Mythology/Folklore

Various

Associated Holidays

Various

Location 

Various

Key Points / Halloween Connection

- Mentions of demons go as far back as ancient Mesopotamia and the modern Halloween archetype comes from numerous peoples, folklores, regions, religions and mythologies spanning thousands of years

Brief Bio

The history of demons is complex, originating from the Greek word daimon (meaning a divine or spiritual being) and evolving through various cultures and religions to become associated with malevolent supernatural entities. Early Mesopotamian beliefs viewed demons as causes of misfortune, while ancient Greeks saw them as a broad category of spirits, not all of which were evil. The modern concept of demons, particularly the image of a satanic, fallen angel, was largely shaped by Judeo-Christian tradition, which developed the idea of demons as evil spirits opposing God, partly influenced by Zoroastrianism and ancient Jewish apocalyptic literature like the Book of Enoch. 

 

Ancient World

Mesopotamia: Demons were seen as malevolent spirits that caused illness, fear, and death, inhabiting places like the wilderness or homes. Figures like Pizuzu (king of wind demons) and Lamashtu (a child-snatching demon) were prominent, and people used amulets and incantations for protection.

Ancient Greece and Rome: The term daimon initially referred to a wide range of spirits, including gods, nymphs, and the souls of the dead, not all of which were evil. The concept was more neutral, and daimons were often seen as intermediary beings between humans and gods. Some Greek spells even invoked daimons for help. 

Judeo-Christian Development

Jewish Influence: The concept of demons evolved significantly during the Persian era, when Judaism was influenced by Zoroastrianism's dualistic worldview. Early Jewish literature began to associate certain Hebrew words for "idol" or "disease" with the Greek diamon, reinterpreting pagan gods as demons. 

Fallen Angels: A key development was the idea that demons are fallen angels who rebelled against God. This concept was influenced by apocalyptic literature like the Book of Enoch, which described fallen angels called "Watchers" who had children with humans, and their disembodied spirits were believed to become demons. 

Christianity: The New Testament presented demons as evil spirits opposed to Jesus and his teachings. Early Christian writers like the Apostle Paul equated many pagan gods with demons, solidifying the idea of them as purely evil entities. This development created a stark dualism between good (God and angels) and evil (Satan and demons). 

Modern Era

Demonology: The study of demons, known as demonology, became a significant part of both religion and folklore. 

Stereotypes: The modern image of demons—with horns, red eyes, and fangs—is a composite of various cultural and religious beliefs, largely influenced by Christian demonology over the last 2,000 years. 

Cultural Integration: Demons continued to appear in literature, art, and popular culture, often as symbols of evil, chaos, or temptation. For example, the practice of witchcraft became closely associated with demonology, leading to persecution in the Middle Ages.