty Aeons, and the three hundred and sixty-five cosmical Genii; and yet this occurs upon none of the relics as yet discovered, whilst those with Powers not belonging to the Gnostic system are frequently met with. | ||
*'''Abraxas with Jewish symbols.''' This combination predominates, not indeed with symbolical figures, but in the form of inscriptions, such as: ''[[Tetragrammaton|Iao]], [[Elohim|Eloai]], [[Adonai]], [[Sabaoth]], Michael, Gabriel, Uriel, Onoel, Ananoel, Raphael, Japlael'', and many others. The name ΙΑΩ, to which ΣΑΒΑΩΘ is sometimes added, is found with this figure even more frequently than ΑΒΡΑΣΑΞ, and they are often combined. Beside an Abrasax figure the following, for instance, is found: ΙΑΩ ΑΒΡΑΣΑΞ ΑΔΩΝ ΑΤΑ, "Iao Abrasax, thou art the Lord".{{ | *'''Abraxas with Jewish symbols.''' This combination predominates, not indeed with symbolical figures, but in the form of inscriptions, such as: ''[[Tetragrammaton|Iao]], [[Elohim|Eloai]], [[Adonai]], [[Sabaoth]], Michael, Gabriel, Uriel, Onoel, Ananoel, Raphael, Japlael'', and many others. The name ΙΑΩ, to which ΣΑΒΑΩΘ is sometimes added, is found with this figure even more frequently than ΑΒΡΑΣΑΞ, and they are often combined. Beside an Abrasax figure the following, for instance, is found: ΙΑΩ ΑΒΡΑΣΑΞ ΑΔΩΝ ΑΤΑ, "Iao Abrasax, thou art the Lord".<ref>{{cite book |last1=Bellermann |first1=Johann Joachim |title=J. J. Bellermann's drei programmen über die abraxas-gemmen |date=1820 |publisher=Berlin. In der Fr. Nicolaischen buchhandlung |page=[https://archive.org/details/jjbellermansdre00gymngoog/page/n113/mode/1up?q=adon+ata ii, 25] }} A reprint of Bellermann's ''Versuch über die Gemmen der Alten mit dem Abraxas-Bilde'' volumes, with a later contribution.</ref> With the Abrasax-shield are also found the divine names Sabaoth Iao, Iao Abrasax, Adonai Abrasax, etc.{{sfn|Baudissin|1876|p=189}} | ||
*'''Abraxas with Persian deities.''' Chiefly, perhaps exclusively, in combination with [[Mithras]], and possibly a few specimens with the mystical gradations of ''mithriaca'', upon Gnostic relics. | *'''Abraxas with Persian deities.''' Chiefly, perhaps exclusively, in combination with [[Mithras]], and possibly a few specimens with the mystical gradations of ''mithriaca'', upon Gnostic relics. | ||
*'''Abraxas with Egyptian deities.''' It is represented as a figure, with the sun-god Phre leading his chariot, or standing upon a lion borne by a crocodile; also as a name, in connection with [[Isis]], [[Ptah|Phtha]], [[Neith]], [[Hathor|Athor]], [[Thoth|Thot]], [[Anubis]], [[Horus]], and [[Harpocrates]] in a Lotus-leaf; also with a representation of the Nile, the symbol of prolificacy, with [[Agathodaemon]] ([[Chnuphis]]), or with [[scarab (artifact)|scarab]]s, the symbols of the revivifying energies of nature. | *'''Abraxas with Egyptian deities.''' It is represented as a figure, with the sun-god Phre leading his chariot, or standing upon a lion borne by a crocodile; also as a name, in connection with [[Isis]], [[Ptah|Phtha]], [[Neith]], [[Hathor|Athor]], [[Thoth|Thot]], [[Anubis]], [[Horus]], and [[Harpocrates]] in a Lotus-leaf; also with a representation of the Nile, the symbol of prolificacy, with [[Agathodaemon]] ([[Chnuphis]]), or with [[scarab (artifact)|scarab]]s, the symbols of the revivifying energies of nature. | ||
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**Those with iconisms, at times very small, but often made the prominent object, so that the legend is limited to a single word or name. Sometimes the legends are as important as the images. It is remarkable, however, that thus far none of the plates or medals found seem to have any of the forms or prayers reported by Origen. It is necessary to distinguish those specimens that belong to the proper Gnostic period from such as are indisputably of later origin, especially since there is a strong temptation to place those of more recent date among the older class. | **Those with iconisms, at times very small, but often made the prominent object, so that the legend is limited to a single word or name. Sometimes the legends are as important as the images. It is remarkable, however, that thus far none of the plates or medals found seem to have any of the forms or prayers reported by Origen. It is necessary to distinguish those specimens that belong to the proper Gnostic period from such as are indisputably of later origin, especially since there is a strong temptation to place those of more recent date among the older class. | ||
===Gallery=== | ====Gallery==== | ||
<gallery caption="Prints from [[Bernard de Montfaucon]]'s ''L'antiquité expliquée et représentée en figures'' (Band 2,2) page 358 ff."> | <gallery caption="Prints from [[Bernard de Montfaucon]]'s ''L'antiquité expliquée et représentée en figures'' (Band 2,2) page 358 ff."> | ||
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</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
=== Anguipede === | ==== Anguipede ==== | ||
