Jo Ann (or others),
Is there any literature on the motif of imbibing demons and the ill
effects thereof? I am interested in a variant of this motif, in which it is
not a demon, but a worm of some sort which is swallowed, and the result is
physical ailment (typically the victim swells up) rather than possession.
thanks,
meg
> It is very common in hagiography to find devils hiding in potable fluids or
> on prepared foodstuffs. The purpose is to sneak into an unwary person who
> eats or drinks without first blessing what is to be consumed and take
> possession. It is a characteristic of many saints that they can perceive
> such demons. However, I don't see that stealing a frying pan could possibly
> relate to this practice.
> Jo Ann
Margaret Cormack [log in to unmask]
Dept. of Philosophy and Religion fax: 843-953-6388
College of Charleston tel: 843-953-8033
Charleston, SC 29424-0001
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