Does damage from snakelings go down if you have a higher magic defense from items?

For example, would it be better if I had an ancient wyvern shield vs a mages book?

i would say yes, but dont have hard knowledge, only how it feels with different gear.

i used to get fucked with void
i get less fucked with ahrims and karil

You would take less hits. So yes.

You using a ring of suffering to kill those snakes ?