In 'The Donkey King', Emily Selove explores the multifaceted role of the donkey in Arabic literature, revealing its significance as both a comedic figure and a powerful symbol in magical texts. The book discusses the donkey's presence in the 13th-century grimoire, al-Sakkākī's Kitāb al-Shāmil, where it is associated with jinn and illustrates the duality of its symbolism—the donkey embodies base materiality while also standing as a protective figure against the demonic. Selove's analysis spans various cultural contexts, including ancient Near Eastern, Egyptian, Greek, and medieval Jewish and Christian perspectives, making it a compelling read for those intrigued by animals, folklore, and medieval magic.
The double-sided nature of asinine symbology reveals that the donkey, often mocked, embodies both base materiality and transcendence, serving as a companion to both prophets and demons.
In Arabic literature and occult rituals, the donkey serves as a symbol of comic relief, while also embodying deeper meanings connected to the supernatural and material world.
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