DAEMONOLATRIA
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Iblis
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According to Arabian writers, Iblis is the name of an Islamic devil, derived
from the word 'despair.' He is also referred to as Sheitan,
the generic name for devils, and is often called 'father of the Sheitans.'
He is able to assume any shape or form he desires, though he is often represented
as vain and stupid, adorned with the feathers of the peacock and the head
of an ass.
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In the beginning, Iblis was one of the mightiest of angels. When God created
Adam, he told the angels to bow down before the first man and worship him.
But Iblis refused, arguing that it was beneath his dignity, as a being
created of fire, to pay homage to a being made of mere dust. Allah cursed
him and banished him from heaven. Iblis begged Allah to postpone further
punishment until the Day of Judgement. He was granted this wish, and given
the power to roam about the earth leading astray all those who are not
true servants of God. This is very similar to Jewish apocalyptic stories
of the fall of Satan.
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In Arabic legend, it was Iblis who tempted Eve. Trying to gain access to
paradise, he asked all the animals to smuggle him in, but they refused.
He then asked the peacock who also refused. The bird told the serpent about
Iblis' wish, saying that he had promised the animal who would help him,
the knowledge of three sacred words that would make it immortal. The serpent
carried Iblis hidden in his mouth into paradise, and it is from that hideout
that Iblis spoke to Eve. This is also similar to the story in the Apocalypsis
Mosis where Satan used the serpent as a vessel to tempt Eve.
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It is said that Iblis is both male and female, and by impregnating himself,
he can perpetuate the race of evildoers on his own. Another version says
that every time he rejoices over the rebelliousness of the children of
Adam, he lays two eggs from which young demons are hatched.
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Incubus
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In medieval European folklore, the incubus is a male demon (or evil spirit)
who visits women in their sleep to lie with them in ghostly sexual intercourse.
The woman who falls victim to an incubus will not awaken, although may
experience it in a dream. Should she get pregnant the child will grow inside
her as any normal child, except that it will possess supernatural capabilities.
Usually the child grows into a person of evil intent or a powerful wizard.
Legend has it that the magician Merlin was the result of the union of an
incubus and a nun. A
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succubus is the female variety, and
she concentrates herself on men. According to one legend, the incubus and
the succubus were fallen angels. The word incubus is Latin for "nightmare".
These demons associated with an individual witch or sorcerer are known
as familiars.
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Ipos
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See Ayperos.