The Evolution of Magic: The First Public Announced Magician
While the history of magic is deep and fascinating, pinpointing the first public announced magician is almost as challenging as performing a magic trick. Nobody knows the real answerbecause the first person to try to fool somebody else with what we now think of as a magic trick likely predates recorded history. This article delves into the origins of magic and explores the earliest recorded magician, focusing on the Cups and Balls trick and the reputed magician Dedi from ancient Egypt.
Origins of Magic
Do you know the trick where you place a penny on the outstretched palm of one hand, hold the other hand in the same position, a few inches apart, and when you rapidly close both hands, the coin appears in the other hand? This technique, so simple and fundamental, has been around for millennia. This trick, among many others, might have been performed with pebbles in ancient times, predating recorded history.
The Cups and Balls Trick
One of the oldest and most intriguing magic tricks is the Cups and Balls variation. It involves three cups and a ball. Once the ball is seemingly vanished, it reappears in one of the cups. This trick is so ancient that there are stories and depictions from as early as 2700 B.C.
Early Magic in Ancient Egypt
2700 B.C.: The reputed first known performance of a conjuring effect by a magician, Dedi, in ancient Egypt. Dedi was known for other effects such as de-captating a bird then reattaching the head to resurrect it. Although renowned, Dedi's existence and his performance of the Cups and Balls trick are highly disputed. The famous drawing of two men seemingly performing the Cups and Balls from the tomb of Baqet III at Beni Hasan is believed to show a game using cups or pots. However, the game's details are unknown, and there are no clear references to Dedi performing this trick.
Challenges in Historical Documentation
Modern Egyptologists point to multiple ancient Egyptian writings that mention magicians performing similar tricks and making prophecies to a king. These texts likely inspired the tale of Dedi. The Westcar Papyrus offers no specific mention of Dedi performing the Cups and Balls. Thus, while the Beni Hasan tomb painting remains a significant artifact, there is no definitive proof that Dedi performed the Cups and Balls trick during this period.
Magicians and Early History
Long before the modern era, magic had a prominent place in history. The term magician itself can trace its roots to magi, the Persian priests of Zoroastrianism. These priests were known for their expertise in interpreting celestial phenomena and astrology, a field that was highly regarded as a science.
Magi and Astrology
The Magi, defined as Old Persian magu, were the priestly caste from which Zoroaster was born. They held significant influence and were renowned for their knowledge of the stars and their ability to interpret celestial patterns. The term magi eventually became synonymous with those skilled in magic and supernatural knowledge.
The Visit of the Magi to Jesus
A well-known example of magicians in early history is the record of the visit of the Magi to the newborn Jesus. According to the Bible, they were astrologers who had followed a star to find the child. These magicians, in the context of the time, were part of the priestly class and were known for their astrological prowess and prophetic abilities.
Conclusion
While the origins of magic and the first public magician remain shrouded in mystery, the richness of its history is undeniable. From Dedi in ancient Egypt to the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus, magic has played a significant role in human history. The Cups and Balls trick, one of the oldest and most enduring magic tricks, continues to fascinate and intrigue people around the world.
Whether Dedi actually performed the Cups and Balls or the Beni Hasan painting accurately represents the effect, one thing is clear: the history of magic is a testament to the power of illusion and the human quest for wonder.