Lilith next migrated to the world of the ancient Hittites, Egyptians, Israelites and Greeks. Her dark origins lie in Babylonian demonology, where amulets and incantations were used to counter the sinister powers of this winged spirit who preyed on pregnant women and infants.

Image: Courtesy of Richard Callner, Latham, NY.įor 4,000 years Lilith has wandered the earth, figuring in the mythic imaginations of writers, artists and poets. In the accompanying article, Janet Howe Gaines traces the evolution of Lilith. In recent years, Lilith has undergone another transformation as modern feminists retell her story. Lilith’s character was not created out of whole cloth, however the medieval authors drew on ancient legends of the winged lilītu-a seductive, murderous demoness known from Babylonian mythology. Artist Callner identifies the large figure (right of center) as Lilith. When Adam insisted she play a subservient role, Lilith grew wings and flew away from Eden. According to medieval Jewish tradition, Lilith was Adam’s first wife, before Eve.

Winged spirits tumble across the night sky in New York artist Richard Callner’s “Lovers: Birth of Lilith” (1964), now in a private collection.

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