In a great majority of instances the name Abraxas is associated with a singular composite figure, having a [[Chimera (mythology)|Chimera]]-like appearance somewhat resembling a [[basilisk]] or the Greek primordial god [[Chronos]] (not to be confused with the Greek titan [[Cronus]]). According to [[E. A. Wallis Budge]], "as a Pantheus, i.e. All-God, he appears on the amulets with the head of a [[rooster|cock]] ([[Phœbus]]) or of a lion ([[Ra]] or [[Mithras]]), the body of a man, and his legs are serpents which terminate in scorpions, types of the [[Agathodaemon|Agathodaimon]]. In his right hand he grasps a club, or a flail, and in his left is a round or oval shield." This form was also referred to as the [[Anguipede]]. Budge surmised that Abrasax was "a form of the [[Adam Kadmon]] of the [[Kabbalah|Kabbalists]] and the Primal Man whom God made in His own image".{{sfn|Budge|1930|pp = 209–210}} | In a great majority of instances the name Abraxas is associated with a singular composite figure, having a [[Chimera (mythology)|Chimera]]-like appearance somewhat resembling a [[basilisk]] or the Greek primordial god [[Chronos]] (not to be confused with the Greek titan [[Cronus]]). According to [[E. A. Wallis Budge]], "as a Pantheus, i.e. All-God, he appears on the amulets with the head of a [[rooster|cock]] ([[Phœbus]]) or of a lion ([[Ra]] or [[Mithras]]), the body of a man, and his legs are serpents which terminate in scorpions, types of the [[Agathodaemon|Agathodaimon]]. In his right hand he grasps a club, or a flail, and in his left is a round or oval shield." This form was also referred to as the [[Anguipede]]. Budge surmised that Abrasax was "a form of the [[Adam Kadmon]] of the [[Kabbalah|Kabbalists]] and the Primal Man whom God made in His own image".{{sfn|Budge|1930|pp = 209–210}} | ||
Some parts at least of the figure mentioned above are [[solar symbol]]s, and the Basilidian Abrasax is manifestly connected with the sun. J. J. Bellermann has speculated that "the whole represents the Supreme Being, with his Five great Emanations, each one pointed out by means of an expressive emblem. Thus, from the human body, the usual form assigned to the Deity, forasmuch as it is written that God created man in his own image, issue the two supporters, ''Nous'' and ''Logos'', symbols of the inner sense and the quickening understanding, as typified by the serpents, for the same reason that had induced the old Greeks to assign this reptile for an attribute to Pallas. His head—a cock's—represents ''Phronesis'', the fowl being emblematical of foresight and vigilance. His two hands bear the badges of ''Sophia'' and ''Dynamis'', the shield of Wisdom, and the scourge of Power."{{sfn|King|1887 | p= 246}} | Some parts at least of the figure mentioned above are [[solar symbol]]s, and the Basilidian Abrasax is manifestly connected with the sun. J. J. Bellermann has speculated that "the whole represents the Supreme Being, with his Five great Emanations, each one pointed out by means of an expressive emblem. Thus, from the human body, the usual form assigned to the Deity, forasmuch as it is written that God created man in his own image, issue the two supporters, ''Nous'' and ''Logos'', symbols of the inner sense and the quickening understanding, as typified by the serpents, for the same reason that had induced the old Greeks to assign this reptile for an attribute to Pallas. His head—a cock's—represents ''Phronesis'', the fowl being emblematical of foresight and vigilance. His two hands bear the badges of ''Sophia'' and ''Dynamis'', the shield of Wisdom, and the scourge of Power."{{sfn|King|1887 | p= 246}} | ||
=== Origin === | ==== Origin ==== | ||
[[File:Abraxas Artistic representationi.jpg|thumb|Medieval seal representing Abraxas.{{sfn|Ralls|2007|pp=184–185}}]] | [[File:Abraxas Artistic representationi.jpg|thumb|Medieval seal representing Abraxas.{{sfn|Ralls|2007|pp=184–185}}]] | ||
In the absence of other evidence to show the origin of these curious relics of antiquity the occurrence of a name known as Basilidian on patristic authority has not unnaturally been taken as a sufficient mark of origin, and the early collectors and critics assumed this whole group to be the work of Gnostics. During the last three centuries attempts have been made to sift away successively those gems that had no claim to be considered in any sense Gnostic, or specially Basilidian, or connected with Abrasax. The subject is one which has exercised the ingenuity of many savants, but it may be said that all the engraved stones fall into three classes:<ref name="Leclercq1913">{{catholic|wstitle=Abrasax|inline=yes|last=Leclercq|first=Henri|volume=1|year=1913}}</ref> | In the absence of other evidence to show the origin of these curious relics of antiquity the occurrence of a name known as Basilidian on patristic authority has not unnaturally been taken as a sufficient mark of origin, and the early collectors and critics assumed this whole group to be the work of Gnostics. During the last three centuries attempts have been made to sift away successively those gems that had no claim to be considered in any sense Gnostic, or specially Basilidian, or connected with Abrasax. The subject is one which has exercised the ingenuity of many savants, but it may be said that all the engraved stones fall into three classes:<ref name="Leclercq1913">{{catholic|wstitle=Abrasax|inline=yes|last=Leclercq|first=Henri|volume=1|year=1913}}</ref> | ||
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* ''Abraxoïdes'', or stones absolutely unconnected with the doctrine of Basilides<ref name="Leclercq1913"/> | * ''Abraxoïdes'', or stones absolutely unconnected with the doctrine of Basilides<ref name="Leclercq1913"/> | ||
