Saint Augustine and the Devil

A Pact with the Devil or Faustian Pact is a widespread cultural meme, most familiar in the legend of Faust and the figure of Mephistopheles but an element in many folktales. In the Aarne-Thompson typological catalogue, it lies in category AT 756B – "The devil's contract". Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (2024x2321, 424 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Wolfgang of Regensburg Pact with the Devil Michael Pacher ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (2024x2321, 424 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Wolfgang of Regensburg Pact with the Devil Michael Pacher ... St. ... The term meme (IPA: , to rhyme with theme, not or ), coined in 1976 by the zoologist and evolutionary scientist Richard Dawkins, refers to a unit of cultural information transferable from one mind to another. ... Faust depicted in an etching by Rembrandt van Rijn (circa 1650) Faust or Faustus is the protagonist of a popular German legend in which a mediæval scholar makes a pact with the Devil. ... For other uses, see Mephistopheles (disambiguation). ... Folklore is the ethnographic concept of the tales, legends, or superstitions current among a particular ethnic population, a part of the oral history of a particular culture. ... Antti Amatus Aarne (1867 - 1925) was a Finnish folklorist, who developed the initial version of what became the Aarne-Thompson classification system of classifying folktales, first published in 1910. ...

According to traditional Christian belief in witchcraft, the pact is between a person and Satan or any other demon (or demons), in which the person trades, or attempts to trade, his or her soul in exchange for diabolical favours. Those favours vary by the tale, but tend to include the obvious: youth, knowledge, wealth, power. It was also believed that some persons made this type of pact just as a sign of recognising the Devil as their master, in exchange for nothing. Christians believe that Jesus is the mediator of the New Covenant (see Hebrews 8:6). ... It has been suggested that Witch be merged into this article or section. ... A pact is a formal agreement, usually between two or more nations. ... For other uses, see Satan (disambiguation). ... St. ... The soul, acording to many religious and philosophical traditions, is a self-aware ethereal substance particular to a unique living being. ...

The bargain is always a dangerous one, for the price of the Fiend's service is the wagerer's soul. The tale may have a moralizing end, with eternal damnation for the foolhardy venturer. Conversely it may have a comic twist, in which a wily peasant outwits the Devil, characteristically on a technical point. The soul, acording to many religious and philosophical traditions, is a self-aware ethereal substance particular to a unique living being. ... // Dammit redirects here. ...

Among the credulous, any apparently superhuman achievement might be credited to a pact with the Devil, from the numerous bridges named the Devil's Bridge throughout Europe to the superb violin technique of Niccolo Paganini. Devil’s Bridge is a term applied to numerous bridges throughout Europe. ... Niccolò Paganini Niccolò Paganini, (Genoa, October 27, 1782 - Nice, May 27, 1840) was a violinist and composer. ...

Overview

It was usually thought that the person who had made a pact also promised the demon to kill children or consecrate them to the Devil at the moment of birth (many midwives were accused of this, due to the number of children that died at birth in the Middle Age and Renaissance), take part on Sabbaths, have sexual relations with demons, and sometimes engender children from an incubus, or succubus in the case of men. Midwifery is a blanket term used to describe a number of different types of health practitioners, other than doctors, who provide prenatal care to expecting mothers, attend the birth of the infant and provide postnatal care to the mother and infant. ... Middle age is a non-specific stage in life when a person is neither young nor old, but somewhere in between. ... Raphael was famous for depicting illustrious figures of the Classical past with the features of his Renaissance contemporaries. ... Francisco Goyas Los Caprichos: Linda maestra! (Nice mistress!) - witches heading to a Sabbath In Christian folklore, the Sabbath (also known as Witchs Sabbath) was a gathering supposed to have been celebrated by Satanists, witches and warlocks to honor the Devil, offend God, Jesus, the sacraments, the cross, and... It has been suggested that Duration of sexual intercourse be merged into this article or section. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... A bracket carved as a winged succubus on the outside of an English inn, suggesting that a brothel could have been found inside. ...

