Some believe she is the first witch—the she-devil and, for some others, the first feminist figure. Lilith was created with Adam, not with a piece taken from him. Here is her story…
The descriptions of Lilith seem to embody two opposing ideas: she is both the first female demon and the first feminist. Yet, when these concepts come together, they feel strikingly interconnected—much like the experience of women throughout history. Perhaps it wouldn’t be wrong to define Lilith as follows: “She was the first ancient feminist to accept and rebel against the female demon profile imposed by patriarchal society.”
Feminism, in short, is a worldview that opposes gender discrimination. Also, it aims to protect women’s rights, and that’s precisely where Lilith’s story begins. In Sumerian mythology, Lilith is mentioned as Adam’s first wife. She did not accept the patriarchal structure and rebelled. But in the end, this revolt, of course, had significant consequences.
In Search of Lilith
In Muslim cultures, Adam and Eve are considered the first humans. However, in Judaism and Christianity, traces can be seen that Adam had another wife before Eve. We see Lilith, Adam’s first wife before Eve. She is an evil female spirit that dominates the nights and the underworld in Sumerian, Babylonian and Persian mythology, in Hebrew sources, in the Jewish religious source Talmud, and even in the Epic of Gilgamesh.
You can also see Lilith in Michelangelo’s composition “The Original Sin and the Expulsion from Paradise” on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. A half-snake woman entwined in a tree is Lilith herself, who made Adam and Eve commit the original sin!
Lilith appears with a similar figure in the original sin reenactment seen among the high reliefs of Notre Dame Church in Paris. Adam and Eve stand on either side of the tree; while Eve eats the forbidden fruit with one hand, she hands it to Adam with the other. And Lilith, the snake woman entwined in the tree, is grinning insidiously in the face of the coming disaster.
Adam’s First Wife
It’s unclear exactly where Lilith’s character comes from. She may have been inspired by the female demons/wind nymphs called “Lillu” in Sumerian myth. The other possibility is the sukuba (female night demons) called “lilin” in Mesopotamian myths.
Lilith was mentioned in Sumerian, Babylonian and Persian mythology, Hebrew sources, and then in a Jewish religious source, Babylonian Talmud. A clue to Lilith can be seen in the biblical book of Genesis. The name is not directly mentioned. However, in Genesis 1:26-27, God shapes man and woman simultaneously because the text reads: “So God created humanity in divine form, male and female. God created them.” This woman could be none other than Lilith.
Happily Ever After
It is clear that Lilith and Adam were equal. However, the union of these two, created by God, does not continue happily. The main reason is Adam’s effort to gain superiority over Lilith. According to the story, their biggest fight happens when they have sex. Adem is always on top and does not allow his wife to be on top while making love. Lilith is forced to lean on the earth, which symbolizes fertility, productivity, death, and hell. In contrast, Adam relies on the divine and celestial sky, symbolizing cleanliness and purity.Lilith does not accept this situation and not only objects to the fact that Adam is always on top in sexual intercourse but also expresses her desire to have a say in everything and demand equality. Adem does not accept Lilith’s demands. Unable to stand this inequality, Lilith has herself expelled from heaven by saying the forbidden name of God, and she goes to another heavenly taboo figure -Satan, who hides in the Red Sea on Earth and becomes his wife.
Lilith Goes To The Dark Side
On the other hand, Adam is very alone in heaven and asks God to bring Lilith back. Thereupon, God sends three angels to persuade Lilith. The three angels found Lilith in the depths of the Red Sea tell her to return to Adam. And if she does not, her 100 children will be killed every day by God. Lilith does not give in to this terrible offer, risks her own children’s death, and does not leave the world for Adam.
When it is inevitable that he will be alone in heaven, God creates a new wife for Adam. Their new wife, Eve, was not made from the earth but from Adam’s rib. Hence she is in a position to owe his existence to Adam and cannot stand up to him. Eve looks a lot like Lilith, so Adam does not feel alienated at all, and the two begin to live happily in paradise together.
