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When H P Lovecroft first featured a fictional grimoire called “Necronomicon” in his book “The Hound” he could not have known the effect the reference would have upon modern culture. “Necronomicon” has appeared in a number of his stories, and has – with Lovecroft’s permission - featured in works by other writers. In fact, many people believed “Necronomicon” was a real book, and librarians and bookshops were inundated with requests for a copy. Necronomicon has even been listed in rare book catalogues, with one individual managing to include the book in the card catalogue at Yale University… |
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Traditionally a grimoire is a magical book of information about magical beliefs and practices. While spells are probably the most common topic featured, other subjects include lists of angels and demons, astrological theories and practices, instructions for making talismans and charms and summoning unearthly entities. Lovecroft’s fictional grimoire was inspired by Sumerian mythology and the section "Ars Goetia" in the “Lesser Key of Soloman” deals with the summoning of demonic entities.
The word grimoire originates from the French word for “grammar” – grammaire, which is defined as a set of symbols with instructions on how to combine them to create good sentences. Consider it a recipe book of magic spells.
Grimoires have a long history, with the first ones dating back to the early Middle Ages. One of the earliest grimoires is the Pictarix, which dates back to the 13th century. The book, which contains astrological and talisman information, was written in Arabic, and there’s a copy at the British Library. Here’s a brief detail of other ancient grimoires:
 The Sworn Book of Honorius is one of the oldest and most influential grimoires. It is thought to be the compilation of knowledge from several magicians, condensed into 93 chapters. This grimoire covers a range of diverse topics, including details on how to find treasure, catch a thief, save your soul from purgatory, conjuring and summoning demons and knowledge about what to expect when you get to Heaven.
The Book of Abramelin contains details of a specific form of magic passed to a German Jew named Abraham of Worms by an Egyptian magician named Abramelin (or Abra-Melin).
The Clavis Salomonis or Clavicula Salomonis is better known as the Key of Soloman. It contains graphic diagrams and curses to compel reluctant spirits and demons to undertake a summoner’s bidding. It details the layout of specific symbols to trap a demon or other individual who strays into the selected area covered by the symbols. A curious paradox of this book is that anyone wishing to use it must prove he or she has never performed a malicious or evil act, and must call for God’s protection before asking the demon to perform some dreadful deed!
Three Books about Occult Philosophy examines the relationship between ritualistic magic and religion, focusing on Intellectual, Celestial and Elemental magic. Other subjects covered include astrology, numerology, alchemy and the names of different angels and gods.
Hierarchy of Demons dates back to the 16th century, and contains a list of 68 demons with the methods and rituals and most suitable times for summoning them. A point to note here: traditional lists of demons usually name 72 beings.
The Voynich Manuscript is an illustrated book of uncertain and unknown heritage. Thought to have been written between 1450 and 1520 the book is written in an unknown script. Some of the world’s best code breakers have failed to decipher a single word on its 240 pages. Written with a quill the book seems to be broken into six sections, with each section containing a single large illustration. The images have helped categorise the contents thus: Astronomical, Biological, Cosmological, Herbal, Pharmaceutical and Recipes. Strangely while the specific purpose of this book is not known information about its owners is fairly comprehensive. The book has been called an elaboratee hoax, but for writers it's far more interesting to consider it has some deeper, mystical meaning. What would it mean for the person who does perhaps decipher the contents?
The Grand Grimoire supposedly dates back to 1522, and is perhaps the most famous black magic grimoire. Also known as “The Red Dragon” the book contains thorough information for those who wish to enter into a pact with Lucifer. The summoner is called “Karcist”, and he/she is supposed to undertake certain rituals and fast for one quarter of the moon. After that time the Karcist must purchase a blood-stone to carry with him/her at all times in case of an accident. This is because the entity being summoned will use all means at its disposal to terrify the Karcist to force him/her abandon the summoning. The summoned demon does not want to be controlled by anybody or anything, especially not a Karcist.