The pact can be oral or written. An oral pact is made by means of invocations, conjurations, or rituals to attract the demon; once the conjurer thinks the demon is present, he/she asks for the wanted favour and offers his/her soul in exchange, and no evidence is left of the pact; but according to some witch trials and inquisitions that were performed, even the oral pact left evidence, namely the diabolical mark, an indelible mark that could be used as a proof to determine that the pact was made. A written pact consists of the same forms of attracting the demon, but includes a written act, usually signed with the conjurer's blood (although sometimes was also alleged that the whole act had to be written with blood, meanwhile some demonologists defended the idea of using red ink instead of blood and others suggested the use of animal blood instead of human blood). An invocation (from the Latin verb invocare to call on, invoke) is: A supplication. ... The word conjuration (from Latin conjuratio, conjurare, to swear together) can be interpreted in several different ways: as an invocation or evocation (the latter in the sense of binding by a vow); as an exorcism; or as an act of illusionism. ... A ritual is a set of actions, performed mainly for their symbolic value, which is prescribed by a religion or by the traditions of a community. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... In Christian demonology, the diabolical mark was an indelible mark that especially Satan, or any other demon, made in the body of those who had made a pact with him. ... Human blood smear: a - erythrocytes; b - neutrophil; c - eosinophil; d - lymphocyte. ... An ink is a liquid containing various pigments and/or dyes used for colouring a surface to render an image or text. ...

These acts were presented often as a proof of diabolical pacts, though critics claim there is no proof of whether they were authentic, written by insane persons believing they were actually dealing with a demon or just were fake acts presented by the tribunals of the Inquisition. Usually the acts included strange characters that were said to be the signature of a demon, and each one had his own signature or seal. Books like The Lesser Key of Solomon (also known as Lemegeton Clavicula Salomonis) give a detailed list of these signs, known as seal of the demons. Insanity, or madness, is a general term for a semi-permanent, severe mental disorder. ... Inquisition (capitalized I) is broadly used, to refer to things related to judgment of heresy by the Roman Catholic Church. ... The Lesser Key of Solomon or Lemegeton Clavicula Salomonis (the Clavicula Salomonis, or Key of Solomon is an earlier book on the subject), is an anonymous 17th century grimoire, and one of the most popular books of demonology. ... In demonology, a diabolical signature (from diabolus, the Latin for devil) is the signature of a devil, demon or similar spirit, usually in order to sign your soul away. ...

According to demonology, there is a specific month, day of the week, and hour to call each demon, so the invocation for a pact has to be done at the right time. Also, as each demon has a specific function, a certain demon is invoked depending on what the conjurer is going to ask. Demonology is the systematic study of demons. ...

Theophilus, servant of two masters

The predecessor of Faustus in Christian mythology is Theophilus ("love God") the unhappy and despairing cleric, disappointed in his worldly career by his bishop, who sells his soul to the Devil but is redeemed by the Virgin Mary.^[1] His story appears in a Greek version of the sixth century written by a "Eutychianus" who claims to have been a member of the household in question. A ninth-century Miraculum Sancte Marie de Theophilo penitente inserts a Jew as intermediary with diabolus, his "patron", providing the prototype of a closely-linked series in the Latin literature of the West.^[2] In the tenth century, the poet nun Hroswitha of Gandersheim adapted the text of Paulus Diaconis for a narrative poem that elaborates Theophilus' essential goodness and internalizes the forces of Good and Evil, in which the Jew is magus, a necromancer. As in her model, Theophilus receives back his contract from the Virgin, displays it to the congregation, and soon dies. A long poem on the subject by Gautier de Coincy (1177/8–1236), entitled Comment Theophilus vint a pénitence provided material for a thirteenth-century play by Rutebeuf, where Theophilus is the central pivot in a frieze of five characters, the Virgin and the Bishop flanking him on the side of Good, the Jew and the Devil on the side of Evil. Faust is the protagonist of a popular German tale that has been used as the basis for many different fictional works. ... Christian mythology is the body of traditional narratives, that would be viewed as sacred stories by Christians, which would often serve to explain or symbolize Christianity and Christian cultures. ... The term Virgin Mary has several different meanings: Mary, the mother of Jesus, the historical and multi-denominational concept of Mary Blessed Virgin Mary, the Roman Catholic theological and doctrinal concept of Mary Marian apparitions shrines to the Virgin Mary Virgin Mary in Islam, the Islamic theological and doctrinal concept... Hrosvit, also known as Hroswitha and Hroswitha of Gandersheim, was a female 10th century (c. ... Rutebeuf, or Rustebuef (ca. ...