While it would be rash to assert positively that no existing gems were the work of Gnostics, there is no valid reason for attributing all of them to such an origin. The fact that the name occurs on these gems in connection with representations of figures with the head of a cock, a lion, or an ass, and the tail of a serpent was formerly taken in the light of what Irenaeus says about the followers of Basilides: | While it would be rash to assert positively that no existing gems were the work of Gnostics, there is no valid reason for attributing all of them to such an origin.<ref name="WaceDict"/> The fact that the name occurs on these gems in connection with representations of figures with the head of a cock, a lion, or an ass, and the tail of a serpent was formerly taken in the light of what Irenaeus says about the followers of Basilides: | ||
{{blockquote|These men, moreover, practise magic, and use images, incantations, invocations, and every other kind of curious art. Coining also certain names as if they were those of the angels, they proclaim some of these as belonging to the first, and others to the second heaven; and then they strive to set forth the names, principles, angels, and powers of the 365 imagined heavens.|''Adversus hæreses'', I. xxiv. 5; ''cf''. Epiph. ''Haer''. 69 D; Philastr. ''Suer''. 32}} | {{blockquote|These men, moreover, practise magic, and use images, incantations, invocations, and every other kind of curious art. Coining also certain names as if they were those of the angels, they proclaim some of these as belonging to the first, and others to the second heaven; and then they strive to set forth the names, principles, angels, and powers of the 365 imagined heavens.|''Adversus hæreses'', I. xxiv. 5; ''cf''. Epiph. ''Haer''. 69 D; Philastr. ''Suer''. 32}} | ||
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Having due regard to the [[Greek Magical Papyri|magic papyri]], in which many of the unintelligible names of the Abrasax-stones reappear, besides directions for making and using gems with similar figures and formulas for magical purposes, it can scarcely be doubted that many of these stones are pagan amulets and instruments of magic. | Having due regard to the [[Greek Magical Papyri|magic papyri]], in which many of the unintelligible names of the Abrasax-stones reappear, besides directions for making and using gems with similar figures and formulas for magical purposes, it can scarcely be doubted that many of these stones are pagan amulets and instruments of magic. | ||
The magic papyri reflect the same ideas as the Abrasax-gems and often bear Hebraic names of God.<ref name="BlauKohler"/> The following example is illustrative: "I conjure you by [[Yao (Gnosticism)|Iaō]] [[Sabaoth|Sabaōth]] [[Adonai|Adōnai]] Abrasax, and by the great god, [[Yahweh|Iaeō]]".{{sfn|Betz|1996}}<ref>Wessely, ''Neue Zauberpapyri,'' p. 27, No. 229.</ref> The patriarchs are sometimes addressed as deities; for which fact many instances may be adduced. In the group "Iakoubia, Iaōsabaōth Adōnai Abrasax",{{sfn|Betz|1996}}{{sfn|Betz|1996|p=44}} the first name seems to be composed of [[Jacob]] and Ya. Similarly, entities considered angels in Judaism are invoked as gods alongside Abrasax: thus "I conjure you ... by the god [[Michael (archangel)|Michaēl]], by the god [[Sariel|Souriēl]], by the god [[Gabriel|Gabriēl]], by the god [[Raphael (archangel)|Raphaēl]], by the god Abrasax Ablathanalba Akrammachari ...".{{sfn|Betz|1996}} | The magic papyri reflect the same ideas as the Abrasax-gems and often bear Hebraic names of God.<ref name="BlauKohler">{{Cite Jewish Encyclopedia|title=Abraxas|last1=Blau|first1=Ludwig|last2=Kohler|first2=Kaufmann|pages=129–130|url=http://jewishencyclopedia.com/view.jsp?artid=633&letter=A}}</ref> The following example is illustrative: "I conjure you by [[Yao (Gnosticism)|Iaō]] [[Sabaoth|Sabaōth]] [[Adonai|Adōnai]] Abrasax, and by the great god, [[Yahweh|Iaeō]]".{{sfn|Betz|1996}}<ref>Wessely, ''Neue Zauberpapyri,'' p. 27, No. 229.</ref> The patriarchs are sometimes addressed as deities; for which fact many instances may be adduced. In the group "Iakoubia, Iaōsabaōth Adōnai Abrasax",{{sfn|Betz|1996}}{{sfn|Betz|1996|p=44}} the first name seems to be composed of [[Jacob]] and Ya. Similarly, entities considered angels in Judaism are invoked as gods alongside Abrasax: thus "I conjure you ... by the god [[Michael (archangel)|Michaēl]], by the god [[Sariel|Souriēl]], by the god [[Gabriel|Gabriēl]], by the god [[Raphael (archangel)|Raphaēl]], by the god Abrasax Ablathanalba Akrammachari ...".{{sfn|Betz|1996}} | ||
In text PGM V. 96–172, Abraxas is identified as part of the "true name which has been transmitted to the prophets of Israel" of the "Headless One, who created heaven and earth, who created night and day ... Osoronnophris whom none has ever seen ... awesome and invisible god with an empty spirit"; the name also includes Iaō and Adōnai.{{sfn|Betz|1996}} "Osoronnophris" represents Egyptian ''[[Osiris#Etymology of the name|Wsir]] [[wikt:wnn-nfr#Egyptian|Wn-nfr]]'', "[[Osiris]] the Perfect Being".{{sfn|Betz|1996}} Another identification with Osiris is made in PGM VII. 643-51: "you are not wine, but the guts of Osiris, the guts of ... Ablanathanalba Akrammachamarei Eee, who has been stationed over necessity, Iakoub Ia Iaō Sabaōth Adōnai Abrasax."{{sfn|Betz|1996}} PGM VIII. 1-63, on the other hand, identifies Abraxas as a name of "[[Hermes]]" (i.e. [[Thoth]]).{{sfn|Betz|1996}} Here the numerological properties of the name are invoked, with its seven letters corresponding to the seven planets and its [[isopsephy|isopsephic]] value of 365 corresponding to the days of the year.{{sfn|Betz|1996}} Thoth is also identified with Abrasax in PGM LXXIX. 