Alruy, David

An Encyclopaedia of Occultism (1920)

A Jewish magician, mentioned in his Voyages by Benjamin the Jew. Alruy boasted himself a descendant of King David. He was educated in Bagdad, receiving instruction in the magic arts to such good purpose that he came to be more proficient than his masters. His false miracles gained so much popularity for him that some of the Jews believed him to be that prophet who was to restore their nation to Jerusalem. The King of Persia caused him to be cast into prison, but no bolts and bars could hold for long so redoubtable a magician. He escaped from his prison and appeared before the eyes of the astonished king, though the courtiers standing round saw nothing, and only heard his voice. In vain the king called angrily for someone to arrest the imposter. No one could see him, and while they groped in search of him, like men blindfolded, he slipped from the palace, with the king in pursuit, all the amazed assembly running after their prince. At م Althotas length they reached the sea shore, and Alruy turned and showed himself to all the people. Then, spreading a scarf on the surface of the water, he walked over it lightly, before the boats which were to pursue him were ready. This adventure confirmed his reputation as the greatest magician who had lived within the memory of man. But at last a Turkish prince, a subject of the Persian king, bribed the father-in-law of the sorcerer to kill him, and one night, when Alruy was sleeping peacefully in his bed, a dagger thrust put an end to his existence. “