Learn more at: Fragrant Incantations: Aromatics in Mesopotamian Ritual and Magic on January 24th.
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'A Frog That Lives Among the Pebbles' is likely a plant, as other tablets discuss it growing on the shores of the Tigris. One can imagine something like a green moss that grew among the stones of the riverbed. The latter collection of frog body parts in the formula, however, is likely Dreckapotheke.

In this case, these weird ingredients are partly the result of sympathetic magic and partly translation issues. There were many plants named after animals in ancient Mesopotamia. Think of our Elephant's Ears, Lamb's Ears and Birds of Paradise.

What separates it are the odd ingredients. This formula shows the delightful concept of Dreckapotheke (dirty pharmacy). Drechapotheke is the intentional use of disgusting ingredients in medical and magical formulas, most often as a form of sympathetic magic and to add exotic flair to the recipe.

A key staple in Mesopotamian necromancy was Nerkhab oil. This infused magical oil used techniques similar to those of medical products and perfumes at the time. This is not surprising, since there wasn't a significant difference among the three in the ancient world.

I'm so excited to have you join us!