| Succubus | |
|---|---|
 The Succubus (1889) by Auguste Rodin | |
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Real Name |
Succubus |
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First Appearance |
Jewish Mythology |
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Created by |
Jewish Mythology |
Origin[]
A succubus is a demon or supernatural entity in folklore, in female form, that appears in dreams to seduce men, usually through sexual activity. According to religious tradition repeated sexual activity with a succubus will result in a bond being formed between the succubus and the man; and a succubus will drain or harm the man with whom she is having intercourse.
In modern representations, a succubus is often depicted as a beautiful seductress or enchantress, rather than as demonic or frightening.A succubus may take a form of a beautiful woman, but closer inspection may reveal deformities of her body, such as bird-like claws or serpentine tails. The male counterpart to the succubus is the incubus.
As depicted in the Jewish mystical treatise Zohar and the medieval Jewish satirical text Alphabet of Ben Sira, Lilith was Adam's first wife, who later became a succubus. She left Adam and refused to return to the Garden of Eden after she mated with the archangel Samael.
In Zoharistic Kabbalah, there were four succubi who mated with the archangel Samael. The four original queens of the demons were Lilith, Eisheth Zenunim, Agrat Bat Mahlat, and Naamah.
Public Domain Appearances[]
All published appearances of Succubus from before January 1, 1930 are public domain in the US.
Some notable appearances are listed below:
Public Domain Literary Appearances[]
- Zohar
- Alphabet of Ben Sira
- A Mad World, My Masters (1605)
- The Succubus (1800s)