The Goddess Lilith
Friday, August 08, 2008
You've probably heard of "Lilith Fair", the festival that celebrates women in music. Or maybe you've heard whisperings of a demon named Lilith, even the first Vampire according to some Nosferatu enthusiasts. But what about the historical evidence that portrays Lilith as a benevolent Mother Goddess, (albeit with her dark qualities, as is the case with most Goddesses) who dates back to antiquity?According to some myths Lilith was Adam's first wife who was banished from Eden for believing she was equal to her mate. Lilith basically wanted to "be on top" but Adam found this emasculating so she was forced to leave the garden and it is said she was forever cursed to give birth to tons of demon babies a day. That seems a little silly to me since I don't understand why "God" would want there to be tons of demons in the world. But I will suspend belief in this instance based on the fact that that's not the silliest thing I've ever read in mythology.
Yet other myths say nothing of Adam, but speak of Lilith's creative, protective, and sustaining nature. She is forever Maiden, free and of herself, yet she is also a Mother to her people; feeding them and protecting them from harm. She weeps when they are hurt and for the destruction she herself must cause as part of nature. Lilith seems in all ways to be a complete image of Goddess; Maiden, Mother, and Crone.
Lilith has also been linked with the Goddess Inanna. It is possible that glimpses of Lilith's oldest images may be found in Inanna's myths as well.
During my research I saw many references to Lilith as a demon and not as a Goddess. Could she perhaps be another demonized version of the Great Goddess that was made out to be evil by the influx of new religions who wanted to gain control over the people? Check out some of the links in this post and decide for yourself.
- Pic found here.
Labels: Goddess, goddess myth, inanna, lilith, sumerian goddess
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6:14 PM
Whoa, whoa, whoa....:) Got to take some issue with this post but I'll try to keep it brief.
First, in all the oldest traditions/myths, the one thing they agree on is that Lilith is anything but benevolent. She was always described as a threat to children and men so much so that there are amulet designs made to protect children from her in ancient times.
The reason for her actions against children vary depending on the accounts. Some say it was because her and Adam couldn't have children of their own. But what is clear is that she was considered a threat to children.
As for Adam not wanting her to be on top...that myth says that it wasn't the fact she wanted to be on top that was the problem but rather that she bragged she was better than him and thus lashed out when he wouldn't concede. Point being, and I think the story of Eve sorta backs this up, is that it wasn't Adam wanting to curb her role in their relationship but rather her not wanting to have an equal. Eve would've had no influence if Adam had been the way you described.
For the connection with Inanna-Ishtar...in early Sumerian traditions she is NEVER an equal to Inanna but rather a handmaiden or slave who prostitutes herself on Inanna's command. If you compare Inanna's qualities and Liliths you find very little in common.
In demon form, Lilith is considered a succubus (hope I spelled that right) which explains the giving birth to demons thing.
She is associated with the owl (although there is a dispute whether 'owl' is a correct translation) because it is a horrific screeching sound at night which she makes.
Whatever the legends, it is clear she had some internal problems which caused her rage and constant striking back at humanity. So I wouldn't be so quick to paint such a rosy goddess picture of her.