Within the vibrant and imaginative world of DC Comics, two iconic characters and one iconic super-villain stand out for their unique transformation abilities tied to uttering a name. Black Adam and Shazam (formerly known as Captain Marvel) are two superheroes who derive their incredible powers from magical incantations and Sabbac, the supervillain, is transformed by a magic spell. In this blog post, we'll explore the fascinating connection between these characters and the mystical utterance of their names that grants them their superhuman abilities that derive from occult powers and magic.
The Origin of Black Adam and Shazam
Black Adam and Shazam share a common origin rooted in
ancient Egyptian mythology. Thousands of years ago, the wizard Shazam bestowed
his powers upon a young Egyptian prince named Teth-Adam, transforming him into
the superhuman hero, Black Adam. However, Black Adam was banished due to his misuse of power and remained dormant for centuries.
The Incantation: "Shazam" and "Black Adam"
The pivotal aspect of both Black Adam and Shazam's powers is
the incantation associated with their transformation:
Shazam: For Billy Batson, the magic word "Shazam"
represents the six legendary figures whose initials form the acronym Solomon,
Hercules, Atlas, Zeus, Achilles, and Mercury. By uttering this word, Billy is
instantly granted the wisdom of Solomon, the strength of Hercules, the stamina
of Atlas, the power of Zeus, the courage of Achilles, and the speed of Mercury. (1)
Adam: On the other hand, Black Adam's transformation is
achieved by calling upon the power of six Egyptian gods: Shu, Hershef, Amon,
Zehuti, Anpu, and Menthu. When he recites "Amon," Teth-Adam becomes
the formidable Black Adam, with powers mirroring the Egyptian deities. (2)
Black Adam gets his powers from Shu (stamina), Hershef
(strength), Amon (power), Zehuti (Thoth) (wisdom), Anpu (speed), and Menthu
(courage).
The Significance of Their Names
The use of names in the transformation of Black Adam and
Shazam adds a layer of mystique and authenticity to their characters. The idea
that words hold immense power is a common theme in mythology and literature. In
this context, the characters' names serve as a magical key that unlocks their
extraordinary abilities.
Speaking one's name as an incantation to unlock incredible powers is a unique and captivating aspect of Black Adam and Shazam's characters within the DC Universe. These superheroes demonstrate the enduring appeal of the mystical and the idea that ordinary individuals can transform into extraordinary beings by harnessing the power of words employing occult magic and ancient mythology.
As the stories of Black Adam and Shazam continue to evolve
in comics, movies, and other media, their names and incantations remain central
to their identities, reminding us of the enduring magic of storytelling and occult practices.
"The Dark Power of Sabbac: Unveiling Magical Names and Incantation in Black Adam's "
The Birth of Sabbac-Satanic Villian in Black Adam
Sabbac first appeared in "The Marvel Family" #1 in
1945, published by Fawcett Comics (before the characters were integrated into
the DC Universe). His origin story is tied to the character Timothy Karnes, a
petty criminal who, much like Billy Batson, encountered an influential figure with
mystical abilities. Instead of the wizard Shazam, Timothy encountered Blaze, a
female demon. Blaze granted Timothy the power to become Sabbac, a fearsome and destructive force, in exchange for servitude. (3)
The Incantation: "Sabbac"
The incantation that transforms Timothy Karnes into Sabbac is straightforward yet ominous – he simply says "Sabbac." This utterance invokes the powers of six demons:
S: Satan.
A: Aym.
B: Belial.
B: Beelzebub.
A: Asmodeus.
C: Crateis.
When Timothy invokes this unholy name, he undergoes a
nightmarish transformation, becoming Sabbac, a demonic creature with superhuman
strength, flight, and the ability to unleash devastating hellfire attacks.
Sabbac's dark powers make him a formidable adversary, particularly when pitted
against heroes like Shazam or Black Adam. (4) In later editions of Black Adam, Ishmael Gregor tricked Timothy Karnes into doing a ritual to obtain Karnes's powers to become Sabbac, and eventually, Karnes died in the process.
