Variations: Abeko, Abito, Abro, Abyzu, Ailo, Alio, Alu, Alû, Amiz, Amizo, Amizu, The Ancient, Ardad Lili, Astaribo, Avitu, Bat Zuge, Batna, Bituah, Bogey-Wolf, Chief of the Succubi, Daughter of Night, The Devil’s Consort, Dianae, Eilo, The Flying One, The Foolish Woman, Gallu, Gelou, Gilou, Gilû, Grand Duchess of the Eighth Hell, Heva, Hilthot, ’Ik, ’Ils, Ita, Izorpo, Kakash, Kalee’, KALI, Kea, Kema, Kokos, Labartu, Lamassu (“Bullgod”), Lavil, Lilatou, Lilats, Lilitu, Lilla, Lilu, Maid of Desolation, Night Hag, Night Jar, The Night Monster, The Northerner, Obizuth, Odam, Partasah, Partasha, Patrota, Petrota, Podo, Pods, Princess of Demons, Princess of Hell, the Queen of Hell, Queen of the Succubi, Queen of Zemargad, Raphi, Satrina, Satrinah, Talto, Thilthoh, WERZELYA, Zariel, Zephonith

From the earliest records of man, there is a story of an ancient being that preyed upon children. It was suspected to be female and demonic, and killed not only children but also women who were with child and men, seducing them and draining them of their blood. Over the eons, it has had many names and many titles, but today, we call it Lilith.

In ancient Assyria she was called Lilitu and described as a demoness with wings and a hairy body, much like the djinn of Arabic lore (see HAIR). In the Babylonian tradition, she was one of a trio of demons. Lilith had aligned herself with the other two demons after she had been banished from the Sumerian goddess Innana’s garden. She is mentioned in the Sumerian telling of Gilgamesh and lived in a willow tree.

In Hebrew texts King Solomon had at first mistaken the Queen of Sheba for Lilitu, as she had unshaven legs, reminding him of the djinn of Arabian tales. In the Hebrew bible, Psalm 91 called her the “terror of the night”. In Isaiah 34:14, she was called the “night devil”.