Abstract
This chapter examines the impact of Frazer's Law of Similarity on the study of Greco-Roman defixiones (curse tablets). Through a historiographic overview, the enduring influence of Frazer's theory of sympathetic magic can be shown. The idea of “similarity” as a sympathetic force that motivated ritual practitioners has been both upheld and challenged by scholars of ancient ritual practice, and disagreements over its applicability still continue today. The usefulness of the Law of Similarity is then evaluated through a case study of three Greco-Roman defixiones that utilise the so-called similia similibus formula.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | A Century of James Frazer’s The Golden Bough |
| Subtitle of host publication | Shaking the Tree, Breaking the Bough |
| Editors | Stephanie Lynn Budin, Caroline J. Tully |
| Place of Publication | Abingdon Oxon UK |
| Publisher | Routledge |
| Chapter | 12 |
| Pages | 187-207 |
| Number of pages | 21 |
| Edition | 1st |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9781032695655 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9781032695631 , 9781032695648 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2025 |
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