Alleged diabolical pacts in history

A notorious case of a diabolical pact was the one that cost Urbain Grandier his life. One of the acts was redacted in Latin; the other is written in abbreviated, backwards Latin (which is readable when reversed), and signed by several "demons", one of them Satan, whose name was clearly written "Satanas" (see the article on Urbain Grandier for the original pact). Urbain Grandier Urbain Grandier (1590 - 18 August 1634) was a French Catholic priest who was executed on charges of seduction and witchcraft in 1634. ... Latin is an ancient Indo-European language originally spoken in Latium, the region immediately surrounding Rome. ... Urbain Grandier Urbain Grandier (1590 - 18 August 1634) was a French Catholic priest who was executed on charges of seduction and witchcraft in 1634. ...

• Gilles de Rais (executed)
• Robert Johnson

Gilles de Rais Gilles de Rais (also spelled Retz) (autumn of 1404 – October 26, 1440) was a French noble, soldier, and one time brother-in-arms of Joan of Arc. ... This article includes a list of works cited but its sources remain unclear because it lacks in-text citations. ...

Diabolical pacts in fiction

The Malleus Maleficarum has plenty of allusions to these pacts, especially concerning women. It was considered that all witches and warlocks had made a pact with some demon, especially with Satan. Cover of the seventh Cologne edition of the Malleus Maleficarum, 1520 (from the University of Sydney Library). ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Witchcraft. ... Warlocks are, among historic Christian traditions, said to be the male equivalent of witches (usually in the pejorative sense of Europes Middle Ages), and were said to ride pitchforks instead of broomsticks. ...

In many variants of the Aarne-Thompson type 361, of which Bearskin is an instance, the hero escapes, but the devil still comes off the better: the heroine's sisters have killed themselves, and he has gained two souls instead of one. Antti Amatus Aarne (1867 - 1925) was a Finnish folklorist, who developed the initial version of what became the Aarne-Thompson classification system of classifying folktales, first published in 1910. ... Bearskin is a fairy tale collected by the Brothers Grimm, as tale no. ...

The Marvel Comics character Ghost Rider made a pact with the demon Mephisto (possibly retconned to Satan) to cure his adoptive father's terminal cancer. Marvel Comics is an American comic book line published by Marvel Publishing, Inc. ... This article is about the paranormal superheroes known as Ghost Rider. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...

"The Devil's Hands are Idle Playthings", the final episode of the fourth season of the animated series Futurama, features a pact with the (Robot) Devil, with the comic variation that it's the Robot Devil who regrets the deal and seeks to undo it. “The Devil’s Hands are Idle Playthings” is the 18th and final episode in season 4 of the TV series Futurama. ... Futurama is an Emmy Award-winning American animated sitcom created by Matt Groening (creator of The Simpsons) and David X. Cohen for the Fox Network. ... Futuramas recurring robot characters: Spoiler warning: // Boxy Boxy is a crude, Dalek-like robot similar to the Gonk droid from Star Wars, that is capable of communicating only by beeping. ...

The story of Theophilus of Adana, a saint who made a deal with the devil, predates the Faust legend and is a likely partial inspiration. Saint Theophilus the Penitent or Theophilus of Adana (died ca. ... In traditional Christian iconography, Saints are usually depicted as having halos. ...

The compact between human hubris and diabolical intelligence raises the old tale to its cultural peak in Goethe's Faust. Hubris or hybris (Greek ), according to its modern usage, is exaggerated self pride or self-confidence, often resulting in fatal retribution. ...  , IPA: , (28 August 1749 – 22 March 1832), commonly known as Goethe, was a German poet, novelist, theorist, and scientist who is considered one of the giants of the literary world. ... This article or section is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ...

• The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus, by Christopher Marlowe.
• Faust, by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
• Mefistofele, opera by Arrigo Boito.
• Faust, opera by Charles Gounod.
• The Devil and Daniel Webster, short story by Steven Vincent Benét.
• Pan Twardowski, poem by Adam Mickiewicz
• That Hell-Bound Train, by Robert Bloch
• Damn Yankees, musical theatre production and film by George Abbott and Stanley Donen