There are many aspects a writer can consider when describing the summoning of a demon. The summoner can purefy him/herself, or perhaps wear a specific colour or garment. He/she may be required to use a specific item other than the grimoire contaiining the spell; an artefact perhaps, or some other charmed object like a gemstone or an enchanted item like a goblet, a knife or blade or a piece of jewellry. A sacrifice of some sorts may also be required. Spells can also be detailed for summoning spirits for battle purposes and invocations for calling forward entities from Hell. As the latter spirits are undoubtedly malignant beings spells are available to protect the conjurer from any malicious acts these spirits may undertake, like possession. Each demon has its own summoning spell, and if a summoner does not have a thorough knowledge of the specific spell and of the way the demon operates there could be serious trouble in store.
Time appears to be a major consideration for a demon to carry out the required action. A demon will not work outside a time constraint, unless additional payment is received. This can lead to ruination or even death for the summoner. In exchange for the additional demand upon its time the demon may ask the summoner to carry out some ungodly deed on its behalf. At worst it may demand the summoner’s soul as payment. Sometimes the summoner may wish to borrow the demon’s powers for a short time, transferring them to a familiar who is probably easier to control. This is known as binding, and also applies to a demon who is trapped inside an object like a ring or a bottle. The summoner may use the object to call the demon, who will be obliged to return to the object within a specific time period.
Here are some ways in which writers have applied demonic summoning to their works:
H P Lovecroft’s “The Hound” features the Necronomicon, a grimoire featuring a group called “The Old Ones”; their names, history and the methods for summoning them.
Colin Wilson’s “The Return of the Lloigor” is a short story about the realisation that the Voynich Manuscript is actually an incomplete copy of the Necronomicon, the grimoire from H P Lovecroft’s book “The Hound”.
Gregory Maguire’s “Wicked” details the struggle between the characters Wizard and Elphaba for possession of a book of spells called The Grimmerie.
Lin Carter’s “Thongor in the City of Magicians” is one of his "sword and sorcery" themed books applying the term "Karcist" to a magician empowered to conduct specific magic rituals by a group of magicians.
Chuck Palhanuik’s “Lullaby” tells of a culling poem that when read aloud causes death to anyone to whom it is read. The hero embarks upon a search to destroy the grimoire containing the original poem, which is now being circulated in different volumes of poetry.
HP Lovecroft was often asked about the authenticity of the Necronomicron. He always answered that it was purely his own invention; something he dreamed about one night. In view of the influence his creation has had on the Horror genres I feel it’s fitting he has the last word in this newsletter:
Now, about the "terrible and forbidden books" - I am forced to say that most of them are purely imaginary. There never was any Abdul Alhazred or Necronomicon, for I invented these names myself. Robert Bloch devised the idea of Ludvig Prinn and his De Vermis Mysteriis, while the Book of Eibon is an invention of Clark Ashton Smith's. The late Robert E. Howard is responsible for Friedrich von Junzt and his Unaussprechlichen Kulten.... As for seriously-written books on dark, occult, and supernatural themes—in all truth they don’t amount to much. That is why it’s more fun to invent mythical works like the Necronomicon and Book of Eibon.
Next month’s newsletter will feature the creation of monsters. Thank you, K. Medeiros  for the suggestion.
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likenion
Thank you for taking my topic and turn it into the most awesome newsletter for the week. You are very good and I can't wait for the next one!
Thank you for suggesting the topic, likenion. I enjoyed researching and writing about those creatures, and I have to say I cannot believe how many of them exist in mythology! Incidentally, this newsletter topic was also suggested by you… 
K. Medeiros
On several occasions I have read horror newsletters based on different types of monsters. I was thinking maybe a newsletter could be done on the use of role play books as idea guides for different monsters/settings. I know that "GURPS: Creatures of the Night" is a big help for me. : ) Some authors that are not into the gaming scene may benefit in knowing that source books have uses other than just within the gaming scene.
Great idea, K. Medeiros thank you for the suggestion! I’ll probably feature this in one of the next few issues of the newsletter, so keep an eye out for it.
Annje - Jewel of Darkness
I always enjoy reading your newsletters. You spotlight some of the greatest creatures in mythology with such keen insight and a clear understanding that comes from detailed research. I would love to hear what your research uncovers about the roots of the Incubi and Succubi. Keep up the good work!
Your wish is my command, Annje - Jewel of Darkness . That will indeed be a fascinating subject, and it’ll be featured in the October issue. Thank you for your input!
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Horror/Scary: August 22, 2007 Issue [#1896]
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