#self-imprecatory oath

• Self-imprecatory covenant — A complex ritualistic institution and legal-religious formula whereby a solemn oath of allegiance or alliance is directly and explicitly conditioned by a curse the initiator invokes upon themselves in the event of betrayal. This mechanism of psychological and mystical coercion in traditional societies transforms the pact into an absolute commitment, guaranteed by the fear of physical self-destruction or eternal damnation overseen by the deity.