Succubus
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| - | In folklore traced back to [[medieval legend]], a '''succubus''' (plural '''succubi''') is a female [[demon]] appearing in dreams who takes the form of a human woman in order to seduce men, usually through [[sexual intercourse]]. The male counterpart is the [[incubus]]. Religious traditions hold that repeated intercourse with a succubus may result in the deterioration of health or even death. | ||
| - | In modern fictional representations, a succubus may or may not appear in dreams and is often depicted as a highly attractive [[seductress]] or [[Magician (paranormal)|enchantress]], in contrast to the past where succubi were generally depicted as frightening and demonic. | + | A '''succubus''' is a [[demon]] or [[supernatural]] entity in [[folklore]], in female form, that appears in dreams to [[Seduction|seduce]] men, usually through [[Human sexual activity|sexual activity]]. According to [[religious tradition]]s, repeated sexual activity with a succubus can cause poor physical or mental health, even death. In modern representations, a succubus is often depicted as a beautiful seductress or [[Magician (supernatural)|enchantress]], rather than as demonic or frightening. The male counterpart to the succubus is the [[incubus]]. |
| ==Etymology== | ==Etymology== | ||
| - | The word is derived from [[Late Latin]] ''succuba'' "strumpet" (from ''succubare'' "to lie under", from ''sub-'' "under" and ''[[cubare]]'' "to lie"), used to describe the supernatural being as well. It is first attested from 1387. | + | The word is derived from [[Late Latin]] ''succuba'' "paramour"; from ''succubare'' "to lie beneath" (''sub-'' "under" and ''cubare'' "to lie"), used to describe this female supernatural being's implied sexual position relative to the male sleeper's position. The word ''succubus'' originates from the late 14th century. |
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| ==In folklore== | ==In folklore== | ||
| - | According to [[Zohar]] and the [[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 [[archangel]] [[Samael]]. In [[Zohar]]istic [[Kabbalah]], there were four succubi who mated with [[archangel]] [[Samael]]. They were four original queens of the demons [[Lilith]], [[Agrat Bat Mahlat]], [[Naamah (demon)|Naamah]], and [[Eisheth Zenunim]]. In later [[folklore]], a succubus took the form of a [[siren]]. | + | As depicted in the Jewish mystical work [[Zohar]] and the medieval rabbinical 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 [[Zohar]]istic [[Kabbalah]], there were four succubi who mated with the archangel Samael. There were four original queens of the demons: [[Lilith]], [[Eisheth]], [[Agrat bat Mahlat]], and [[Naamah (demon)|Naamah]]. A succubus may take a form of a beautiful young girl but closer inspection may reveal deformities of her body, such as bird-like claws or [[Serpentine shape|serpentine]] tails. Folklore also describes the act of [[Sexual penetration|sexually penetrating]] a succubus as akin to entering a cavern of ice, and there are reports of succubi forcing men to perform [[cunnilingus]] on their vulvas, which drip with urine and other fluids. In later folklore, a succubus took the form of a [[Siren (mythology)|siren]]. |
| - | Throughout history, [[priests]] and [[rabbis]] including [[Hanina Ben Dosa]] and [[Abaye]], tried to curb the power of succubi over humans. | + | Throughout history, [[priest]]s and [[rabbi]]s, including [[Hanina Ben Dosa]] and [[Abaye]], tried to curb the power of succubi over humans. However, not all succubi were malevolent. According to [[Walter Mapes|Walter Map]] in the satire ''[[De Nugis Curialium]]'' (''Trifles of Courtiers''), [[Pope Sylvester II]] (999–1003) was allegedly involved with a succubus named Meridiana, who helped him achieve his high rank in the [[Catholic Church]]. Before his death, he confessed of his sins and died repentant. |
| - | + | ||
| - | Not all succubi were malevolent. According to [[Walter Mapes]] in ''[[De Nugis Curialium]]'' (''Trifles of Courtiers''), [[Pope Sylvester II]] (999–1003) was involved with a succubus named '''Meridiana''', who helped him achieve his high rank in the [[Catholic Church]]. Before his death, he confessed of his sins and died repentant. | + | |