1-7: "I am the soul of darkness, Abrasax, the eternal one, Michaēl, but my true name is Thōouth, Thōouth."{{sfn|Betz|1996}} | In text PGM V. 96–172, Abraxas is identified as part of the "true name which has been transmitted to the prophets of Israel" of the "Headless One, who created heaven and earth, who created night and day ... Osoronnophris whom none has ever seen ... awesome and invisible god with an empty spirit"; the name also includes Iaō and Adōnai.{{sfn|Betz|1996}} "Osoronnophris" represents Egyptian ''[[Osiris#Etymology of the name|Wsir]] [[wikt:wnn-nfr#Egyptian|Wn-nfr]]'', "[[Osiris]] the Perfect Being".{{sfn|Betz|1996}} Another identification with Osiris is made in PGM VII. 643-51: "you are not wine, but the guts of Osiris, the guts of ... Ablanathanalba Akrammachamarei Eee, who has been stationed over necessity, Iakoub Ia Iaō Sabaōth Adōnai Abrasax."{{sfn|Betz|1996}} PGM VIII. 1-63, on the other hand, identifies Abraxas as a name of "[[Hermes]]" (i.e. [[Thoth]]).{{sfn|Betz|1996}} Here the numerological properties of the name are invoked, with its seven letters corresponding to the seven planets and its [[isopsephy|isopsephic]] value of 365 corresponding to the days of the year.{{sfn|Betz|1996}} Thoth is also identified with Abrasax in PGM LXXIX. 1-7: "I am the soul of darkness, Abrasax, the eternal one, Michaēl, but my true name is Thōouth, Thōouth."{{sfn|Betz|1996}} | ||
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The [[Leyden papyrus X|Leyden Papyrus]] recommends that this invocation be pronounced to the moon: | The [[Leyden papyrus X|Leyden Papyrus]] recommends that this invocation be pronounced to the moon: | ||
{{blockquote|[24] Ho! Sax, [[Amun]], Sax, Abraxas; for thou art the moon, (25) the chief of the stars, he that did form them, listen to the things that I have(?) said, follow the (words) of my mouth, reveal thyself to me, Than, (26) Thana, Thanatha, otherwise Thei, this is my correct name.{{sfn|Griffith|1904|loc=[http://www.sacred-texts.com/egy/dmp/dmp26.htm Col. XXIII]}}}} | {{blockquote|[24] Ho! Sax, [[Amun]], Sax, Abraxas; for thou art the moon, (25) the chief of the stars, he that did form them, listen to the things that I have(?) said, follow the (words) of my mouth, reveal thyself to me, Than, (26) Thana, Thanatha, otherwise Thei, this is my correct name.{{sfn|Griffith|1904|loc=[http://www.sacred-texts.com/egy/dmp/dmp26.htm Col. XXIII]}}}}<!--Orphan ref: {{Cite Jewish Encyclopedia|title=Abraxas|last1=Blau|first1=Ludwig|last2=Kohler|first2=Kaufmann|pages=129–130|url=http://jewishencyclopedia.com/view.jsp?artid=633&letter=A}}--> | ||
{{ | === Other === | ||
Abrasax ({{lang|arc|אברסכס}}, occasionally {{lang|arc|אברסקוס}}, {{lang|arc|אברכסיס}}, etc.) is also found in several Semitic sources, extending into the middle ages: late antique [[Aramaic]] (or bilingual) magical texts from Palestine;<ref name="Naveh-Shaked">{{Cite book| edition = 3| publisher = Magnes Press, Hebrew University| isbn = 978-965-223-531-2| last1 = Naveh| first1 = Joseph| last2 = Shaked| first2 = Shaul| title = Amulets and magic bowls: Aramaic incantations of late antiquity| location = Jerusalem| year= 1998|postscript=none}}: 37, 42, 49, 96, 231.</ref><ref>{{Cite journal| doi = 10.2143/MUS.134.1.3289396| issn = 1783-158X| issue = 1| pages = 13–34| last1 = Kotansky, Roy D.| last2 = Tomlin, Roger S.O.| title = A Bilingual Graeco-Aramaic Silver Lamella from Jerusalem| journal = Le Muséon| access-date = 2026-02-18| year= 2021| url = https://doi.org/10.2143/MUS.134.1.3289396}}</ref><ref name="MSF">{{cite book |last1=Naveh |first1=Joseph |last2=Shaked |first2=Shaul |title=Magic spells and formulae: Aramaic incantations of late antiquity |date=1993 |publisher=Magnes Press, The Hebrew Univ |location=Jerusalem |isbn=978-965-223-841-2 |postscript=none}}: Amulets 19, 24, 22 (?).</ref> [[Incantation bowl]]s from Mesopotamia;<ref>{{cite book |last1=Montgomery |first1=James A. (James Alan) |title=Aramaic incantation texts from Nippur |date=1913 |publisher=Philadelphia University museum |page=151 |url= https://archive.org/details/aramaicincantati00montuoft/page/151/mode/1up}}</ref> [[Judeo-Arabic]] and [[Hebrew]] magical texts from the [[Cairo Genizah]];<ref name="Wassn14">{{cite book |last1=Wasserstrom |first1=Steven M |editor1-last=Blau |editor1-first=Joshua |editor2-last=Reif |editor2-first=Stefan C. |title=Genizah research after ninety years, the case of Judaeo-Arabic: papers read at the Third Congress of the Society for Judaeo-Arabic Studies |date=1992 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |location=Cambridge [England]; New York |isbn=9780521417730 |page=161 |chapter=The Magical Texts from the Cairo Genizah}}</ref><ref>Including: T-S K 1.73; T-S K1.121; T-S K1.108; T-S K1.127, which are in the [[Cambridge Digital Library]]</ref><ref>[https://cudl.lib.cam.ac.uk/view/MS-TS-K-00001-00163/1 T-S K 1.163] and [https://cudl.lib.cam.ac.uk/view/MS-TS-NS-00153-00162/1 T-S NS 153.162] are amulets where ''Abrasax'' appears in a magic triangle or vanishing fashion, as with ''Abracadabra''. See an edition in {{Cite book| publisher = Mohr Siebeck| doi = 10.1628/978-3-16-158749-8| isbn = 978-3-16-146667-0| volume = 2| editor1-first = Peter |editor1-last=Schäfer |editor2-first=Shaul |editor2-last=Shaked | title = Magische Texte aus der Kairoer Geniza |year = 2020 |pages=246ff| postscript=none}}. The technique is widespread regardless of ''Abrasax'' terms however; its graphic design is called in Greek sources heart-shaped ''καρδιοειδώς'', "grape-bunch" ''βοτρυδόν'' or simply "receding" ''ἀναχωρίς''. See {{Cite book| publisher = Cambridge University Press| isbn = 978-0-521-87457-1| last = Bohak| first = Gideon| title = Ancient Jewish magic: a history| location = Cambridge, UK; New York| date = 2008 |postscript=none}}, pp. 265-270.