Incubus

Last updated
Incubus, 1879 Incubus.jpg
Incubus, 1879

An incubus (pl.: incubi) is a demon in human form in folklore that seeks to have sexual intercourse with sleeping women; the corresponding spirit in female form is called a succubus. Parallels exist in many cultures. [1]

Contents

In medieval Europe, union with an incubus was supposed by some to result in the birth of witches, demons, and deformed human offspring. Legendary magician Merlin was said to have been fathered by an incubus. Walter Stephens writes in his book Demon Lovers that some traditions hold that repeated sexual activity with an incubus or succubus may result in the deterioration of health, an impaired mental state, or even death. [2]

Etymological, ancient, and religious descriptions

The Late Latin word incubus ("a nightmare induced by a demon") is derived from Latin incubō ("nightmare, what lies down on one whilst one sleeps") and further from incubāre ("to lie upon, to hatch"). [3] One of the earliest evident mentions of a demon sharing qualities with an incubus comes from Mesopotamia on the Sumerian King List, circa 2400 BC, where the hero Gilgamesh's father is listed as Lilu. [4] Lilu is described as "disturbing" and "seducing" women in their sleep, while Lilitu, a female demon, is described as appearing to men in erotic dreams. [5] Two other corresponding demons appear as well: Ardat lili, who visits men by night, and Idlu lili, a male counterpart to Ardat lili who visits women by night and begets from them. Ardat lili is derived from ardatu, the word for "a woman of marriageable age", while idlu lili is derived from idlu, meaning a "grown man". [6] [7] These demons were originally storm demons. They eventually became regarded as night demons, potentially due to mistaken etymology. [8]

Merlin is said to have been born from the relationship of an incubus with a mortal (illumination from a 13th century French manuscript) Merlin (illustration from middle ages).jpg
Merlin is said to have been born from the relationship of an incubus with a mortal (illumination from a 13th century French manuscript)

The half-human offspring of such a union is sometimes referred to as a cambion. An incubus may pursue sexual relations with a woman to father a child, as in the legend of Merlin, [9] which was the first popular account of demonic parentage in Western Christian literature. [10]

In the Malleus Maleficarum , exorcism is presented as one of the five ways to overcome the attacks of incubi. The others are Confession, the Sign of the Cross or recital of the Hail Mary, moving the afflicted to another location, and by excommunication of the attacking entity, "which is perhaps the same as exorcism". [11] In contrast, the Franciscan friar Ludovico Maria Sinistrari stated that incubi "do not obey exorcists, have no dread of exorcisms, show no reverence for holy things, at the approach of which they are not in the least overawed". [12]

One scientific explanation for the incubus concept could fall under the scope of sleep paralysis, as well as hypnagogia, as it is common to experience auditory and visual hallucinations in both states. Typical examples include a feeling of being crushed or suffocated, electric "tingles" or "vibrations", imagined speech and other noises, the imagined presence of a visible or invisible entity, and sometimes intense emotions of fear or euphoria and orgasmic feelings. These often appear quite real and vivid, especially auditory hallucinations of music, which can be quite loud, indistinguishable from music being played in the same room. Humanoid and animal figures, often shadowy or blurry, are often present in hypnagogic hallucinations, more so than other hallucinogenic states.[ citation needed ]

The combination of sleep paralysis and hypnagogic hallucination could cause someone to believe that a "demon was holding them down". Nocturnal arousal etc. could be explained by creatures causing otherwise guilt-producing behavior. Add to this the common phenomena of nocturnal arousal and nocturnal emission, and all the elements required to believe in an incubus are present. [13]

Additionally, some crimes of sexual assault were likely passed off as the actions of incubi. Some authors speculate that rapists may have attributed the rapes of sleeping men and women to demons to escape punishment. Robert Masello asserts that a friend or relative is at the top of the list in such cases, and that the assault would be kept secret by the intervention of "spirits". [12]

Regional variations

A number of variations on the incubus theme are seen around the world. The alp of Teutonic or German folklore is one of the better known. In Zanzibar, Popo Bawa primarily attacks men and generally behind closed doors. [14] "The Trauco", according to the traditional mythology of the Chiloé Province of Chile, is a hideous deformed dwarf who lulls nubile young women and seduces them. The Trauco is said to be responsible for unwanted pregnancies, especially in unmarried women. Perhaps another variation of this conception is the "Tintín" in Ecuador, a dwarf who is fond of abundant-haired women and seduces them at night by playing the guitar outside their windows — a myth that researchers believe was created during the colonial period to explain pregnancies in women who never left their houses without a chaperone. In Hungary, a lidérc can be a Satanic lover that flies at night and appears as a fiery light (an ignis fatuus or will o' the wisp) or, in its more benign form as a featherless chicken. [15]

