The Incantations 61

This image is part of a sequence which symbolically depicts the regeneration of Izdubar. The entire sequence depicts the rebirth of God in Jung’s soul, and represents a renewal of life and vitality.

The face of the monster is similar to the historiated initial on p. 29, heading the chapter ‘Death’

TRANSLATION OF IMAGE TEXT :

“I have slain a precious human sacrifice for you, a youth and old man.

I have cut my skin with a knife,

I have sprinkled your altar with my own blood.

I have banished my father and mother so that you can live with me.

I have turned my night into day and went about at midday like a sleepwalker.

I have overthrown all the Gods, broken the laws, eaten the impure.

I have thrown down my sword and dressed in women’s clothing,

I shattered my firm castle and played like a child in the sand.

I saw warriors form into line of battle and I destroyed my suit of armor
with a hammer.

I planted my field and let the fruit decay.

I made small everything that was great and made everything great that was small.

I exchanged my furthest goal for the nearest, and so I am ready.”