Necromancy
nec·ro·man·cy [nekrəˌmansē] n. The practice of supposedly communicating with the spirits of the dead in order to predict the future.
Synonyms: none
Etymology: c.1300, nygromauncy, "divination by communication with the dead," from Old French nigromancie "magic, necromancy, witchcraft, sorcery," from Medieval Latin nigromantia (13c.), from Latin necromantia "divination from an exhumed corpse," from Greek nekromanteia, from nekros "dead body" (see necro-) + manteia "divination, oracle," from manteuesthai "to prophesy," from mantis "prophet" (see mania). Spelling influenced in Medieval Latin by niger "black," on notion of "black arts." Modern spelling is a mid-16c. correction. Related: Necromantic.
19 comments:
I didn't realize this meant communicating with the dead. I always think of its sorcery and magical aspects. Another great word.
I always thought this was more about bringing back the dead. Wow, shows how little I know about this word.
And one step away from doing something else with the dead.
I hope I can remember all these true meanings of the words at the end of the month.
I thought this word meant something else entirely - I think Alex and I are on the same wavelength here...ick.
Tina @ Life is Good
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Most fantasy novels use this to mean raising the dead to a zombie-like state. I had no idea that's not what the word actually meant. Interesting!
It's a creepy and awesome practice.
I know this one, but I have to say 'Necromantic', made me giggle.
Interesting that the word "romantic" is hidden in there! Take care
x
That was not where I thought you were going with this word. Close, though. LOL.
I'm a big fan of necromancy. Good times. Good times.
Ah necromancy, one of my favorite talents ;)
Like communicating with one's dead skeletal brother.
This is one where I've been corrupted by D&D in my understanding of the word. But, of course, King Saul (in the Bible) got in trouble for necromancy.
Thanks for the simple, succinct, definition. I think necromancy is something the majority of people misinterpret.
I didn't know about the predicting the future angle. It would make more sense to ask them about the past!
H.P. Lovecraft used this word as the basis for the Necronomicon, a book he made up that countless people have referenced in their own fiction and/or mistook as real.
The etymology is very interesting on this one.
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This is another great word. Not used much but should be. I mean it sounds so... creepy and fascinating all at the same time.
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