Mara, the demon, embodies death, desire, and temptation in Buddhist tradition; she frequently represents the barriers to spiritual enlightenment. Known as the “Lord of Death” or the “Tempter,” Mara represents the internal and external conflicts encountered on the road to emancipation, and his impact goes beyond simple villainy. Origins and Etymology The name “Mara” comes […]
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Often translated as “the scorching or blazing fire,” Nar as-Samum is an important figure in pre-Islamic Arab culture and Islamic theology. Frequently defined as a fierce, piercing heat linked with jinn and other supernatural beings, Nar as-Samum is revered for its terrible, powerful nature. Origins and Etymology In Arabic, “Nar” translates to “fire,” while “as-Samum”
Namtar, a prominent deity in ancient Mesopotamian mythology, is often associated with fate, disease, and death. Respected and feared, this deity played a crucial role in the lives of the ancient Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyrians, who believed that fate and divine will shaped all events. Origins and Etymology The name “Namtar” derives from the
Munkar and Nakir are two angels assigned to interrogate the deceased in the hereafter to evaluate their beliefs and actions, according to Islamic eschatology. According to the Islamic faith, they are essential characters in the soul’s journey after death and signify a crucial point in the afterlife. Both as reminders of the value of religion
Naamah is a major character in Jewish mysticism and demonology, embodying many attributes and abilities developed over millennia of folklore, Kabbalistic teachings, and mystical interpretations. Known as one of the four demonic queens, alongside Lilith, Eisheth Zenunim, and Agrat bat Mahlat, Naamah’s presence in mystical traditions and her complex nature continue to intrigue scholars and
A prominent figure in Jewish demonology, Eisheth—also called Eisheth Zenunim or Eisheth Zenu’unim—is frequently characterized as a dark and multifaceted feminine being connected to themes of seduction, retribution, and metamorphosis. Eisheth, who is mentioned among other demonic queens in Kabbalistic and esoteric books, is a fascinating combination of beauty and might. Her tale adds significantly
Iblis is a major figure in Islamic demonology and is frequently regarded as the personification of pride, rebellion, and wickedness in Islamic tradition. Known as the being who refused to bow to Adam, Iblis’s story is a powerful narrative in the Quran and Islamic literature, highlighting themes of free will, divine authority, and the consequences
Gadreel is a figure who appears in ancient apocryphal texts, notably the Book of Enoch. Frequently linked to deceit and the introduction of battle to humanity, Gadreel’s story adds to the intricate web of biblical legend and angelology. The Origins of Gadreel Mention in the Book of Enoch Enoch, Noah’s great-grandfather, is credited with writing
The Mythical Child-Devouring Creature Lamia has persisted through the ages as one of the most terrifying creatures in Greek mythology. According to Greek mythology, Lamia is either a child-devouring creature with vampiric tendencies or a demonic female spirit. Over time, the myth of Lamia has changed, incorporating aspects of other cultures and mythology to make
The Ancient Mesopotamian Demon Goddess of Miscarriage and Infant Mortality Lamashtu, a demon goddess who is blamed for both difficult delivery and infant death, is one of the most feared figures in Mesopotamian mythology. Because she represents the dangers that ancient societies connected to the vulnerable times of pregnancy and early life, she is both