</ref> the Hebrew ''[[Sefer HaRazim]]'' which has been reconstructed from the Genizah - here Abrasax is the first among some thirty angels directing the sun during the day;<ref name="Naveh-Shaked" /> Aramaic-Hebrew ''[[The Sword of Moses]]'' (?); and possibly in an [[Arabic]] charm from [[Aswan]] (as {{lang|ar|ابراهوس}}).<ref name="Wassn14"/><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Margoliouth |first1=D. S. |last2=Holmyard |first2=E. J. |title=Arabic Documents from the Monneret Collection |journal=Islamica |date=1928 |publisher=Asia Publishing |pages=[https://archive.org/details/dli.ernet.103462/page/257/mode/1up 257-258] |volume=4}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |website=Texts & Scripts from Elephantine|url=https://elephantine.smb.museum/objects/object.php?o=309583 |title=[Object 309583]}}</ref> | |||
== In architecture == | == In architecture == | ||
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== In literature == | == In literature == | ||
[[File:Abraxas.png|thumb|Abraxas from ''[[Infernal Dictionary]]'', 6th Edition, 1863, with descriptions of Abraxas as having a "rooster's head, dragon's feet and a whip in his hand", and a "king's head and snakes in lieu of feet"<ref name="Plancy1863IA">{{cite book |last1=Collin de Plancy |first1=J.-A.-S. (Jacques-Albin-Simon) |title=Dictionnaire infernal; répertoire universel des êtres, des personnages, des livres, des faits et des choses qui tiennent aux esprits .. |date=1863 |publisher=Paris, H. Plon |url=https://archive.org/details/dictionnaireinfe00coll_1/page/4/mode/1up}}</ref>]] | |||
{{unordered list | {{unordered list | ||
| In the 1516 novel ''[[Utopia (More book)|Utopia]]'' by [[Thomas More]], the island called Utopia once had the name "Abraxa", which scholars have suggested is a related use.{{sfn|More|Armes|1891|p=268}} | | In the 1516 novel ''[[Utopia (More book)|Utopia]]'' by [[Thomas More]], the island called Utopia once had the name "Abraxa", which scholars have suggested is a related use.{{sfn|More|Armes|1891|p=268}} | ||
| [[Jacques Collin de Plancy]]'s {{lang|fr|[[Dictionnaire Infernal]]}} (Infernal Dictionary), published in 1818, states that Abraxas (or Abracax) was an anguipede (a deity represented with snake feet) pagan God of "Asian theogonies" with a "rooster's head, dragon's feet and a whip in his hand". De Plancy says that demonologists describe Abraxas as a demon having a "king's head and snakes in lieu of feet". | | [[Jacques Collin de Plancy]]'s {{lang|fr|[[Dictionnaire Infernal]]}} (Infernal Dictionary), published in 1818, states that Abraxas (or Abracax) was an anguipede (a deity represented with snake feet) pagan God of "Asian theogonies" with a "rooster's head, dragon's feet and a whip in his hand". De Plancy says that demonologists describe Abraxas as a demon having a "king's head and snakes in lieu of feet".<ref name="Plancy1863IA" /> | ||
| Abrasax is invoked in [[Aleister Crowley]]'s 1913 work | |||
| Abrasax is invoked in [[Aleister Crowley]]'s 1913 work "[[The Gnostic Mass]]" of [[Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica]]: | |||
{{blockquote|IO IO IO IAO SABAO KURIE ABRASAX KURIE MEITHRAS KURIE PHALLE. IO PAN, IO PAN PAN IO ISCHUROS, IO ATHANATOS IO ABROTOS IO IAO. KAIRE PHALLE KAIRE PAMPHAGE KAIRE PANGENETOR. HAGIOS, HAGIOS, HAGIOS IAO.<ref>[http://www.scarletwoman.org/docs/docs_mass.html Gnostic Mass, Liber XV, Ecclesiæ Gnosticæ Catholicæ Canon Missæ], hosted by the Scarlet Woman Lodge of [[Ordo Templi Orientis]] in Austin, Texas.</ref>}} | {{blockquote|IO IO IO IAO SABAO KURIE ABRASAX KURIE MEITHRAS KURIE PHALLE. IO PAN, IO PAN PAN IO ISCHUROS, IO ATHANATOS IO ABROTOS IO IAO. KAIRE PHALLE KAIRE PAMPHAGE KAIRE PANGENETOR. HAGIOS, HAGIOS, HAGIOS IAO.<ref>[http://www.scarletwoman.org/docs/docs_mass.html Gnostic Mass, Liber XV, Ecclesiæ Gnosticæ Catholicæ Canon Missæ], hosted by the Scarlet Woman Lodge of [[Ordo Templi Orientis]] in Austin, Texas.</ref>}} | ||
| Abraxas is an important figure in [[Carl Jung]]'s 1916 book ''[[Seven Sermons to the Dead]]'', a representation of the driving force of individuation (synthesis, maturity, oneness), referred with the figures for the driving forces of differentiation (emergence of consciousness and opposites), Helios God-the-Sun, and the Devil.{{sfn|Hoeller|2009|p=77}} | | Abraxas is an important figure in [[Carl Jung]]'s 1916 book ''[[Seven Sermons to the Dead]]'', a representation of the driving force of individuation (synthesis, maturity, oneness), referred with the figures for the driving forces of differentiation (emergence of consciousness and opposites), Helios God-the-Sun, and the Devil.{{sfn|Hoeller|2009|p=77}} | ||
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| [[Salman Rushdie]]'s novel ''[[Midnight's Children]]'' (1981) contains a reference to Abraxas in the chapter "Abracadabra": | | [[Salman Rushdie]]'s novel ''[[Midnight's Children]]'' (1981) contains a reference to Abraxas in the chapter "Abracadabra": | ||
