Motif
iron as apotropaic protection against spirits
iron_as_apotropaic_protection_against_spirits
A motif of the Sacred Treasures and Power Objects family, within the sub-family Protective Charms and Apotropaic Objects. Every row below is a tagged passage; each rests on a quote in its source text.
2 occurrences
1 traditions
comparative
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The Golden Bough: A Study in Comparative Religion (Vol. 1 of 2) CHAPTER I. THE KING OF THE WOOD. / MACAULAY. / CHAPTER II. THE PERILS OF THE SOUL. / HEINE.; lines 4265-4343 confidence: high
Because iron is deemed obnoxious to spirits, the passage says it can be used as a charm to ban ghosts and dangerous spirits, who will not approach persons or things protected by it.
The passage repeatedly describes iron objects being used to keep away ghosts, demons, evil spirits, or death after a death or danger.
read in the book → -
The Golden Bough: A Study in Comparative Religion (Vol. 1 of 2) CHAPTER I. THE KING OF THE WOOD. / MACAULAY. / CHAPTER II. THE PERILS OF THE SOUL. / HEINE.; lines 4265-4343 confidence: high
Because iron is thought obnoxious to spirits, it can be used as a charm for banning ghosts and dangerous spirits.
Iron is described as obnoxious to spirits and used in Scotland, Morocco, India, and north-east Scotland to repel demons, ghosts, evil spirits, or death.
read in the book →