World of Darkness (Mandaeism)

For the Manichaean World of Darkness, see Manichaeism § The World of Darkness.

In Mandaeism, the World of Darkness (Classical Mandaic: ࡀࡋࡌࡀ ࡖࡄࡔࡅࡊࡀ, romanized: alma ḏ-hšuka) is the underworld located below Tibil (Earth). It is ruled by its king Ur the Leviathan and its queen Ruha, mother of the seven planets and twelve constellations.

Description

The great dark Sea of Suf lies in the World of Darkness.[1] The great dividing river of Hitpun, analogous to the river Styx in Greek mythology, separates the World of Darkness from the World of Light.[2] Siniawis is one of the regions of the World of Darkness.[3]

The Ginza Rabba mention the Abaddons (ebdunia) as part of the World of Darkness. The Right Ginza mentions the existence of the "upper Abaddons" (ebdunia ʿlaiia) as well as the "lower Abaddons" (ebdunia titaiia).[4]

The World of Darkness is sometimes referred to as Sheol (šiul) in the Ginza Rabba and other Mandaean scriptures.[4]

Inhabitants

Main article: Demons in Mandaeism

Various beings inhabit the World of Darkness.

See also

• Sheol
• Ancient Mesopotamian underworld

References

1. Aldihisi, Sabah (2008). The story of creation in the Mandaean holy book in the Ginza Rba (PhD). University College London.
2. Al-Saadi, Qais Mughashghash; Al-Saadi, Hamed Mughashghash (2019). "Glossary". Ginza Rabba: The Great Treasure. An equivalent translation of the Mandaean Holy Book (2 ed.). Drabsha.
3. Buckley, Jorunn Jacobsen (2002). The Mandaeans: ancient texts and modern people. New York: Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-515385-5. OCLC 65198443.
4. Gelbert, Carlos (2011). Ginza Rba. Sydney: Living Water Books. ISBN 9780958034630.