DEMONS |
Demon, Daemon, or Daimon Demons exist in most religions, from the Ancient Greeks to the Christian New Testament. In most cultures demons personify evil, pain, and suffering. One consistency is that multiple demons usually exist, frequently in some sort of hierarchy. Each demon usually has it's own name and unique characteristics. Often each demon exploits a specific weakness in man, creates a certain suffering for man, or wants some special thing from man. To the Ancient Greeks daimons were minor deities, not necessarily good or evil. The good demons were Eudemons, and the evil were called Cacodemons. Many Eastern religions feature a host of malevolent demons. Ancient Buddhists had the Mira who embodied all that was evil. The Indian demons are lead by the powerful Ravana, who can change shape and is invulnerable against all other Gods. In the Christian religion demons are the embodiment of evil, with the Devil and his many minions called demons. The Devil is usually depicted as being red with horns, a tail, and carrying a pitchfork. The Devil is also sometimes called Satan, Lucifer or Beelzebub. Christian demons are said to have many powers which are alluring to men, such as prophecy. Indeed, the Satanic trinity is said to be the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet. (Rev. 16:13-16). However, it is said that partaking of these powers will put a man under the control of evil spirits. Christian demons not in the underworld are either free on Earth and air or live temporarily in the "abyss". A demon who is in the abyss will eventually go back to "the lake of fire" or Gehenna with Satan, demons, and unsaved men. The Devil is frequently associated with Witchcraft. However, most modern Witches deny even believing in Satan. This nagging link between the Devil and Witchcraft was probably created by Christians either afraid of Witchcraft or just wishing to taint it. It is also entirely possible that this link started with some ancient Witches becoming involved with worshipping the Devil. One similarity in several religions is the origin of the head demon. Frequently the head demon started out as being in a heaven with the main or only God of the religion. God and the demon quarrel or battle, and the demon is condemned to rule the underworld. In the Christian bible, Lucifer starts out as an angel. Lucifer battles God, is defeated, and is sent to rule hell. In the Moslem faith, Ibis is an angel. Ibis will not bow down to Adam - an Earth creature. Thus, Ibis becomes the enemy of man. Demon Name Religion/Region Description Incubus European evil spirit that has intercourse with a human woman while she sleeps Succubus European female demon that has intercourse with a human man while he sleeps |
