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Succubus - Definition and Overview |
| Related Words: Frankenstein, Lilith, Satan, Afreet, Barghest, Bogey, Bogeyman, Bugbear, Cacodemon, Demon, Devil, Dybbuk, Genie, Genius, Ghost, Ghoul, Gyre |
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A bracket carved as a winged succubus on the outside of an English inn, suggesting that a brothel could have been found inside. According to the Malleus Maleficarum, or "Witches' Hammer", succubi would collect semen from the men they slept with, which incubi would then use to impregnate women. Children so begotten were supposed to be more susceptible to the influence of demons.
From the 16th century, the carving of a succubus on the outside of an inn indicated that the establishment also operated as a brothel.
Succuba (plural succubæ) is the more correct form because the -us is masculine in Latin, but the former is more commonly found in modern English literature.
Succubi often feature in fantasy role-playing games. In Dungeons & Dragons succubi are numerous tanar'ri demons, many under the command of the Abyssal Lord Graz'zt. Succubi are featured prominently in the Planescape games, and in D&D the female child of a succubus and a human is traditionally called an "Alu-demon" and the male child a "Cambion". Also, the offspring of an alu-demon or cambion's union with a human is known as a tiefling. They are also frequently seen in the Castlevania video game series as enemies. Succubi are also featured in several Blizzard Entertainment games, such as Diablo and World of Warcraft.
See also
- Incubus, a male version of the demon.
- Neuralger, a related but potentially less damaging demon.
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