Perpetually grieving, Lilith cannot stand that Adam is happy, so she enters heaven disguised as a snake and persuades Eve to eat the forbidden apple. Adam and Eve expelled from heaven as a mortal. And Lilith, who remained immortal by not eating the apple, swore to haunt all babies, pregnant women, and puerperal children descended from Adam and Eve. It is said that she kills boys in 8 days and girls in 20 days. She treats girls more mercifully.
Child-killing Witch Or Mother
Demanding only freedom, it is not surprising that Lilith was driven to kill Adam’s babies in retaliation for Adam’s abuse. And God’s insistence on killing 100 of her descendants every day. Lilith isn’t just a child-killing witch; she’s also an incredibly fertile mother! But in this way, it can also be argued that she helps maintain the world’s balance between good and evil. However, to prevent the three angels who came to collect Lilith from drowning her in the Red Sea, Lilith swears by God that she will not harm any baby who wears an amulet bearing her name. The irony is that Lilith has not entirely separated from the divine by making a pact with God and the angels.
First Feminist
Adam’s first wife was equated with the devil, and his second wife was cursed by following the devil by eating the forbidden apple and causing humanity to be expelled from heaven. In other words, the dominant thought of the patriarchal culture was not satisfied with transforming the first female figure Lilith, into a monster and labeled the female gender by describing the second female figure of humanity as the first sinner.
Today Lilith has been revived mainly due to the feminist movement in the late 20th century. The growing interest in Lilith leads modern writers to invent more stories than ever and deepen their character. By ignoring or explaining Lilith’s undesirable traits, feminists focus instead on Lilith’s independence and desire for autonomy.Lilith’s Tragedy
Lilith’s tragedy is heightened when she was seen as a horror figure among some cultures until the late 20th century. Many depictions portray her as a threat to women – a baby stealer, the cause of infant death, and a cunning woman who seduces men. But the feminist movement chose to take a second look at Lilith’s story. They saw that her “demon” side was for refusing to submit to Adam—in short, for rebelling. With this look taken in the struggle for gender liberation in the 1960s, Lilith has become a feminist icon representing rebellion and liberation.
Now she is no longer regarded as an evil being but a strong woman of ferocious power, despised for seeking equality and escaping the patriarchy in which she was chained. Lilith is now one of the transformation goddesses – a symbol of lust, ecstasy, independence, untamed passion, hidden feelings, and freedom.
Thanks to her inspiring power and wisdom – this first woman who knew she was equal to a man has accompanied many on their journeys.
Walk The Path Of Lilith
The pressure of a patriarchal society first shows itself in the ancient story of Lilith. Patriarchy determines how women will live and how many children they will have. And despite being transformed into a monster, it is no surprise that today’s women defend Lilith. For them, she is a figure who stands up to all these oppressions. Moreover, she defends her individuality. There will always be Lilith to remind all women of their power. However, they forgot it existed and were forced to forget. After all, Lilith’s dark divine feminine energy is present in all of us, a true feminist icon for all ages.
Especially after escaping toxic conditions, you can turn to Lilith for strength, confidence, sensuality, and healing. By nature, this goddess is not easy to work with, but the doors she opens for you are extremely meaningful.What We Learned From Lilith
Lilith can teach you how to live authentically and find your voice. You can break your restrictions, release your grief, and tame your inner demons with her. Connect with the power within you now! Lilith will want you to dig into your dark and hidden side to heal yourself. It won’t be an enjoyable experience at all. The road to change has never been covered with roses anyway.
You can tap into the energy of Lilith through the symbols. It is possible to connect and relate Lilith’s points through them. These symbols are natural objects, planets, elements, zodiac signs, and numbers. These can also come across as an omen. Just keep your eyes peeled!
Lilith’s mission was to speak her truth and own her true power. Also, when we experience crises, we can find our strength and alchemize limiting beliefs that are not serving us. Profound growth and transformation can emerge from understanding our shadow selves, and Lilith helps you reach your dark self.
