Lilith myth has its roots in Mesopotamian demonology

    Mesopotamian Origins:

The earliest traces of Lilith can be found in ancient Mesopotamian texts, specifically in Sumerian, Akkadian, and Babylonian mythology. She appears as a type of female demon or spirit associated with storms, the night, and destructive behavior.

    Sumerian and Akkadian Lilitu Spirits:

        In ancient Sumer, a group of female spirits known as Lilitu were said to haunt the desolate places of the earth, often associated with wind and storm demons. These spirits were feared for their ability to cause harm, particularly to children and pregnant women.

        The word "Lilith" is believed to derive from the Sumerian word "lil" (meaning "air" or "spirit"), suggesting a connection to the wind or night. The Akkadian term "Lilitu" refers to a class of dangerous female spirits or demons.

    Babylonian and Assyrian Influence:

        In Babylonian and Assyrian mythology, Lilith was connected with the figure of Lamashtu, a demoness who was feared for stealing infants from their cradles and harming pregnant women. This portrayal of Lilith as a child-stealing demon has parallels in later Jewish interpretations of her as a dangerous, evil figure.

        Another possible origin is the figure of Ardat Lili, a female demon who wandered in the night and was associated with seduction and death.

Lilith in Early Jewish Tradition:

The figure of Lilith was eventually adopted into Jewish mythology, where she became a more defined character. The Lilith myth in Jewish tradition is primarily drawn from midrashic and kabbalistic sources, particularly the Talmud, Midrash, and later medieval texts like the Alphabet of Ben Sira.

    Talmudic References:

        In the Babylonian Talmud (circa 3rd to 5th century CE), Lilith is mentioned briefly as a dangerous demon associated with night, eroticism, and child death. She is described as a figure who preys on men in their sleep, seduces them, and causes harm to newborns and pregnant women.

        The Talmud also mentions that Lilith has long hair and wings, similar to earlier Mesopotamian depictions of night demons.

    Midrashic Interpretation:

        Lilith’s myth took a more dramatic turn in later Midrashic writings, where she is depicted as Adam's first wife. According to this version of the myth, God created Lilith from the same earth as Adam, making her his equal. However, Lilith refused to be submissive to Adam and demanded equal treatment.

        Lilith's defiance led her to leave the Garden of Eden of her own will. After departing from Adam, she was believed to have mated with demons and became the mother of numerous demonic offspring.

    Alphabet of Ben Sira (Medieval Text):

        The most famous version of the Lilith myth comes from the Alphabet of Ben Sira, an anonymous medieval work (circa 8th to 10th century CE). This text explicitly portrays Lilith as Adam's first wife, who leaves him due to her refusal to accept a subordinate position during sexual intercourse. She declares, "We are both equal because we were both created from the earth."

        After leaving Adam, Lilith utters the ineffable name of God and flees to the Red Sea, where she consorts with demons. God then creates Eve from Adam’s rib to replace Lilith.

        In this account, Lilith becomes a symbol of female independence and rebellion against male authority. She is also depicted as a child-killer and seductress, and Jewish tradition developed various rituals to protect newborns from Lilith's influence.

   Lilith in Kabbalistic and Mystical Tradition:

In Kabbalistic and other mystical Jewish traditions, Lilith's role expanded, and she became a more prominent demonic figure. The Zohar (a foundational Kabbalistic text) and other mystical writings portray her in various ways, sometimes as a consort of Samael (a demonic figure) and as a representation of chaos and seduction.

    Consort of Samael:

        In Kabbalistic texts, Lilith is sometimes depicted as the consort of Samael, the Angel of Death or a demonic prince. Together, they rule over the realm of evil spirits and represent the dark side of human nature.

        Lilith and Samael are often seen as the opposite of Adam and Eve, embodying lust, rebellion, and impurity.

    Symbolism of Lilith:

        In Kabbalistic thought, Lilith symbolizes unbridled sexuality, temptation, and the destructive power of desire. She represents the unredeemed aspects of femininity, associated with lust and rebellion against the established order.

        Lilith's role in Kabbalah is complex, as she is both feared and acknowledged as an essential aspect of the cosmic balance between light and darkness.

    Lilith in Christianity:

While Lilith does not play a significant role in Christian theology, she appears in some Christian demonological writings. Medieval Christian authors occasionally referenced Lilith as a demoness, often conflating her with other night-demons or spirits. However, she did not develop into a central figure in Christian doctrine as she did in Jewish mysticism.

    Lilith in Popular Culture:

In modern times, Lilith has been reinterpreted and embraced by various movements, especially those focused on feminism and women’s empowerment. She has become a symbol of female independence, autonomy, and resistance to patriarchal control. In contemporary feminist thought, Lilith is often celebrated as a figure of female strength and defiance. Her refusal to be subjugated by Adam is seen as a powerful assertion of equality and self-determination.