The Mystic and Modernity: Unfolding Past and Present in Emperor and Galilean.

Maximus represents an alternative for Julian, as he focuses on the psychology and the possibilities of human beings, not on rules and commandments from above.[10] The potential of the individual human being is magnificent, in Maximus' view, and here the background of the historical Maximus as a theurgist magician is essential. It is said that he has slept for three years in the caves beyond Jordan, and that his brothers have been executed as heretics (Ibsen [13], 17, 18).[11] Julian and his Christian teacher Hekebolius at this stage consider Maximus to be an impostor (18), but in the second act, Julian's view gradually changes. I He wears a pointed cap and a long black robe; in his hand he carries a white staff. i (Ibsen [13], 76-77)[15] The way Maximus is described may be an allusion to the legendary Arthurian wizard Merlin the Enchanter, but with a Middle Eastern twist, showing Maximus' (probably) Anatolian heritage.[16] Julian has asked for Maximus' guidance, not only in religious matters, but also in questions and dilemmas concerning his own future. In response to this, Maximus arranges a ritual in Julian's dwelling.[17] A bronze lamp lights up by itself with a reddish flame as Maximus pours oil into a bowl, and Julian is given wine with a spark of the fire that the titan Prometheus stole from the gods (77, 78). He reminds Julian of their conversation about the three empires during the symposium in Ephesus, and he criticizes Julian for his policy as an emperor: MAXIMUS: You know I have never approved your policy as an Emperor. [Extracted from the article]