The Myth of the Magus
In The Myth of the Magus, first published in 1948, E. M. Butler embarks on a scholarly journey to trace the origins and evolution of the magus, a legendary figure of superhuman powers central to myth, religion, and occult traditions across cultures. Butler begins by rooting the archetype in ancient anthropological contexts, identifying its genesis in the rituals of shamans or tribal wizards who performed sacred acts to ensure their communities’ prosperity. She posits that this primal figure—a blend of priest, king, and god—evolved over time, adapting to the spiritual and intellectual currents of successive eras, from pre-Christian mysticism to medieval sorcery and beyond. The book’s ambitious scope reflects Butler’s aim to uncover a universal thread linking diverse historical and legendary magicians.
The first major section explores the "Golden Age" of the magus, spotlighting figures like Zoroaster, Moses, Solomon, Pythagoras, and Apollonius of Tyana, whose stories exemplify the archetype’s early grandeur. Butler examines how these wise men, often tied to divine or mysterious origins, wielded knowledge and power that set them apart as revered sages. She contrasts their elevated status with the gradual "Downfall of the Magus" under Christian influence, exemplified by Simon Magus, whose rivalry with Christ recast the magician as a heretical or demonic figure. This shift marks a pivotal transition, as the magus moves from a heroic ritual hero to a more ambiguous, often vilified character in Western tradition.
In the medieval and Renaissance periods—the "Dark Ages" of Butler’s narrative—the magus reemerges in figures like Merlin, Faust, and Friar Bacon, blending folklore with historical speculation. Butler argues that these sorcerers, alchemists, and necromancers reflect a complex legacy, shaped by Christian suppression yet fueled by lingering pagan echoes and a thirst for forbidden knowledge. The book then charts the magus’s resurgence during the eighteenth- and nineteenth-century occult revival, spotlighting enigmatic personalities like Cagliostro, Saint-Germain, and Rasputin. Here, Butler highlights how the archetype adapted to modernity, often entwined with secret societies and esoteric movements like Theosophy, embodying both mystique and charlatanism.
Ultimately, The Myth of the Magus presents the magus as a dynamic, enduring archetype, evolving from tribal shaman to modern occultist while retaining core traits: supernatural origins, a quest for wisdom, and a fraught relationship with societal norms. Butler’s analysis, though occasionally criticized for its broad generalizations, offers a compelling narrative arc—from sacred origins to decline, then revival—supported by a rich tapestry of myths and historical records. The book concludes with a reflection on the magus’s persistent allure, suggesting that this figure fulfills a deep human need for a mediator between the mundane and the divine, a role that ensures its survival in the collective imagination despite shifting cultural tides.
On a personal note: From a quick look on Amazon, it seems that I may have one of the few editions of this book still in it’s original cover :-)
