- Multiple Cultures (culture)
- Hellish (attribute)
- Deadly (behaviour)
The word Demon is tend to be used to describe a sinister creature from Hell or the underworld.
During the Middle Ages, the Daemons were delegated as evil creatures from Hell by Christians. They were then referred to as Demons. During this period the Demons were also known for causing sexual misconduct. They were seen as fallen angels who refused to acknowledge Adam. They were said to be the messengers of the Prince of Darkness and brought misery sickness, disease and death to the world.
In Hebraic belief, creatures such as Lilith and Azazel were types of Demons. These were believed to have been fallen angels and they had a hierarchy of power. Some of these Demons can be traced back to old deities.
In Chinese folklore Demons take possession of animate and inanimate objects. Special ceremonies, sometimes involving Taoist priests are used to ward off Demons.
In Japan, Demons tended to manifest in animal form. In Shinto belief the Demons were the Oni who brought misery and disease.
In Iran and Persia, before the introduction of Zoroastrianism, Demons were the Aesma whilst the Daevas were the benign beings of Heavens. Zoroastrianism changed this by making the Daevas violent and evil creatures. They were said to be created by Ahriman to make continuous conflict with the Aesma.
In Islam, Demons existed in each society but these were later either ignored or got absorbed into the religion. Many of the Djinns are examples of Islamic Demons.
Demons should not be confused with the word Daemon, an original spelling that was used to denote beneficial and troublesome spirits and nymphs from greek mythology. Demons are specifically a mythical creature of the medieval period that derive from Hell.
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