Iblis According to Arabian
writers, Iblis is the name of an Islamic devil, derived from the
word 'despair.'
He is also referred to as Sheitan, the generic name for devils,
and is often called 'father of the Sheitans.' He is able to assume
any shape or form he desires, though he is often represented as
vain and stupid, adorned with the feathers of the peacock and the
head of an ass.
In the beginning, Iblis was one of the mightiest of angels. When
God created Adam, he told the angels to bow down before the first
man and worship him.
But Iblis refused, arguing that it was beneath his dignity, as a
being created of fire, to pay homage to a being made of mere
dust.
Allah cursed him and banished him from heaven. Iblis begged Allah
to postpone further punishment until the Day of Judgement. He was
granted this wish, and given the power to roam about the earth
leading astray all those who are not true servants of God.
This is very similar to Jewish apocalyptic stories of the fall of
Satan.
In Arabic legend, it was Iblis who tempted Eve. Trying to gain
access to paradise, he asked all the animals to smuggle him in, but
they refused. He then asked the peacock who also refused. The bird
told the serpent about Iblis' wish, saying that he had promised the
animal who would help him, the knowledge of three sacred words that
would make it immortal. The serpent carried Iblis hidden in his
mouth into paradise, and it is from that hideout that Iblis spoke
to Eve.
This is also similar to the story in the Apocalypsis Mosis where
Satan used the serpent as a vessel to tempt Eve. It is said that
Iblis is both male and female, and by impregnating himself, he can
perpetuate the race of evildoers on his own.
Another version says that every time he rejoices over the
rebelliousness of the children of Adam, he lays two eggs from which
young demons are hatched.
Ifrits (Arabic) Evil, hideous spectres. Became Genies in
Persian and Indian mythology. Also associated with Jinns and Divs
of Persia.
Incubus Note various spellings: Inncubus, Inccubus. Plural =
Incubi In medieval European folklore, the incubus is a male demon
(or evil spirit) who visits women in their sleep to lie with them
in ghostly sexual intercourse.
The woman who falls victim to an incubus will not awaken, although
may experience it in a dream. Should she get pregnant the child
will grow inside her as any normal child, except that it will
possess supernatural capabilities. Usually the child grows into a
person of evil intent or a powerful wizard.
Legend has it that the magician Merlin was the result of the union
of an incubus and a nun.
A succubus is the female variety, and she concentrates herself on
men. According to one legend, the incubus and the succubus were
fallen angels. The word incubus is Latin for "nightmare". These
demons associated with an individual witch or sorcerer are known as
familiars.
Ipos A mighty earl and prince appearing as an angel with a
lion's head, the webbed feet of a goose, and a hare's tail. He
knows the past and future, and imparts wit and courage.
Ishtar (Babylonian) goddess of fertility.