Lilith

/lil"ith/, n.

1. Semitic Myth. a female demon dwelling in deserted places and attacking children.

2. Jewish Folklore. Adam's first wife, before Eve was created.

* * *

In Jewish folklore, a female demon.

In rabbinic literature she is depicted either as Adam's first wife or as the mother of his demonic offspring after he separated from Eve outside Paradise (see Adam and Eve). The evil that Lilith directed against children could be counteracted by wearing an amulet bearing the names of the three angels who opposed her. A cult associated with Lilith survived into the 7th century AD.

* * *

▪ Jewish folklore

      female demon of Jewish folklore; her name and personality are derived from the class of Mesopotamian demons called lilû (feminine: lilītu). In rabbinic literature Lilith is variously depicted as the mother of Adam's demonic offspring following his separation from Eve or as his first wife, who left him because of their incompatibility. Three angels tried in vain to force her return; the evil she threatened, especially against children, was said to be counteracted by the wearing of an amulet bearing the names of the angels. A cult associated with Lilith survived among some Jews as late as the 7th century AD.

* * *