The Necronomicon is one of the most infamous books in horror literature and occult lore. Often described as a forbidden grimoire of dark magic, it was attributed by H.P. Lovecraft (1890–1937), the master of cosmic horror, to a mysterious figure known as Abdul Alhazred, the “Mad Arab” of Yemen. According to Lovecraft’s mythology, Alhazred supposedly wrote the book around 950 AD in Damascus.
Over the centuries, the Necronomicon was said to have been translated into several languages. Lovecraft himself mentioned a 17th-century Spanish edition, and a rumored English translation by John Dee, the Elizabethan magician and occult scholar. While scholars and fans have debated for decades whether Lovecraft based this on any real manuscript, no authentic ancient copy has ever surfaced.
The Necronomicon in the 20th Century
Following Lovecraft’s death in 1937, many occultists and researchers speculated about the book’s existence. Some even claimed to possess it. The British occultist Alex Sanders, known as the “King of the Witches,” once hinted that he owned a copy—though the only document shown to interviewers was clearly his own creation.
In 1978, a book titled The Necronomicon was published with the subtitle “The lost masterpiece of occult literature and a disturbing account of the dark side of creation.” Edited with an introduction by Colin Wilson, it contained essays on Lovecraft’s work, pages said to be copied from a manuscript in the British Museum, and even supposed fragments of Elizabethan cryptograms. While presented as authentic, most scholars agree it was an elaborate hoax.
Despite this, the book fueled global fascination with the Necronomicon, cementing its place in both horror fiction and modern occult culture.
Spells and Incantations from the Necronomicon
In Lovecraft’s stories, the Necronomicon is more than just a book—it is a forbidden text of spells, sigils, and conjurations capable of summoning cosmic horrors and forgotten gods. Some passages even reference names like Shammash, Enki, and Marduk, linking the text to Mesopotamian mythology.
Below are examples of the types of incantations attributed to the Necronomicon. For safety reasons, some verses are intentionally incomplete.
1. The Binding of the Evil Sorcerers
A dangerous incantation said to banish dark magicians and malevolent spirits. Written in archaic Akkadian-style phrases, it calls upon ancient deities for protection.
Alsi ku nushi ilani mushiti
Itti kunu alsi mushitum kallatum kattumtum
Alsi bararitum qablitum u namaritum
Ashshu kashshaptu u kashshipanni
Eli nitum ubbiraanni
Ili-ia u Ishtari-ia ushis-su-u-eli-ia
Eli ameri-ia amru-usanaku
Imdikula salalu musha u urra
Qu-u imtana-allu-u pi-ia
Upu unti pi-ia iprusu
Me mashtiti-ia umattu-u
Eli li nubu-u xiduti si-ipdi
Izizanimma ilani rabuti shima-a dababi
Dini dina alakti limda
Epu-ush salam kashshapi-ia u kashshapi-ia
Sha epishia u mushtepishti-ia
Is mass-ssarati sha mushi lipshuru ruxisha limnuti
Pisha lu-u ZAL.LU Lishanusha Lu-u Tabtu
Sha iqbu-u amat limutti-ia kima ZAL.LU litta-tuk
qi-ishrusha pu-uttu-ru ipshetusha xulluqu
Kal amatusha malla-a sseri
Ina qibit iqbu-u ilani mushitum
Note: A verse has been left out for safety.
2. The Conjuration “XILQA XILQA BESA BESA”
A protective charm against demonic forces, commanding them to depart the body and never return. Unlike other spells, this version is preserved in full.
Arise! Arise! Go far away! Go far away!
Be shamed! Be shamed! Flee! Flee!
Turn around, go, arise and go far away!
Your wickedness may rise to heaven like unto smoke!
Arise and leave my body!
From my body, depart in shame!
From my body flee!
Turn away from my body!
Go away from my body!
Do not return to my body!
Do not come near my body!
Do not approach my body!
Do not throng around my body!
Be commanded by Shammash the Mighty!
Be commanded by Enki, Lord of All!
Be commanded by Marduk, the Great Magician of the Gods!
Be commanded by the God of Fire, your Destroyer!
May you be held back from my body!
3. Another Binding of the Sorcerers
Another ritual against hostile magicians.
Ssalmani-ia ana pagri tapqida duppira
Ssalmani-ia ana pagri taxira duppira
Ssalmani-ia iti pagri tushni-illa duppira
Ssalmani ini ishdi pagri tushni-illa duppira
Ssalmani-ia ana qulqullati tapqida duppira
Ssalmani-ia ina igari tapxa-a duppira
Ssalmani-ia ina askuppati Tushni-illa duppira
Ssalmani-ia ina bi’sha duri tapxa-a duppira
Ssalmani-ia ana GISHBAR tapqida duppira
Note: A verse has been removed for safety, preventing misuse.
4. The Conjuration of the Mountains of MASHU
A powerful chant invoking mountains as cosmic barriers to restrain evil beings.
May the mountain overpower you!
May the mountain hold you back!
May the mountain conquer you!
May the mountain frighten you!
May the mountain shake you to the core!
May the mountain hold you in check!
May the mountain subject you!
May the mountain cover you!
May the mighty mountain fall on you!
May you be held back from my body!
This spell is considered complete.
The Legacy of the Necronomicon
Whether seen as Lovecraft’s invention or an occult mystery hidden in myth, the Necronomicon remains one of the most influential creations in horror literature. It symbolizes the human fascination with forbidden knowledge, the supernatural, and the thin line between fiction and belief.
From horror novels and films to role-playing games and occult bookstores, the Necronomicon continues to inspire curiosity—and fear.