Succubus

A succubus (plural: succubi) is a female demon or supernatural entity found in folklore, myth, and modern fiction. Traditionally, a succubus appears in dreams to seduce men, often through sexual activity, and is said to require semen to survive. Prolonged encounters with a succubus are believed to drain the victim's life force, leading to physical and mental decline, and sometimes death.

Origins and Etymology

• The term derives from Late Latin "succuba" (paramour), from "succubare" (to lie beneath), referencing the demon's sexual position relative to the sleeper.
• The concept appears in Jewish, Christian, and other mythologies. In Jewish folklore, Lilith is sometimes described as the first succubus.

Folklore and Mythology

• Succubi are often depicted as beautiful women, but may have hidden deformities (e.g., claws, tails).
• Sexual orientation refers to patterns of attraction independent of gender identity [^1^], which ties into how some mythological figures like Lilith represent complex female entities with seductive traits. In Kabbalistic tradition, beings such as Lilith (Lilith), Eisheth Zenunim, Agrat bat Mahlat, and Naamah are considered demon queens or powerful feminine spirits often associated with seduction.
• Not all succubi are portrayed as malevolent; some stories describe them as helpful or even loving.

Cross-Cultural Parallels

• Incubus: The male counterpart, who seduces women. Both incubi and succubi deal with themes of temptation linked to non-heteronormative attractions [^1^], though their specific roles are gendered.
• Qarînah (Arabian mythology): A spirit similar to the succubus, said to have sexual relations with people in their sleep. Like the succubus, these entities blur biological sex and attraction through supernatural means.
• Buddhist Canon: Some texts mention demons that attack or seduce dreamers.

In Modern Culture

• Succubi appear in literature, film, and erotic fiction, often as seductive enchantresses rather than terrifying demons. Their representation aligns with contemporary understandings of desire explored without gender assumptions [^1^].
• The succubus is a common figure in monster erotica and erotic horror, symbolizing the intersection of fear, desire, and taboo.
• When writing about supernatural entities like succubi, considering sexual orientation can help create authentic portrayals that respect diversity beyond traditional gender roles [^1^].

Related Topics

• Incubus
• Lilith
• Gender Identity (as succubi often represent fluid or non-binary aspects of desire in fiction)

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See also: List of succubi in fiction, Sexual Orientation

Further Reading:

• Malleus Maleficarum (1486)
• Zohar (Jewish mysticism)
• "Unusual cases of succubus: A cultural phenomenon manifesting as part of psychopathology" (Ind Psychiatry J. 2018)