The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus is a play by Christopher Marlowe, based on the Faust story (Faustus is Latin for Faust), in which a man sells his soul to the devil for power and knowledge. ... Christopher (Kit) Marlowe (baptised 26 February 1564 – 30 May 1593?) was an English dramatist, poet, and translator of the Elizabethan era. ... Faust depicted in an etching by Rembrandt van Rijn (circa 1650) Faust or Faustus is the protagonist of a popular German legend in which a mediæval scholar makes a pact with the Devil. ...  , IPA: , (28 August 1749 – 22 March 1832), commonly known as Goethe, was a German poet, novelist, theorist, and scientist who is considered one of the giants of the literary world. ... Mefistofele is the only completed opera by the Italian composer Arrigo Boito. ... Arrigo Boito (February 24, 1842 – June 10, 1918) was an Italian poet, successful journalist, novelist and composer, best known today for his opera libretti and his own opera, Mefistofele. ... Faust is an opera in five acts by Charles Gounod to a French libretto by Jules Barbier and Michel Carré from Carrés play Faust et Marguerite, in turn loosely based on Goethes Faust, Part I. It debuted at the Théatre-Lyrique in Paris on March 19, 1859. ... Charles Gounod Charles François Gounod (June 17, 1818 – October 18, 1893) was a French composer, best known for his opera Faust. ... Daniel argues while the Devil whispers in the judges ear. ... Stephen Vincent Benét (July 22, 1898–March 13, 1943) was a United States author, poet, short story writer and novelist, best known for his narrative poem of the American Civil War, John Browns Body, published in 1928. ... Pan Twardowski (pronounced [pÊŒn tfÊŒrdÉ’fski]) is a Polish folklore character, a sorcerer who entered a pact with the Devil. ... That Hell-Bound Train is a fantasy short story by Robert Bloch that won the Hugo Award in 1959. ... Robert Albert Bloch (April 5, 1917, Chicago-September 23, 1994, Los Angeles) was a prolific American writer. ... Damn Yankees is a musical comedy, a modern retelling of the Faust legend set during the 1950s (when the New York Yankees dominated Major League Baseball), in Washington, D.C., with a script by George Abbott and Douglass Wallop and music and lyrics by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross. ... The Fantasticks was the longest-running musical in history. ... George Abbott (June 25, 1887 - January 31, 1995) was among the greatest of Broadway showmen. ... Stanley Donen (born April 13, 1924) is an American film director and choreographer hailed by David Quinlan as the King of the Hollywood musicals. His most famous work is Singin In The Rain, which he co-directed with Gene Kelly. ...

Diabolical pacts in music

• Niccolò Paganini, Italian violinist, who may not have started the rumour but played along with it.
• Tommy Johnson, blues musician, who claimed to have met with Satan at the crossroads and signed over his soul to play the blues
• Robert Johnson, blues musician, who likely cribbed the same story from Tommy Johnson
• Devil Went Down to Georgia by The Charlie Daniels Band, a song about a fiddle contest between the Devil and boy named Johnny from Georgia.
• Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny, In an effort to save the world and pay the overdue rent on Kage's apartment, Jables challenges the Devil to a Rock-off with Kage's soul on the line
• Titties and beer, In this song Frank Zappa agrees to give his soul to the devil in exchange for the devil returning some beer cans and a girl with big breasts that he stole from Zappa. When played live, Zappa sings his parts while the drummer Terry Bozzio sings the devil's lines.

Niccolò (or Nicolò) Paganini (October 27, 1782 – May 27, 1840) was an Italian violinist, violist, guitarist and composer. ... Tommy Johnson (1896 – November 1, 1956) was an influential delta blues musician. ... This article includes a list of works cited but its sources remain unclear because it lacks in-text citations. ... The Devil Went Down to Georgia is a country song written and performed by the Charlie Daniels Band and released on their 1979 album Million Mile Reflections. ... Charles Edward Daniels (born October 28, 1936) is a very popular country singer. ... Tenacious D: The Pick of Destiny is a movie starring Tenacious D, a comedic band that features Jack Black and Kyle Gass. ... Frank Vincent Zappa[1] (December 21, 1940 – December 4, 1993) was an American composer, guitarist, singer, film director, and satirist. ... Terry John Bozzio (born December 27, 1950, San Francisco, California) is an American drummer. ...

In Film

• Bedazzled (1967 film)
• Rosemary's Baby (1968 film)
• Angel Heart (1987 film)
• Bedazzled (2000 film)

This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... It has been suggested that this article be split into articles entitled Rosemarys Baby (film) and Rosemarys Baby (novel). ... Angel Heart is a 1987 horror movie written and directed by Alan Parker, starring Mickey Rourke, Lisa Bonet and Robert De Niro. ... Bedazzled is a 2000 motion picture, and is a remake of the original Bedazzled (1967) originally written by Peter Cook. ...

See also

• Osculum infame

Osculum infame is the name of a witch’s supposed ritual greeting upon meeting with the Devil. ...

Notes

External links

• The Smith outwits the Devil: a Norwegian folktale