{{blockquote|Abracadabra: not an Indian word at all, a cabbalistic formula derived from the name of the supreme god of the Basilidan gnostics, containing the number 365, the number of the days of the year, and of the heavens, and of the spirits emanating from the god Abraxas.|Saleem Sinai}} | {{blockquote|Abracadabra: not an Indian word at all, a cabbalistic formula derived from the name of the supreme god of the Basilidan gnostics, containing the number 365, the number of the days of the year, and of the heavens, and of the spirits emanating from the god Abraxas.|Saleem Sinai}} | ||
| In [[J.K. Rowling]]'s novel ''[[Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince]]'' (2005), in Chapter 9, [[Draco Malfoy]] mentioned his grandfather, named Abraxas. | |||
{{blockquote|'Sir, I think you knew my grandfather, Abraxas Malfoy?'|Draco Malfoy}} | |||
}} | }} | ||
==In popular culture== | ==In popular culture== | ||
*In 1970, American rock band [[Santana (band)|Santana]] released their second album titled [[Abraxas (album)|Abraxas]]. | |||
*In 1999, American television show [[Charmed]] featured a demon named Abraxas in their season 2 premiere episode "Witch Trial". | |||
*In 2014, Sarah J. Mass’s book [[Heir of Fire]] from the [[Throne of Glass]] series introduces the wyvern named Abraxos. | |||
*In 2018, the [[surrealist action horror film]] '[[Mandy (2018 film)|Mandy]]' created by Italian-Canadian director [[Panos Cosmatos]] features a member of the Children of the New Dawn who uses a supernatural artifact known as the Horn of Abraxas to summon a demonic biker gang known as the Black Skulls. The horn is a small, emerald-coloured stone object that resembles a prehistoric ocarina or flute with four holes. | |||
*In 2021, the [[indie game]] '[[Cruelty Squad]]' created by Finnish developer [[Ville Kallio]] featured Abraxas as a titular antagonist and final boss of the game, along with other various inspirations from Gnosticism. | |||
*In the 2022 [[folk horror]] video game ''[[The Excavation of Hob's Barrow]]'', published by [[Wadjet Eye Games]], Abraxas features as a long-dormant god/demon inspired by the original [[Gnosticism|Gnostic mythology]].<ref>{{cite web |title= The Gnostic Horror of The Excavation of Hob's Barrow |date= 23 November 2022 |url= https://www.mashxtomuse.com/single-post/the-gnostic-horror-of-the-excavation-of-hob-s-barrow |publisher= Mash X to Muse}}</ref> | *In the 2022 [[folk horror]] video game ''[[The Excavation of Hob's Barrow]]'', published by [[Wadjet Eye Games]], Abraxas features as a long-dormant god/demon inspired by the original [[Gnosticism|Gnostic mythology]].<ref>{{cite web |title= The Gnostic Horror of The Excavation of Hob's Barrow |date= 23 November 2022 |url= https://www.mashxtomuse.com/single-post/the-gnostic-horror-of-the-excavation-of-hob-s-barrow |publisher= Mash X to Muse}}</ref> | ||
*The 2023 horror movie ''[[Late Night with the Devil]]'' includes mention of a fictional cult that worships Abraxas.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Haysom |first=Sam |date=2024-03-22 |title='Late Night with the Devil's disturbing ending, explained |url=https://mashable.com/article/late-night-with-the-devil-ending-explainer |access-date=2024-04-07 |website=Mashable |language=en}}</ref> | *The 2023 horror movie ''[[Late Night with the Devil]]'' includes mention of a fictional cult that worships Abraxas.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Haysom |first=Sam |date=2024-03-22 |title='Late Night with the Devil's disturbing ending, explained |url=https://mashable.com/article/late-night-with-the-devil-ending-explainer |access-date=2024-04-07 |website=Mashable |language=en}}</ref> | ||
*In the 2024 video game [[Life Is Strange: Double Exposure]] and its 2026 sequel [[Life Is Strange: Reunion]], Abraxas is a secret society at the fictional Caledon University. | |||
*In 2025 video game [[Elden Ring Nightreign]], the character Guardian is designed after Abraxas. | |||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
* | * {{annotated link|Arimanius}} | ||
* | * {{annotated link|Chronos}} | ||
* | * {{annotated link|Sator Square}} | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
| Line 172: | Line 181: | ||
===Works cited=== | ===Works cited=== | ||
{{refbegin|30em}} | |||
* {{cite book |last1=Baudissin |first1=Wolf Wilhelm von |title=Studien zur semitischen Religionsgeschichte: 1.: Heft 1 |date=1876 |publisher=Fr. Wilhelm Grunow |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=42PjwZWtWgUC |access-date=26 April 2020 |language=de}} | * {{cite book |last1=Baudissin |first1=Wolf Wilhelm von |title=Studien zur semitischen Religionsgeschichte: 1.: Heft 1 |date=1876 |publisher=Fr. Wilhelm Grunow |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=42PjwZWtWgUC |access-date=26 April 2020 |language=de}} | ||
* {{cite book |last1=Bellermann |first1=Johann Joachim |title=Versuch über die Gemmen der Alten mit dem Abraxas-Bilde |date=1819 |publisher=Dieterici |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=urROAAAAcAAJ |access-date=26 April 2020 |language=de}} | * {{cite book |last1=Bellermann |first1=Johann Joachim |title=Versuch über die Gemmen der Alten mit dem Abraxas-Bilde |date=1819 |publisher=Dieterici |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=urROAAAAcAAJ |access-date=26 April 2020 |language=de}} | ||
| Line 179: | Line 189: | ||
* {{cite book |last1=Harnack |first1=Adolf von |title=Über das gnostische buch Pistis-sophia. Brod und Wasser: die eucharistischen elemente bei Justin: Zwei Untersuchungen |date=1891 |publisher=J. C. Hinrichs |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XcQXyQEACAAJ |language=de}} | * {{cite book |last1=Harnack |first1=Adolf von |title=Über das gnostische buch Pistis-sophia. Brod und Wasser: die eucharistischen elemente bei Justin: Zwei Untersuchungen |date=1891 |publisher=J. C. Hinrichs |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XcQXyQEACAAJ |language=de}} | ||
