Narratives of Power
A Typology of Syriac Historiolae with a Case Study of Charms against the ‘Child-Stealing Witch’
Abstract
This article examines the historiola in Syriac magic across medieval and modern manuscripts. Section 2 proposes a working typology of Syriac historiolae and tests the applicability of David Frankfurter’s scheme to this material. Section 3 surveys narrative charms as a specific class of historiolae analyzing them thematically and structurally. Section 4 focuses on Syriac narrative charms that preserve a specific motif – the St. Sisinnius Legend. It serves as a case study, examining three Syriac narrative charms in which this motif is attested and revealing their connections to other magical traditions of the Middle East and the Mediterranean.
Presentato: 11 Febbraio 2026 | Accettato: 23 Maggio 2026 | Pubblicato 08 Ottobre 2026 | Lingua: en
Keywords Encounter charm • Historiola • Sisinnius Legend • Syriac magic • Christian amulets • St
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Permalink http://doi.org/10.30687/QU/3103-5450/2025/02/003