Mani (216–276 CE) and Ethiopian Enoch

Abstract

Mani (216–276 CE) lived in a world where many ideas contributed to his unique theology. In the scriptural legacy of Mani seven of his books show influence of Ethiopian Enoch. These books are identified in this article and the use of Enochic material in those books is discussed. The Manichaean myth is briefly discussed and used to propose that Enochic influence can mainly be found in the way First Enoch depicted characters and presented the cosmos. Mani adopted his ideas mainly from the Book of the Watchers (1 En 1–36), the Book of Parables (1 En 37–71) and the Astronomical Book of Enoch (72–82) where evil beings and cursed places are depicted.