The Bahamut is a gigantic fish of the marid type of jinn and the base of the structure that holds up the earth. It supports a bull that supports an Angel who stands on a ruby rock, carrying the planet. The bull and fish cause the rising and falling of the tides. ⠀
Jinn associated with the zodiac sign Taurus. From Kitāb-i ʻAjāʾib-i makhlūqāt (The Book of Wonders and Creatures), 1921.⠀
Incubus: a famous type of demon known for engaging in sexual relations with women, and even impregnate them with half-human offspring known as cambions. Mentions of this demon go back as far as 2400 BC in the Sumerian King List. They sit on top of women’s chest as they sleep before they seduce or assault them. Many reports of incubi are explained by the phenomenon of sleep paralysis, which causes the feeling on weight on the chest, and a half-dream state, causing the hypnagogic hallucination of a demon. While they normally choose female victims, there are reports of bisexual incubi. They are said to have unnaturally large and cold penises. Art: John Henry Fuseli – The Nightmare, 1781. ⠀
A ghaddar is a giant shaytan (an evil type of jinn) that catches travelers, tortures them, eats their genitals, and then abandons them in the desert. From Marvels of Things Created and Miraculous Aspects of Things Existing, 17th Century. ⠀
Samael: in Jewish mythology he’s an archangel AND demon, whose name means “Venom of God”. He acts as the Angel of Death & has Satan-like roles, but he’s not considered necessarily evil. He’s unique because while he encourages men to sin, he remains God servant. Art: Gustave Doré
Jinn associated with the zodiac sign Aquarius. From Kitāb-i ʻAjāʾib-i makhlūqāt (The Book of Wonders and Creatures), 1921.
Lilith is so much more than a sexually wanton demon who steals babies in the night. She was Adam’s first wife, made from the same clay, who refused to be subservient to him. She left the Garden of Eden and paired up with the angel Samael (a satan-like figure in Judaism) and mothered many demonic offspring known as Lilin.⠀
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In modern times, she’s hailed by some as a feminist hero, for refusing to be considered lower than Adam. She appears across many ancient texts, from the Talmud, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and texts of the Kabbalah, and her story may even have roots in Mesopotamian mythology. So much has been written, and so much can be said about Lilith, and she’s my favorite demon.
Marids are a giant and extremely powerful type of Jinn. They’re the basis for genies, a westernized version of jinn, as they were featured in the popular Thousand and One Nights book and can grant wishes if they are compelled or imprisoned. Marid are usually evil, but not always. There are humanoid types that sometimes have wings and beast-like types, including a massive fish named Bahamut.
Sallos is a grand count of Hell who is said to have a pleasant disposition and the power to make people fall in love. His name is also spelled Zaleos. From Dictionnaire Infernal, 1863
Jinn associated with the zodiac sign Leo. From Kitāb-i ʻAjāʾib-i makhlūqāt (The Book of Wonders and Creatures), 1921.⠀
Baphomet is a goat headed demon (or deity depending who you ask) that embodies opposing binaries: they’re human and animal, male and female, good and evil. They’re the source of inspiration for the Devil card image in the Rider-Waite Tarot deck, and much Satanic imagery, and are a part of many occult and mystical traditions.⠀
A baharia is a jnoun (a pre-islamic jinn) of the sea. They live in opulent underwater palaces built from precious gems. When they grow tired of palace life, they will come to the surface to tease mariners. Usually they’re described as beautiful with pale skin and dark black hair, and with a full upper body of a human that is typical of mermen and mermaids—unlike the depiction here. From Marvels of Things Created and Miraculous Aspects of Things Existing, 18th century
