Magus

Magi (Greek language Μάγοι from the Old Persian Magupati, Persian Mobed) ) were Zoroastrian astrologer-priests from ancient Persia. An individual of the Magi is a magus (Greek μάγος). Magus is also a term for a shaman, especially one of experience and accomplishment, from whos is derived the terms magic, magician, and also refered to as a sorcerer or wizard.

The best known are the Three Wise Men in the Bible.

Magi in the history of the Persian Empire

According to Herodotus, the Magi were the sacred caste of the Medes. They organised Persian society after the fall of Assyria and Babylon. Their power was curtailed by Cyrus, the founder of the Persian Empire, and by his son Cambyses II; the Magi revolted against Cambyses and set up a rival claimant to the throne, one of their own, who took the name of Smerdis. Smerdis and his forces were defeated by the Persians under Darius I. The sect of the Magi continued in Persia, though its influence was limited after this political setback.

During the Classical era (555 BCE – 300 CE), some Magi migrated westward, settling in Greece, and then Italy. For more than a century, Mithraism, a religion derived from Persia, was the largest single religion in Rome. The Magi were likely involved in its practice.

After invading Arabs succeeded in taking Ctesiphon in 637, Islam replaced Zoroastrianism, and the power of the Magi faded.

Fictional magi

Mage, rather than magus, is the spelling usually encountered for magic-user characters in role-playing games and fantasy fiction.

Many references to the three magi can be found in various games and shows. For example, in the Neon Genesis Evangelion anime/manga series, a supercomputer (called "MAGI") is divided in three distinct parts, all of which are named after the Magi.

In the video game Chrono Trigger, the three Gurus, of Life, Time, and Reason, are also named after the Magi and, through the course of the game, give key items to the player. Furthermore, one of the game's main characters is named Magus, and another Cyrus.

The main plot in Final Fantasy II involved a quest to collect orbs of ancient mystical power, called Magi.

In the animated series "The Mummy" Connor joins the legendary group of Egyptian warriors named The Magi.

See also

• Simon Magus

External links

• The Majoos (Arabic)
• The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry