Demon mythology has been around for centuries; dating to before there was any human records and is known throughout many religions and cultures across the world. Throughout the years demon mythology has been passed down and depicted differently through every culture. The word demon derives from the Greek word daimon, meaning a supernatural spirit or power of an inferior sort. Demons have not always been associated with evil and menacing spirits as how they are viewed by today.
In pre-Islamic times there was no difference between gods or demons. Jinns (Genies) are supernatural beings made from smokeless fire by Allah (God), that live among humans and angels. The Jinns were the only beings that had freewill other than humans. Jinns could take on human and animal shapes to lore men into doing good or evil. The leader of this group is Iblis (the devil according to the Qur’an). According to tradition Iblis refused to bow down to Allah’s newly created man, Adam, because Iblis felt superior to any other being because he was made of fire. He still continues to tempt humans through whispers and false suggestions. It is believed that one day Iblis will be cast to Jahannon (hell).
In Judaism, Lilith is the princess of all demons. It is said that she was the first wife of Adam before God gave him Eve. Lilith refused Adam when he tried to make her lie beneath him during sexual intercourse. Not wanting to be dominated by a man, Lilith ran to the red sea where she cursed out three angels that God sent to bring her back to Adam. While at the red sea Lilith became a lover to demons and produced more than one hundred children a day. God told her that her demon children would go away if she did not go back to Adam. She again refused and was punished while Adam was given Eve to fill Lilith’s place. After being punished by God, Lilith became the wife of Samael, the angel of death. Lilith went on to seduce men and kill off newborn children. Even though the legend of Lilith died out, her daughters, Lilim, went thousands of years torturing men. It is said that men who experience nocturnal emissions are being seduced by Lilith and her daughters.
In Hindu and Buddhist religions there are many demons. Vritra (the enemy of the gods), Yama (the king of death) and Ravana (the Demon King) are just a few of the several dozen in Hindu culture. Rakshasa is one of the more well known demons. Rakshasa uses its powers to distract men from their true path and spiritual progression.
Christian beliefs in demons were adopted by Judaism traditions. Christians say that demons are fallen angels that conspired against God and his kingdom under their leader Satan. They were cast out of heaven by the archangel Michael and the other holy angels to realm the Earth. Not much is known about the battle to get the rebels out of the heavens because the war happened long before human records or possibly human existence. Satan and his worshipers have been allowed to tempt and induce humans into doing wrong. Like many other religions there are several different demons that all have different purposes. In present day, Liberal day Christians consider demon reference in the bible to have no value and have no longer believe in the existence of demons. On the other hand conservative Christians still believe that they are demons.
For centuries every culture or religion has had their own tales and ideas about demons. No matter what religion you look at all, of them seem to have a lot of similarities on their beliefs.
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