The Book of Saint Cyprian

Once upon a time...

The legend of the Book of Saint Cyprian is one of several legends that echo in the villages of the Peneda-Gerês National Park, shrouded in mystery with a magical and esoteric aura. The story varies, but there is a version that is frequently told, in which the Book of Saint Cyprian was used for spells related to envy and blind passion. Saint Cyprian was a sorcerer converted to Christianity, a historical figure who lived in Antioch, between Syria and Arabia. Legend says that, before his conversion to Christianity, he was a notorious magician and practitioner of occult arts, accumulating great knowledge of black magic. The story begins with Saint Cyprian's youth, when he made a pact with the devil to acquire magical powers. This pact was sealed in a special book, which later became known as the Book of Saint Cyprian – the book with the black cover.

The turning point in Cyprian's life occurs when he meets Justina, a devout young Christian woman. Urged on by a Christian friend named Eusebius, Cyprian attempts to use his magical powers to seduce Justina. However, all his spells fail due to her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. Frustrated and intrigued, Cyprian confronts the devil and discovers that the sign of the cross is a powerful force against the dark arts. This moment marks his transformation and the beginning of his journey of conversion to Christianity.

To symbolize his renunciation of black magic, Cyprian burned his books of witchcraft, including the pact with the devil. He distributed his riches to the poor and decided to follow a life of penance. After his conversion, Cyprian and Justina were persecuted by Emperor Diocletian because of their Christian faith. They faced cruel tortures, but remained steadfast in their belief until they were condemned to death.

The legend reaches its peak when, during the execution, Cyprian and Justina are thrown into a boiling cauldron. Surprisingly, they suffer no harm, unaffected by the fire. This event was interpreted as a divine miracle. A sorcerer named Athanasius, witnessing what happened to Cyprian, attempts to replicate the act by throwing himself into the same cauldron. However, he dies instantly, indicating the difference between divine power and the dark arts. After the martyrs' deaths, their bodies are hidden by devout Christians and later transferred to the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome.

This legend is rich in elements of conversion, miracles, and confrontations between the divine and the occult. The Book of Saint Cyprian, which played a crucial role in Cyprian's black magic phase, becomes a central piece in the narrative, associated with his spiritual transformation.