In Brazil and the rainforests of the Amazon basin, the Amazon river dolphin (or boto) is believed to be a combination of siren and incubus that shape-shifts into a very charming and handsome man who seduces young women and takes them into the river. [16] It is said to be responsible for disappearances and unwanted pregnancies. [17] According to legend, a boto always wears a hat to disguise the breathing hole at the top of its head while in human form, metamorphosing back into a dolphin during the day.[ citation needed ]

The Southern African incubus demon is the Tokolosh. Chaste women place their beds upon bricks to deter the rather short fellows from attaining their sleeping forms. They also share the hole in the head detail and water-dwelling habits of the boto.

In Swedish folklore, the mara or mare is a spirit or goblin that rides on the chests of humans while they sleep, giving them bad dreams (or "nightmares"). [18] Belief in the mare goes back to the Norse Ynglinga saga from the 13th century, [19] but the belief is probably even older. The mare was likely inspired by sleep paralysis.

In Assam, a northeastern state of India, it is mostly known as pori (Assamese: পৰী, meaning "angel") (pari in Hindi and etymological cousin of fairy). According to the mythology, Pori comes to a man at night in his dreams and seduces him. Gradually, the victim's health deteriorates, and in some cases, he develops suicidal tendencies.

In Turkish culture, the incubus is known as Karabasan . It is an evil being that descends upon some sleepers at night. These beings are thought to be spirits or jinns . It can be seen or heard in the nightmare and a heavy weight is felt on the chest. Yet, people cannot wake up from that state. Some of the causes are sleeping without adequately covering the body (especially women) and eating in bed.

In Ukrainian folklore, the "perelesnyk" is a significant figure resembling an incubus and associated with meteors, lightning, and fire. This supernatural being was believed to transform into a fiery dragon or young man, entering homes through chimneys, doors, or windows to seduce women by taking on the appearance of deceased spouses or lovers. Considered both seductive and perilous, the perelesnyk gifted treasures at night that turned to worthless items by daybreak. Its touch could drain vitality and hasten death. Countermeasures included uttering "amen" or wearing a crucifix. The character's appearance in Ukrainian literature, such as Lesya Ukrainka's "The Forest Song", illustrates the cultural impact of this entity, showcasing its role in shaping perceptions of the supernatural and influencing creative works. [20] [21] [22] [23]

In the Xhosa, Pondo and Zulu cultures of South Africa, some variations of the impundulu resemble incubi as they are believed to appear as handsome men to seduce women and drink their blood. [24]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lilith</span> Female entity in Near Eastern mythology

Lilith, also spelled Lilit, Lilitu, or Lilis, is a feminine figure in Mesopotamian and Jewish mythology, theorized to be the first wife of Adam and a primordial she-demon. Lilith is cited as having been "banished" from the Garden of Eden for not complying with and obeying Adam.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Succubus</span> Mythological demoness that seduces people

A succubus is a female-looking demon or supernatural entity in folklores who appears in dreams to seduce men, usually through sexual activity. According to some folklore a succubus needs semen to survive; repeated sexual activity with a succubus will result in a bond being formed between the succubus and the person; 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.

Spirit possession is an unusual or an altered state of consciousness and associated behaviors which are purportedly caused by the control of a human body and its functions by spirits, ghosts, demons, angels, or gods. The concept of spirit possession exists in many cultures and religions, including Buddhism, Christianity, Haitian Vodou, Dominican 21 Divisions, Hinduism, Islam, Wicca, and Southeast Asian, African, and Native American traditions. Depending on the cultural context in which it is found, possession may be thought of as voluntary or involuntary and may be considered to have beneficial or detrimental effects on the host. The experience of spirit possession sometimes serves as evidence in support of belief in the existence of spirits, deities or demons. In a 1969 study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, spirit-possession beliefs were found to exist in 74% of a sample of 488 societies in all parts of the world, with the highest numbers of believing societies in Pacific cultures and the lowest incidence among Native Americans of both North and South America. As Pentecostal and Charismatic Christian churches move into both African and Oceanic areas, a merger of belief can take place, with demons becoming representative of the "old" indigenous religions, which Christian ministers attempt to exorcise.

A nightmare, also known as a bad dream, is an unpleasant dream that can cause a strong emotional response from the mind, typically fear but also despair, anxiety, disgust or sadness. The dream may contain situations of discomfort, psychological or physical terror, or panic. After a nightmare, a person will often awaken in a state of distress and may be unable to return to sleep for a short period of time. Recurrent nightmares may require medical help, as they can interfere with sleeping patterns and cause insomnia.

