Lilith is a tricky figure. She was first described as a female demon in the sixth century, but there is one reference to the name (though without much information) prior to that in the Book of Isaiah. It is possible that the Lilith is derived from a class of female Mesopotamian demons known as “Līlīṯu ”.
In the Middle Ages she was referred to as “Adam’s first wife” who left Adam or was cast out for refusing to be subserviant. This is the most popular depiction of the figure, and she is used as a symbol of women’s rights by some. Lilith is often said to have gotten a bum rap by pagans and feminists who object to her being depicted as a baby-eating demon. They prefer to equate her with Ishtar or Astarte even though there is little evidence for such a connection.
Regardless of her exact origins; whether she is a foul, seductive demon or a fertility goddess falsely maligned Lilith is an intriguing mythological figure who remains popular in books and film to this day.
