By Simon Robinson
Adramelech
Suddenly,
I realise.
There are no fish, only beguilement.
Startled, Adramelech awakens.
His comfortable home discovered
and flee he cannot,
for there is no Adramelech.
Only beguilement.
The peacock’s wings,
Cover all.
Yet even they are empty.
Not the mind, yet not not the mind.
I suspect a happy pond
is an unfished pond.
I turn my back and leave my cave.
© 2024 Simon Robinson
Historical and Mythological Context
Adramelech: A Complex Figure Across History
Adramelech is a figure whose significance has evolved throughout history, appearing in various religious and mythological contexts.
Historical Origins
The name Adramelech derives from ancient Semitic roots, meaning “Magnificence of the King” or “Splendour of the King.” Originally, he was a deity worshipped in Sepharvaim, an ancient city near the Euphrates, north of Babylon.
Biblical References
Two distinct entities bear this name in the Bible:
- A deity worshipped by the Sepharvites, to whom children were sacrificed
- A son of Sennacherib, king of Assyria, who committed patricide alongside his brother Sharezer
Ancient Worship
The Talmud describes Adramelech in two forms:
- As an idol in the shape of an ass, associated with burden-bearing
- As a deity in the form of a peacock, symbolizing magnificence and royalty
Demonic Transformation
In medieval demonology, Adramelech evolved into:
- The Grand Chancellor of Hell
- President of the Senate of demons
- A demon of retribution and illumination
Symbolic Significance
Adramelech embodies several key aspects:
- Solar Connection: Originally associated with sun worship and illumination
- Justice: Represents divine retribution and cosmic order
- Knowledge: Serves as a keeper of hidden wisdom and forbidden knowledge
This complex figure demonstrates how ancient deities transform across cultures and time periods, accumulating new meanings and interpretations while maintaining elements of their original significance.
Interpretation of the Poem
Symbolic Elements
The recurring theme of “beguilement” serves as a powerful metaphor for deception and illusion, while the absence of fish suggests a void where expected substance should be. The reference to Adramelech adds a layer of ancient mysticism and false grandeur.
Imagery and Meaning
The peacock’s wings create a vivid visual metaphor for both beauty and emptiness, suggesting that even the most magnificent appearances may be devoid of substance.
The paradoxical line “Not the mind, yet not not the mind” echoes Zen Buddhist concepts of non-dualism and the nature of consciousness.
Resolution
The final lines offer a compelling conclusion, suggesting liberation through acceptance and detachment. The “happy pond” metaphor cleverly ties back to the opening fish imagery, while “leaving the cave” evokes Plato’s Allegory of the Cave, representing the journey from illusion to truth.
This poem weaves together Eastern philosophical concepts with Western mythological references, creating a meditation on reality and self-deception.
© 2024 Simon Robinson – Poem by the author.
Adramelech information and interpretation sourced from Perplexity A.I.
SEO Page Description
“Adramelech” is a profound poem by Simon Robinson, exploring themes of illusion, enlightenment, and self-discovery. Using rich symbolic imagery, the poem draws on mythological and philosophical elements, blending Zen Buddhist non-dualism with Western mysticism.
