Bonus Chapter: The Legacy of Exorcism
For as long as humans have feared the darkness, they have also sought ways to expel it. The art of exorcism—a sacred practice meant to drive out spirits, demons, and malevolent forces—has evolved over centuries, taking different forms across cultures, religions, and mythologies. Though often shrouded in superstition, exorcism has remained a powerful and deeply ingrained aspect of spiritual warfare.
Origins of Exorcism
The earliest records of exorcisms trace back to Mesopotamian civilizations, where priests known as "Āshipu" performed rituals to banish evil spirits. These ancient exorcists inscribed incantations onto clay tablets, invoking deities such as Enlil and Ea to drive out malign entities. Babylonian texts describe the use of fire, water, and sacred objects to cleanse individuals who had been possessed by malevolent spirits.