Demon

A demon is a supernatural being found in many cultures and religious traditions. The English term derives from the Latin daemon, which in ancient Greek usage referred to a guiding or Divine spirit and carried a more neutral sense; in later Christian usage it came to denote malevolent beings. In common modern usage, demons are usually imagined as evil or dangerous entities, though interpretations vary by tradition.

In Abrahamic traditions, demons are typically seen as malevolent spirits that oppose or tempt humans. In Judaism and early Christianity they were often regarded as fallen or wicked beings that could possess people and be driven out through rites of exorcism. In Islam, a related concept centers on djinn, beings made of smokeless fire who can be good, evil, or neutral; shayatin (devils) act as tempters, with Iblis (Satan) a primary rebel figure. Possession and exorcism appear with differing emphasis across communities.

Cross-cultural contexts broaden the concept. In Hinduism and related Indian traditions, beings such as asuras and rakshasas are opposed to the gods and can embody chaos or harm. In Buddhism, Mara personifies temptation and obstacles to enlightenment. East Asian folklore speaks of gui, yaomo, and oni as various demonic or malevolent spirits. In folklore, literature, and popular culture, demons are often depicted as powerful adversaries, temptations, or sources of moral testing.

In scholarship, demonology is the study of demons and related spirits, while exorcism refers to procedures intended to expel them. In contemporary culture, demons appear across media and discourse as symbolic representations of fear, evil, or inner conflict.