| ==Ability to reproduce== | ==Ability to reproduce== | ||
| - | According to the [[Kabbalah]] and the school of [[Rashba]], the original three queens of the demons, [[Agrat Bat Mahlat]], [[Naamah (demon)|Naamah]], and [[Eisheth Zenunim]] and all their cohorts give birth to children, except [[Lilith]]. According to other [[legend]]s, the children of [[Lilith]] are called [[Lilin]]. | + | According to the [[Kabbalah]] and the school of [[Shlomo ben Aderet|Rashba]], the original three queens of the demons, [[Agrat Bat Mahlat]], [[Naamah (demon)|Naamah]], [[Eisheth Zenunim]], and all their cohorts give birth to children, except [[Lilith]]. According to other [[legend]]s, the children of Lilith are called [[Lilin]]. |
| + | |||
| + | According to the ''[[Malleus Maleficarum]]'', or "Witches' Hammer", written by [[Heinrich Kramer]] (Institoris) in 1486, succubi [[semen collection|collect semen]] from men they seduce. Incubi, or male demons, then use the semen to impregnate human females, thus explaining how demons could apparently sire children despite the traditional belief that they were incapable of reproduction. Children so begotten—[[cambion]]s—were supposed to be those that were born deformed, or more susceptible to supernatural influences. While the book does not address why a human female impregnated with the semen of a human male would not produce regular human offspring, an explanation could be that the semen is altered before being transferred to the female host. However in some lore, the child is born deformed because the conception was unnatural. | ||
| + | |||
| + | [[James VI and I|King James]] in his dissertation titled [[Daemonologie|Dæmonologie]] refutes the possibility for angelic entities to reproduce and instead offered a suggestion that a [[devil]] would carry out two methods of impregnating women: the first, to steal the sperm out of a dead man and deliver it into a woman. If a demon could extract the semen quickly, the substance could not be instantly transported to a female host, causing it to go cold. This explains his view that succubi and incubi were the same demonic entity only to be described differently based on the tormented sexes being conversed with. The second method was the idea that a dead body could be possessed by a devil, causing it to rise and have sexual relations with others. However, there is no mention of a female corpse being possessed to elicit sex from men. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==In non-Western literature== | ||
| + | ===Buddhist canon=== | ||
| + | A Buddhist scripture regarding prayer to [[Avalokiteśvara]], the ''Dharani Sutra of Amoghapāśa'', promises to those who pray that "you will not be attacked by demons who either suck your energy or make love to you in your dreams." | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===Arabian culture=== | ||
| + | In [[Religion in pre-Islamic Arabia|Arabian mythology]], the ''qarînah'' (قرينة) is a spirit similar to the succubus, with origins possibly in [[ancient Egyptian religion]] or in the [[animism|animistic]] beliefs of [[pre-Islamic Arabia]]. A qarînah "sleeps with the person and has relations during sleep as is known by the dreams". They are said to be invisible, but a person with "[[second sight]]" can see them, often in the form of a cat, dog, or other household pet. "In Omdurman it is a spirit which possesses. ... Only certain people are possessed and such people cannot marry or the qarina will harm them." To date, many African myths claim that men who have similar experience with such principality (succubus) in dreams (usually in form of a beautiful woman) find themselves exhausted as soon as they awaken; often claiming spiritual attack upon them. Local rituals/divination are often invoked in order to appeal the god for divine protection and intervention. | ||
| - | According to the ''[[Malleus Maleficarum]]'', or "Witches' Hammer", written by [[Heinrich Kramer]] (Insitoris) in 1486, a succubus collects semen from the men she seduces. The incubi or male demons then use the semen to impregnate human females, thus explaining how demons could apparently sire children despite the traditional belief that they were incapable of reproduction. Children so begotten – [[cambion]]s – were supposed to be those that were born deformed, or more susceptible to supernatural influences. The book does not address why a human female impregnated with the [[semen]] of a human male would not produce a regular human offspring. | + | ==Scientific explanations== |
