"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."
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-SakkÄkÄ«'s KitÄb al-ShÄmil, where it is associated with jinn and illustrates the duality of its symbolismâthe 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.
Read at Medievalists.net
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