Succubus
From Academic Kids
Template:Message boxTemplate:Message boxIn medieval legend, a succubus (plural succubi; from Latin succubare, "to lie under") is a female demon which comes to men, especially monks, in their dreams to seduce them and have sexual intercourse, drawing energy from the men to sustain themselves, often until the point of exhaustion or death. This legend was probably an explanation for the phenomena of wet dreams and sleep paralysis. Succubus-like demons or spirits figure into the mythologies of other cultures. Such creatures include Lilith and the Lilin (Jewish), the Lilitu (Sumerian), and the Rusalka (Slavic).
According to the Malleus Maleficarum, or "Witches' Hammer", succubi would collect semen from the men they slept with, which incubi would then use to impregnate women. Children so begotten were supposed to be more susceptible to the influence of demons.
From the 16th century, the carving of a succubus on the outside of an inn indicated that the establishment also operated as a brothel.
In modern fiction
Succubi are often featured in fantasy fiction. In the Dungeons & Dragons line of role-playing games, succubi are tanar'ri demons. They are featured prominently in the Planescape series.
They are also frequently seen in many fantasy- and horror-themed video games as enemies.
See also
- Incubus, a male version of the demon.
- Interdimensional hypothesis
- Neuralger, a related but potentially less damaging demon.
cs:Succubus de:Succubus fr:Succube is:Succubus ja:サッキュバス sv:Succuba