Demonology is the study of demons within religious belief and myth. Depending on context, it can refer to studies within theology, religious doctrine, or occultism. In many faiths, it concerns the study of a hierarchy of demons. Demons may be nonhuman separable souls, or discarnate spirits which have never inhabited a body. A sharp distinction is often drawn between these two classes, notably by the Melanesians, several African groups, and others. The Islamic jinn, for example, are not reducible to modified human souls. At the same time these classes are frequently conceived as producing identical results, e.g. diseases.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sleep paralysis</span> Sleeping disorder

Sleep paralysis is a state, during waking up or falling asleep, in which a person is conscious but in a complete state of full-body paralysis. During an episode, the person may hallucinate, which often results in fear. Episodes generally last no more than a few minutes. It can recur multiple times or occur as a single episode.

Lilin were hostile night spirits that attacked men in ancient Mesopotamian religion and Jewish folklore.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Christian demonology</span> Study of demons from a Christian point of view

Christian demonology is the study of demons from a Christian point of view. It is primarily based on the Bible, the interpretation of these scriptures, the writings of early Christianity philosophers, hermits, and the associated traditions and legends incorporated from other beliefs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Classification of demons</span> Differing classification systems of demons

There have been various attempts at the classification of demons within the contexts of classical mythology, demonology, occultism, and Renaissance magic. These classifications may be for purposes of traditional medicine, exorcisms, ceremonial magic, witch-hunts, lessons in morality, folklore, religious ritual, or combinations thereof. Classifications might be according to astrological connections, elemental forms, noble titles, or parallels to the angelic hierarchy; or by association with particular sins, diseases, and other calamities; or by what angel or saint opposes them.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sexuality in Christian demonology</span>

To Sumerians, Babylonians, Assyrians, and Jews there were male and female demons. In Christian demonology and theology there is debate over the gender and sexual proclivities of demons. These questions are referenced in Italian, French, Spanish and Portuguese phrases that imply that the question is pointless and unanswerable, akin to the English phrase How many angels can dance on the head of a pin?.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mare (folklore)</span> Malicious entity in Germanic and Slavic folklore

A mare is a malicious entity in Germanic and Slavic folklore that walks on people's chests while they sleep, bringing on nightmares.

In European mythology and literature since at least the 19th century, a cambion is the offspring from the union between a demon parent—whether incubus, succubus or other type of demon—with a human parent. In the word's earliest known uses, it was interchangeable with changeling.

<i>The Nightmare</i> 1781 painting by Henry Fuseli

The Nightmare is a 1781 oil painting by Swiss artist Henry Fuseli. It shows a woman in deep sleep with her arms thrown below her, and with a demonic and ape-like incubus crouched on her chest. The painting's dreamlike and haunting erotic evocation of infatuation and obsession was a huge popular success.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alû</span> Demonic character in Sumerian mythology

In Akkadian and Sumerian mythology, Alû is a vengeful spirit of the Utukku that goes down to the underworld Kur. The demon has no mouth, lips or ears. It would roam at night and terrifies people while they sleep and the Alû may also torment their victims for fun. It was also said that possession by the Alû would result in unconsciousness or a coma; in this manner it resembles creatures such as the mara, and incubus, which are invoked to explain sleep paralysis. In Akkadian and Sumerian mythology, it is associated with other demons such as the Gallu and the Lilu.

The spirit spouse is a widespread element of shamanism, distributed through all continents and at all cultural levels. Often, these spirit husbands/wives are seen as the primary helping spirits of the shaman, who assist them in their work, and help them gain power in the world of spirit. The relationships shamans have with their spirit spouses may be expressed in romantic, sexual, or purely symbolic ways, and may include gender transformation as a part of correctly pairing with their "spouse". Shamans report engaging with their spirit spouses through dreams, trance, and other ritual elements. In some cultures, gaining a spirit spouse is a necessary and expected part of initiation into becoming a shaman. Examples of spirit spouses may be seen in non-shamanic cultures as well, including dreams about Jesus Christ by nuns, who are considered to be "brides of Christ".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Spectrophilia</span> Type of sexual hallucination

Spectrophilia, also known as Phasmophilia, is sexual attraction to either ghosts or sexual arousal from images in mirrors, as well as the alleged phenomenon of sexual encounters between ghosts and humans.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Night hag</span> Supernatural night creature

The night hag or old hag is the name given to a supernatural creature, commonly associated with the phenomenon of sleep paralysis. It is a phenomenon in which the sleeper feels the presence of a supernatural, malevolent being which immobilizes the person as if sitting on their chest or the foot of their bed. The word "night-mare" or "nightmare" was used to describe this phenomenon before the word received its modern, more general meaning. Various cultures have various names for this phenomenon and supernatural character.

