Lilith is a figure from Jewish folklore and Mesopotamian mythology, often described as Adam's first wife before Eve. According to the most popular story, Lilith was created by God from the same dust as Adam and lived with him in the Garden of Eden. However, Lilith refused to be subservient to Adam, insisting on equality since both were made from the earth, leading her to leave the Garden to gain independence. God sent three angels to bring her back, but she refused to return, resulting in a curse that caused her to harm newborn children as revenge for her rejected offspring being killed daily by the angels. Lilith is associated with demonic and night spirit characteristics and is sometimes depicted as a mother of demons or as a succubus.
Her story does not appear directly in the canonical Bible but is found in midrashic and later Jewish mystical and folkloric texts, especially in "The Alphabet of Ben Sira" and references in the Talmud. The figure of Lilith originates from ancient Mesopotamian demonology, where similar demons called lilītu were considered dangerous night spirits, particularly to women and infants.
While often framed as a dark or demonic figure, modern interpretations sometimes view Lilith as a symbol of female independence and strength, contrasting with traditional patriarchal narratives. The figure remains influential in literature, art, feminism, and popular culture.