| + | In the field of [[medicine]], there is some belief that the stories relating to encounters with succubi bear resemblance to the contemporary phenomenon of people reporting [[alien abduction]]s, which has been ascribed to [[sleep paralysis]] and hallucinations from their contemporary culture. Furthermore, the experience of [[nocturnal emission]]s or "wet dreams" may explain the sexual aspect of the phenomenon. | ||
| - | ==Possible explanation for alleged encounters with succubi== | + | ==In fiction== |
| - | In the field of [[medicine]], there is some belief that the stories relating to encounters with succubi bear similar resemblance to the contemporary phenomenon of people reporting [[alien abductions]], which has been ascribed to the condition known as [[sleep paralysis]]. It is therefore suggested that historical accounts of people experiencing encounters with succubi may have been in fact symptoms of sleep paralysis, with the hallucination of the said creatures coming from their contemporary culture. | + | |
| - | ==Qarinah== | + | |
| - | In [[Arab]]ic superstition, the '''qarînah''' ({{lang|ar|قرينه}}) is a spirit similar to the succubus, with origins possibly in ancient Egyptian religion or in the [[animism|animistic]] beliefs of [[pre-Islamic Arabia]] (see [[Arabian mythology]]). A qarînah "sleeps with the person and has relations during sleep as is known by the dreams." They are said to be invisible, but a person with "second sight" can see them, often in the form of a cat, dog, or other household pet. "In Omdurman it is a spirit which possesses. ... Only certain people are possessed and such people cannot marry or the qarina will harm them." | + | |
| - | ==Succubi in fiction== | + | Throughout history, succubi have been popular characters in music, literature, film, television, and more. |
| - | :''[[Succubi in fiction]]'' | + | |
| - | Throughout history, succubi have been popular characters in music, literature, film, television, and especially as video game and [[anime]] characters. | + | |
| ==See also== | ==See also== | ||
| - | ;Similar creatures in folklore | + | * [[List of mythological creatures]] |
| - | * [[Al Basti]] | + | |
| - | * [[Empusa]] | + | |
| - | * [[Hisa-me]] | + | |
| - | * [[Hone-onna]] | + | |
| - | * [[Huldra]] | + | |
| - | * [[Huli jing]] | + | |
| - | * [[Incubus]] | + | |
| - | * [[Kitsune]] | + | |
| - | * [[Lamia (mythology)|Lamia]] | + | |
| - | * [[Lidérc]] | + | |
| - | * [[Mare (folklore)|Mara]] | + | |
| - | * [[Melusine]] | + | |
| - | * [[Qarînah]] | + | |
| - | * [[Rusalka]] | + | |
| - | * [[Spirit spouse]] | + | |
| - | * [[Vandella]] | + | |
| - | * [[Yuki-onna]] | + | |
| - | ;General | ||
| - | :''[[Succubus (disambiguation)]]'' | ||
| - | * [[Demonology]] | ||
| - | * [[Enchantress]] | ||
| - | * [[Energy vampire]] | ||
| - | * [[Ethereal being]] | ||
| - | * [[Femme fatale]] | ||
| - | * [[Naamah (demon)]] | ||
| - | * [[Seduction]] | ||
| - | * [[The Succubus|The Succubus (''South Park'' series)]] | ||
| {{GFDL}} | {{GFDL}} | ||
Revision as of 22:41, 7 May 2021
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"'For Sinistrari d'Ameno,' observed Durtal, "'the incubi and succubi are not precisely demons, but animal spirits, intermediate between the demon and the angel, a sort of satyr or faun, such as were revered in the time of paganism, a sort of imp, such as were exorcised in the Middle Ages. Sinistrari adds that they do not need to pollute a sleeping man, since they possess genitals and are endowed with prolificacy.'"--Là-Bas (1891) by Joris-Karl Huysmans |
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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 traditions, repeated sexual activity with a succubus can cause poor physical or mental health, even death. In modern representations, a succubus is often depicted as a beautiful seductress or enchantress, rather than as demonic or frightening. The male counterpart to the succubus is the incubus.