The Significance of Sabbac's Incantation
Sabbac's incantation is a fascinating twist on the concept seen in Shazam and Black Adam. While Shazam and Black Adam call upon benevolent deities for their powers(White Magic), Sabbac's invocation taps into malevolent forces(Black Magic). DC Universe shows the practice of both Black and White magic, where a true Satanist will tell you there is no difference between Black or White magic; it is all one and the same, and it comes from the same occult source. Shazam and Black Adam receive power from false gods and Sabbac from demon spirits.
Anton La Vey, the founder of the Church of Satan, stated the following in The Satanic Bible about Black and White Magic:
"White magic is supposedly used utilized only for good or unselfish practice, and black magic, we are told is used only for selfish or evil reasons. Satanism draws no such dividing line...There is no difference between 'white' and 'black' magic except in the smug hypocrisy, guilt-ridden righteousness and self deceit of the "white magician himself." (5)
Magic: Incantations and the Use of Names
In magic, an incantation is a formula of words usually spoken for a particular purpose, and incantations are part of casting a spell. Within incantations, specific names can be used to cast a spell. In ceremonial magic, incantations are to be spoken or vibrated with as much intensity as possible so that the magician feels the words in the body and visualizes them as well. The incantations are projected into etheric space. (6)
Magical arts and the power of names in the historical background of ancient civilizations of Babylonia, Assyria, and Egypt developed cultures that ascribed great importance to the power of names because they hold the essence of a being or person. (7)
The names of angels, demons, and the gods were considered crucial to the success of magic and spiritual practice. (8)
Ancient Egyptians were heavily influenced by occult magic within their society. Names were significant in Egyptian religious and magical practices. They believe the name of the gods had creative powers. (9) Egyptians also believed the sound was a direct channel between humanity and the gods. They knew that the practice and use of sound in words and names of scripts revealed the real mystery of magic. Aside from ritual tools and appropriate gestures, they believed that if words of power were not spoken, the magic would not succeed. (10)
As we examine in the case of Shazam, Black Adam, and Sabbac, all of them are empowered by the use of the names of gods and demons spoken in a magical incantation to grant them their powers just the magicians utilized in ancient Babylon, Assyria, and Egypt.
What Does The Bible Have to Say About Wizards and Sorcery?
The demons were the inventors of astrology, soothsaying, divination, . . . oracles, necromancy, the arts of magic, and whatever evil practices men exercise in addition to those things. Lactantius (c. 304–313, W), 7.64.
Magic and sorcery derive their power from evil demons, whoare spell-bound by elaborate incantations and become subject to sorcerers. Origen (c. 248, E), 4.451.
Avoid . . . their enchantments, observations of omens soothsayings,
purgations, divinations, observations of birds, their necromancies, and their
invocations. Apostolic Constitutions (compiled 390, E), 7.424 extended discussion:
5.35–5.40.,
Sources
1. What Masked Vigilantes, Miraculous Mutants, and a Sun God from Smallville Can Teach Us About Being Human, P.33 By Grant Morrison
2. https://shazam.fandom.com/wiki/Black_Adam
3. https://comicvine.gamespot.com/sabbac/4005-42583/
4. https://screenrant.com/sabbac-black-adam-villain-origins-powers-explained/
5. The Satanic Bible, P. 110, By Anton LaVey
6. Ancient Egyptian Magic, P.140, By Eleanor L. Harris.
7. The Encyclopedia of Magic and Alchemy, P.213, By Rosemary Guiley.
8. The Encyclopedia of Magic and Alchemy, P.213, By Rosemary Guiley.
9. The Encyclopedia of Magic and Alchemy, P.213, By Rosemary Guiley.
10. The Encyclopedia of Magic and Alchemy, P.213, By Rosemary Guiley.
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