* {{cite book |last1=Hoeller |first1=Stephan A. |title=The Gnostic Jung and the Seven Sermons to the Dead |date=2009 |publisher=Quest Books |isbn=978-0-8356-3024-5 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jlFbBgAAQBAJ }} | * {{cite book |last1=Hoeller |first1=Stephan A. |title=The Gnostic Jung and the Seven Sermons to the Dead |date=2009 |publisher=Quest Books |isbn=978-0-8356-3024-5 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jlFbBgAAQBAJ }} | ||
* {{cite book |last1=King |first1=Charles William |title=The Gnostics and Their Remains: Ancient and Mediaeval |date=1887 |publisher=D. Nutt |url=https://archive.org/details/gnosticsandtheir00kinguoft }} | * {{cite book |last1=King |first1=Charles William |author-link= Charles William King |title=The Gnostics and Their Remains: Ancient and Mediaeval |date=1887 |publisher=D. Nutt |url=https://archive.org/details/gnosticsandtheir00kinguoft |edition= 2nd}} [http://www.sacred-texts.com/gno/gar/index.htm html version]. | ||
* {{cite book|last=Mead|first=G. R. S.|chapter-url=https://www.sacred-texts.com/gno/th1/th145.htm|chapter=XI. Concerning the Æon-Doctrine|title=Thrice-Greatest Hermes|volume=1|year=1906|location=London and Benares|publisher=The Theosophical Publishing Society }} | * {{cite book|last=Mead|first=G. R. S.|chapter-url=https://www.sacred-texts.com/gno/th1/th145.htm|chapter=XI. Concerning the Æon-Doctrine|title=Thrice-Greatest Hermes|volume=1|year=1906|location=London and Benares|publisher=The Theosophical Publishing Society }} | ||
* {{cite book |last1=More |first1=Thomas |last2=Armes |first2=William Dallam |title=Utopia |date=1891 |publisher=Columbian Publishing Company |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DVhJAAAAYAAJ }} | * {{cite book |last1=More |first1=Thomas |last2=Armes |first2=William Dallam |title=Utopia |date=1891 |publisher=Columbian Publishing Company |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DVhJAAAAYAAJ }} | ||
| Line 185: | Line 195: | ||
* {{cite book |last1=Ralls |first1=Karen |title=Knights Templar Encyclopedia |date=2007 |publisher=Red Wheel/Weiser |isbn=978-1-56414-926-8 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-9pEDwAAQBAJ }} | * {{cite book |last1=Ralls |first1=Karen |title=Knights Templar Encyclopedia |date=2007 |publisher=Red Wheel/Weiser |isbn=978-1-56414-926-8 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-9pEDwAAQBAJ }} | ||
* {{cite book |last1=Reuvens |first1=Casparus Jacobus Christianus |title=Lettres à m. Letronne ... sur les papyrus bilingues et grecs, et sur quelques autres monumens gréco-égyptiens du Musée d'antiquités de l'université de Leide |date=1830 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3IJUl7NcooQC |language=fr}} | * {{cite book |last1=Reuvens |first1=Casparus Jacobus Christianus |title=Lettres à m. Letronne ... sur les papyrus bilingues et grecs, et sur quelques autres monumens gréco-égyptiens du Musée d'antiquités de l'université de Leide |date=1830 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3IJUl7NcooQC |language=fr}} | ||
{{refend}} | |||
===General references=== | ===General references=== | ||
* {{cite book|first=C.|last=Salmasius|title=De armis climactericis|page=572|location=Leyden|year=1648}} | <!--From the Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia-->{{refbegin|30em}} | ||
*Wendelin, in a letter in {{cite book|title=J. Macarii Abraxas ... accedit Abraxas Proteus, seu multiformis gemmæ Basilidainæ portentosa varietas, exhibita ... a J. Chifletio|pages=112–115|location=Antwerp|year=1657}} | * {{cite book |first=C. |last=Salmasius |title=De armis climactericis |page=572 |location=Leyden |year=1648}} | ||
* {{cite book|first=I. |last=de Beausobre|title=Histoire critique de Manichée et du Manichéisme|volume=ii|pages=50–69|location=Amsterdam|year=1739}} | *Wendelin, in a letter in {{cite book |title=J. Macarii Abraxas ... accedit Abraxas Proteus, seu multiformis gemmæ Basilidainæ portentosa varietas, exhibita ... a J. Chifletio |pages=112–115 |location=Antwerp |year=1657}} | ||
* {{cite book|first=J. B. |last=Passerius|title=De gemmis Basilidianis diatriba, in Gori, Thesaurus gemmarum antiquarum astriferarum, ii. |pages=221–286|location=Florence|year=1750}} | * {{cite book |first=I. |last=de Beausobre |title=Histoire critique de Manichée et du Manichéisme |volume=ii |pages=50–69 |location=Amsterdam |year=1739}} | ||
* {{cite book|author1=Tubières de Grimvard |author2=Count de Caylus |title=Recueil d'antiquités, vi|pages=65–66|location=Paris|year=1764}} | * {{cite book |first=J. B. |last=Passerius |title=De gemmis Basilidianis diatriba, in Gori, Thesaurus gemmarum antiquarum astriferarum, ii. |pages=221–286 |location=Florence |year=1750}} | ||
* {{cite book|first=F. |last=Münter|title=Versuch über die kirchlichen Alterthümer der Gnostiker|pages=203–214|location=Anspach|year=1790}} | * {{cite book |author1=Tubières de Grimvard |author2=Count de Caylus |title=Recueil d'antiquités, vi |pages=65–66 |location=Paris |year=1764}} | ||
* {{cite book|first=J. |last=Matter|title=Histoire critique du Gnosticisme|volume=i|location=Paris|year=1828}} | * {{cite book |first=F. |last=Münter |title=Versuch über die kirchlichen Alterthümer der Gnostiker |pages=203–214 |location=Anspach |year=1790}} | ||