Contents |
Etymology
The word is derived from Late Latin succuba "paramour"; from succubare "to lie beneath" (sub- "under" and cubare "to lie"), used to describe this female supernatural being's implied sexual position relative to the male sleeper's position. The word succubus originates from the late 14th century.
In folklore
As depicted in the Jewish mystical work Zohar and the medieval rabbinical 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. There were four original queens of the demons: Lilith, Eisheth, Agrat bat Mahlat, and Naamah. A succubus may take a form of a beautiful young girl but closer inspection may reveal deformities of her body, such as bird-like claws or serpentine tails. Folklore also describes the act of sexually penetrating a succubus as akin to entering a cavern of ice, and there are reports of succubi forcing men to perform cunnilingus on their vulvas, which drip with urine and other fluids. In later folklore, a succubus took the form of a siren.
Throughout history, priests and rabbis, including Hanina Ben Dosa and Abaye, tried to curb the power of succubi over humans. However, not all succubi were malevolent. According to Walter Map in the satire De Nugis Curialium (Trifles of Courtiers), Pope Sylvester II (999–1003) was allegedly involved with a succubus named Meridiana, who helped him achieve his high rank in the Catholic Church. Before his death, he confessed of his sins and died repentant.
Ability to reproduce
According to the Kabbalah and the school of Rashba, the original three queens of the demons, Agrat Bat Mahlat, Naamah, Eisheth Zenunim, and all their cohorts give birth to children, except Lilith. According to other legends, the children of Lilith are called Lilin.
According to the Malleus Maleficarum, or "Witches' Hammer", written by Heinrich Kramer (Institoris) in 1486, succubi collect semen from men they seduce. Incubi, or male demons, then use the semen to impregnate human females, thus explaining how demons could apparently sire children despite the traditional belief that they were incapable of reproduction. Children so begotten—cambions—were supposed to be those that were born deformed, or more susceptible to supernatural influences. While the book does not address why a human female impregnated with the semen of a human male would not produce regular human offspring, an explanation could be that the semen is altered before being transferred to the female host. However in some lore, the child is born deformed because the conception was unnatural.
King James in his dissertation titled Dæmonologie refutes the possibility for angelic entities to reproduce and instead offered a suggestion that a devil would carry out two methods of impregnating women: the first, to steal the sperm out of a dead man and deliver it into a woman. If a demon could extract the semen quickly, the substance could not be instantly transported to a female host, causing it to go cold. This explains his view that succubi and incubi were the same demonic entity only to be described differently based on the tormented sexes being conversed with. The second method was the idea that a dead body could be possessed by a devil, causing it to rise and have sexual relations with others. However, there is no mention of a female corpse being possessed to elicit sex from men.
In non-Western literature
Buddhist canon
A Buddhist scripture regarding prayer to Avalokiteśvara, the Dharani Sutra of Amoghapāśa, promises to those who pray that "you will not be attacked by demons who either suck your energy or make love to you in your dreams."
Arabian culture
In Arabian mythology, the qarînah (قرينة) is a spirit similar to the succubus, with origins possibly in ancient Egyptian religion or in the animistic beliefs of pre-Islamic Arabia. A qarînah "sleeps with the person and has relations during sleep as is known by the dreams". They are said to be invisible, but a person with "second sight" can see them, often in the form of a cat, dog, or other household pet. "In Omdurman it is a spirit which possesses. ... Only certain people are possessed and such people cannot marry or the qarina will harm them." To date, many African myths claim that men who have similar experience with such principality (succubus) in dreams (usually in form of a beautiful woman) find themselves exhausted as soon as they awaken; often claiming spiritual attack upon them. Local rituals/divination are often invoked in order to appeal the god for divine protection and intervention.
Scientific explanations
In the field of medicine, there is some belief that the stories relating to encounters with succubi bear resemblance to the contemporary phenomenon of people reporting alien abductions, which has been ascribed to sleep paralysis and hallucinations from their contemporary culture. Furthermore, the experience of nocturnal emissions or "wet dreams" may explain the sexual aspect of the phenomenon.
In fiction
Throughout history, succubi have been popular characters in music, literature, film, television, and more.
See also
