![]() ![]() ![]() Several extant poems describe the galla dragging the god Dumuzid into the underworld. They are frequently referenced in magical texts, and some texts describe them as being seven in number. One class of demons that were believed to reside in the underworld were known as galla their primary purpose appears to have been to drag unfortunate mortals back to Kur. These demons could sometimes leave the underworld and terrorize mortals on earth. The ancient Mesopotamians believed that the underworld (Kur) was home to many demons, which are sometimes referred to as "offspring of arali". The Zoroastrian faith teaches that there are 3,333 Demons, some with specific dark responsibilities such as war, starvation, sickness, etc.įurther information: Asag and Pazuzu Ancient Sumerian cylinder seal impression showing the god Dumuzid being tortured in the underworld by galla demons ![]() Belief in demons goes back many millennia. The incubi and succubi of the Middle Ages are sometimes regarded as spiritual beings but they were held to give proof of their bodily existence, such as offspring (though often deformed). Yet just as gods are not necessarily spiritual, demons may also be regarded as corporeal vampires for example are sometimes described as human heads with appended entrails, which issue from the tomb to attack the living during the night watches. Įxcluded are souls conceived as inhabiting another world. such as receive a cult (e.g., ancestor worship),.angels in the Christian tradition that fell from grace,.Types ĭemons are generally classified as spirits which are believed to enter into relations with the human race. Many spirits, especially those regarding natural processes, are often considered neutral or benevolent ancient European peasant fears of the corn-spirit would crop up during irritation, as a result of the farmer infringing on the domain of that said spirit, and taking his property by cutting the corn similarly, there is no reason why the less significant pantheon should be regarded as malevolent, and historical evidence has shown that the Petara of the Dyaks are viewed as invisible guardians of mankind rather than hostile malefactors. The occasional mischievous act, such as the throwing down of a tree on a passer-by, is believed by the natives to be perpetuated by the class of spirits known as Ombuiri. Passers-by must make some nominal offering as they near the spirits' residence. In Central Africa, the Mpongwe believe in local spirits, just as the Inuit do but they are regarded as inoffensive in the main. Not all spirits across all cultures are considered malevolent. Greek philosophers such as Porphyry of Tyre (who claimed influence from Platonism ), as well as the fathers of the Christian Church, held that the world was pervaded with spirits, the latter of whom advanced the belief that demons received the worship directed at pagan gods. By the thousands they accompany travellers, seeking them out from their places in the elements. Traditional Korean belief posits countless demons inhabit the natural world they fill household objects and are present in all locations. All are potentially of the malignant type, to be propitiated by an appeal to knowledge of the supernatural. Every cove of the seashore, every point, every island and prominent rock has its guardian spirit. For example, the Inuit are said to believe in spirits of the sea, earth and sky, the winds, the clouds, and everything in nature. Prevalence of demons " Nightmare", 1800, by Nikolaj Abraham Abildgaard.Īccording to some societies, all the affairs of the universe are supposed to be under the control of spirits, each ruling a certain " element" or even object, and themselves in subjection to a greater spirit. At the same time these classes are frequently conceived as producing identical results, e.g. The Islamic jinn, for example, are not reducible to modified human souls. A sharp distinction is often drawn between these two classes, notably by the Melanesians, several African groups, and others. Demons may be nonhuman, separable souls, or discarnate spirits which have never inhabited a body. In many faiths, it concerns the study of a hierarchy of demons. Depending on context, it can refer to studies within theology, religious doctrine, or occultism. Demonology is the study of demons within religious belief and myth.
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