Ardat-lilî was a Mesopotamian demon. She is described as the ghost of a young woman who died without experiencing sexual fulfillment or getting married, and as a result attempts to seduce young men. She is one of the members of the category of lil demons, who were considered subjects of Pazuzu. A text placing her in the entourage of the god Erra is also known. Incantations directed against her are attested as early as in the Old Babylonian period. References to her are also known from other genres of texts.

References

  1. ↑ "Incubus (demon)". Britannica . Retrieved October 16, 2017.
  2. ↑ Stephens, Walter (2002), Demon Lovers, p. 23, The University of Chicago Press, ISBN   0-226-77261-6
  3. ↑ "Incubus". Reference.com . Retrieved September 26, 2014.
  4. ↑ Raphael Patai, p. 221, The Hebrew Goddess: Third Enlarged Edition, ISBN   978-0-8143-2271-0
  5. ↑ Siegmund Hurwitz, Lilith: The First Eve ISBN   978-3-85630-522-2
  6. ↑ Wilson, John Albert; Allen, Thomas George (1973). The Sumerian King List (4th ed.). London: Oriential Institute of the University of chicago. p. 90. ISBN   0226622738.
  7. ↑ Campbell Thompson, R (1 Feb 2000). Semitic Magic: Its Origins and Development. New York: Weiser books. ISBN   9781609253813.
  8. ↑ Raphael Patai, The Hebrew Goddess, Third Enlarged Edition, p. 221–222, ISBN   978-0-8143-2271-0
  9. ↑ Merlin's father was said to be an incubus in Geoffrey of Monmouth's Historia Regum Britanniae and many later tales. See Lacy, Norris J. (1991). "Merlin". In Norris J. Lacy, The New Arthurian Encyclopedia, p. 322. (New York: Garland, 1991). ISBN   0-8240-4377-4.
  10. ↑ Lawrence-Mathers, A. (2020) [2012]. "Chapter 6: A Demonic Heritage". The True History of Merlin the Magician. Yale University Press. ISBN   978-0300253085.
  11. ↑ Kramer, Heinrich and Sprenger, James (1486), Summers, Montague (translator – 1928), The Malleus Maleficarum, Part 2, Chapter 1, "The Remedies prescribed by the Holy Church against Incubus and Succubus Devils", at sacred-texts.com
  12. 1 2 Masello, Robert (2004), Fallen Angels and Spirits of The Dark, p. 66, The Berkley Publishing Group, 200 Madison Ave. New York, NY 10016, ISBN   0-399-51889-4
  13. ↑ Lewis, James R., Oliver, Evelyn Dorothy, Sisung Kelle S. (Editor) (1996), Angels A to Z, Entry: Incubi and Succubi, pp. 218, 219, Visible Ink Press, ISBN   0-7876-0652-9
  14. ↑ Maclean, William (May 16, 2005). "Belief in sex-mad demon tests nerves". World-Wide Religious News. Retrieved December 11, 2011.
  15. ↑ Mack, Dinah, Mack, Carol K. (1999), A Field Guide to Demons, Fairies, Fallen Angels and Other Subversive Spirits, p. 209, Henry Holt and Company, LLC, ISBN   0-8050-6270-X
  16. ↑ "Whales and Dolphins" Archived 2011-07-23 at the Wayback Machine at ancientspiral.com Archived 2007-04-10 at the Wayback Machine
  17. ↑ Boto Archived 2010-10-21 at the Wayback Machine at library.thinkquest.org Archived 2007-04-07 at the Wayback Machine
  18. ↑ Bjorvand and Lindeman (2007:719–720).
  19. ↑ Ynglinga saga, stanza 13, in Hødnebø and Magerøy (1979:12).
  20. ↑ "Perelesnyk". Encyclopediaofukraine.com.
  21. ↑ Кононенко, О. А. (2017). Українська міфологія. Божества і духи. Харків: Фоліо. p. 139.
  22. ↑ Булашев, Г. (1992). Український народ у своїх легендах, релігійних поглядах та віруваннях. Київ: Довіра. p. 252.
  23. ↑ Гнатюк, В. (2000). Нарис української міфології. Львів: Ін-т народознавства НАН України. p. 136.
  24. ↑ Jȩdrej, M. Charles; Rosalind Shaw (1992). Dreaming, Religion and Society in. BRILL. p. 155. ISBN   90-04-05243-7.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.