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Malay Magic / Being an introduction to the folklore and popular religion of the Malay Peninsula cover

Malay Magic / Being an introduction to the folklore and popular religion of the Malay Peninsula

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About This Book

A compilation of Malay Peninsula folklore, popular religion, and magical practices drawn from manuscripts, published sources, and the author's field notes, presenting creation myths, supernatural beings, charms, incantations, ritual practices, and folk explanations for illness and misfortune. The text emphasizes literal translations of spells and formulæ with originals in an appendix, confines attention to Malay communities of the peninsula, and compares recurring motifs while avoiding non-Malay populations. Methodological notes explain evidence and limits. The volume serves as an introductory survey that organizes material thematically—cosmology, spirit lore, protective and harmful magic, divination, and ritual observances—without claiming exhaustive treatment.

About the Author

Skeat, Walter William portrait

Walter William Skeat

Walter William Skeat was a British philologist and folklorist known for his contributions to the study of Malay culture and language. His notable work, "Malay Magic: Being an Introduction to the Folklore and Popular Religion of the Malay Peninsula," explores the rich tapestry of Malay folklore and religious practices. Skeat's research provides valuable insights into the beliefs and traditions of the Malay people, making significant contributions to the understanding of Southeast Asian studies. His work remains a key reference for those interested in the intersection of folklore and anthropology.

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