* | * {{cite book |first=J. |last=Matter |title=Histoire critique du Gnosticisme |volume=i |location=Paris |year=1828}} | ||
* {{cite book|first=S. |last=Sharpe|title=Egyptian Mythology and Egyptian Christianity|page=252, note|location=London|year=1863|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/egy/emec/index.htm}} | *Matter, ''Abraxas'' in Herzog, ''[[:de:Realenzyklopädie für protestantische Theologie und Kirche]]'', 2d ed., 1877, pp. [https://archive.org/details/realencyklopdie10herzgoog/page/n115/mode/1up 103ff]. | ||
* {{cite journal|last=Geiger|title=Abraxas und Elxai|journal=Zeitschrift der Deutschen Morgenländischen Gesellschaft|volume=xviii|year=1864|pages=824–825}} | * {{cite book |first=S. |last=Sharpe |title=Egyptian Mythology and Egyptian Christianity |page=252, note |location=London |year=1863 |url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/egy/emec/index.htm}} | ||
* {{cite book|first=G. |last=Barzilai|title=Gli Abraxas, studio archeologico|location=Trieste|year=1873}} | * {{cite journal |last=Geiger |title=Abraxas und Elxai |journal=Zeitschrift der Deutschen Morgenländischen Gesellschaft |volume=xviii |year=1864 |pages=824–825}} | ||
* | * {{cite book |first=G. |last=Barzilai |title=Gli Abraxas, studio archeologico |location=Trieste |year=1873}} | ||
* {{cite book|first=E. |last=Renan|title=Histoire des origines du Christianisme|volume=vi|page=160|location=Paris|year=1879 | *Barzilai, ''Appendice alla dissertazione sugli Abraxas'', ib. 1874. | ||
* {{cite book |first=E. |last=Renan |title=Histoire des origines du Christianisme |volume=vi |page=160 |location=Paris |year=1879}} | |||
*Harnack, ''Geschichte'', i. 161. | *Harnack, ''Geschichte'', i. 161. | ||
* {{cite book|first=B. |last=de Montfaucon|title=L'Antiquité expliquée|volume=ii|page=356|location=Paris|year=1719–1724}} Eng. transl., 10 vols., London, 1721–2725. | *Wessely, ''Ephesia grammata'', vol. ii., Vienna, 1886. | ||
* {{cite book|first=R. E.|last=Raspe|title=Descriptive catalogue of ... engraved Gems ... cast ... by J. Tassie |volume=2 vols|location=London|year=1791}} | * {{cite book |first=B. |last=de Montfaucon |title=L'Antiquité expliquée |volume=ii |page=356 |location=Paris |year=1719–1724}} Eng. transl., 10 vols., London, 1721–2725. | ||
* {{cite book|first=J. M. A. |last=Chabouillet|title=Catalogue général et raisonné des camées et pierres gravées de la Bibliothèque Impériale|url=https://archive.org/details/cataloguegnralet00chab |location=Paris|year=1858}} | * {{cite book |first=R. E. |last=Raspe |title=Descriptive catalogue of ... engraved Gems ... cast ... by J. Tassie |volume=2 vols |location=London |year=1791}} | ||
* {{cite book |first=J. M. A. |last=Chabouillet |title=Catalogue général et raisonné des camées et pierres gravées de la Bibliothèque Impériale |url=https://archive.org/details/cataloguegnralet00chab |location=Paris |year=1858}} | |||
<!--Not from Schaff-Herzog, old but looks useful:-->* {{Cite encyclopedia |editor-last=Cabrol |editor-first=Fernand |chapter=Abrasax |chapter-url= https://archive.org/details/dictionnairedarcv1p1cabr/page/n95/mode/1up |pages=127ff |title=Dictionnaire d'archéologie chrétienne et de liturgie |last=Leclercq |first=Henri |year=1924 |orig-year=1907 |publisher=Letouzey |location=Paris}} | |||
{{refend}} | |||
===Attribution=== | ===Attribution=== | ||
* {{source-attribution|{{cite book|last=Herzog|first=Johann Jakob|title=Protestant Theological and Ecclesiastical Encyclopedia, Volume I|year=1860|publisher=Lindsay & Blakiston|pages=28–29|location=Philadelphia|chapter=Abraxas|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HaMAAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA28}}}} | * {{source-attribution|{{cite book|last=Herzog|first=Johann Jakob|title=Protestant Theological and Ecclesiastical Encyclopedia, Volume I|year=1860|publisher=Lindsay & Blakiston|pages=28–29|location=Philadelphia|chapter=Abraxas|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HaMAAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA28}}}} | ||
* {{source-attribution|{{cite book|title=A Dictionary of Christian Biography, Literature, Sects and Doctrines, Being a Continuation of 'The Dictionary of the Bible'|first1=William |last1=Smith |author-link= William Smith (lexicographer) |first2=Henry|last2=Wace|author-link2= Henry Wace (Anglican priest) }}}} | * {{source-attribution|{{cite book|title=A Dictionary of Christian Biography, Literature, Sects and Doctrines, Being a Continuation of 'The Dictionary of the Bible'|first1=William |last1=Smith |author-link= William Smith (lexicographer) |first2=Henry|last2=Wace|author-link2= Henry Wace (Anglican priest) }}}} | ||
* {{Schaff-Herzog|title=Abraxas|first=W.|last=Drexler|url=https:// | * {{Schaff-Herzog|title=Abraxas|first=W.|last=Drexler |url=https://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/encyc01.html?term=abrasax |volume=1|pages=16,17 |year=1908}} | ||
==Further reading== | ==Further reading== | ||
| Line 218: | Line 232: | ||
* [http://www.gnosis.org/library/7Sermons.htm The complete texts of Carl Jung's "The Seven Sermons To The Dead"] | * [http://www.gnosis.org/library/7Sermons.htm The complete texts of Carl Jung's "The Seven Sermons To The Dead"] | ||
* [https://www.themystica.com/abraxas/ Abraxas article from ''The Mystica''] | * [https://www.themystica.com/abraxas/ Abraxas article from ''The Mystica''] | ||
{{Gnosticism topics}} | |||
{{Authority control}} | {{Authority control}} | ||