The aim of the present chapter is to set forth a literary history of the development of the mythical figure Lilith. This begins with the first acknowledged literary reference to Lilith, a text dating 2000 BCE and related to the 2400 BCE work entitled the Epic of Gilgamesh and culminates in an examination of the central work of Jewish mysticism, The Zohar, from the 13th century. This long and complex history of development brings to light the three guises in which Lilith first appears: a child-slaying witch, a succubus/seductress of the night, and the first wife of Adam.

It should be noted, however, that this history is not fully complete, for it is not within the scope of this paper to present the research surrounding all of the various "texts" associated with Lilith, such as archeological artifacts, undated oral traditions, and superstitious amulets. Some artifacts, however, may be introduced for illustrative purposes and treated as "texts" in their own right, but it is important to note that this study's focus is primarily the literary works in which the image of Lilith arises.

I. "Gilgamesh and the Huluppu-Tree" (2000 BC) from the Epic of Gilgamesh (2400 BC)

A. Literary reference with incidental mention of Lilith
1) Most closely associated with "Eden" myth
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II. The Lilith Relief -- Sumerian terra-cotta relief (circa 2000 BCE)

A. Archaeological artifact with Lilith as primary figure
1) Lilith as succubus
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III. Isaiah 34:14 (circa 900 BCE)

A. Much contested incidental literary reference to Lilith
1) Associates her with the desert, night, evil, and flight
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IV. Testament of Solomon (200 CE)

A. Literary reference with incidental mention of Lilith
1) Obizuth, a child-slayer, describes herself in terms identical to Lilith
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V. The Talmud (400 CE)

A. Literary reference with four incidental mentions of Lilith
1) Lilith is a winged, she-demon of the night; alludes to succubus myth
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VI. The Nippur Bowls -- incantation bowls (circa 600 CE)

A. Archaeological artifacts, 26 of which feature Lilith
1) Lilith's guises of child-slayer and succubus are joined together in incantations
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VII. The Alphabet of Ben Sira (800 CE)

A. Literary reference with unique history in which Lilith's story is told
1) First known reference to Lilith as first wife of Adam
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VIII. Book of Raziel (circa 1100 CE)

A. Literary reference drawing upon an amuletic tradition where Lilith is prominent
1) Offers protection against Lilith the child-slayer; associates her with Adam
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IX. The Zohar (1200 CE)

A. Literary reference where Lilith's mentions are no longer incidental
1) The various guises of Lilith come together, producing a complete picture
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X. Hebrew Amuletic Tradition (circa 900-1800 CE)

A. Archaeological artifacts, countless in number, which focus on Lilith
1) Primarily used in protection during child-birth
2) Some also draw upon other facets of Lilith, such as succubus and wife of Adam
Click here.

ascerba@mindspring.com