Literary notes about demon (AI summary)
In literature, the word "demon" assumes a rich variety of roles that span the literal and the metaphorical. In epic and mythic narratives, it often designates a supernatural force—a formidable, sometimes malevolent being intertwined with cosmic or divine events, as seen in ancient texts where demons challenge heroes or are invoked in acts of worship ([1], [2], [3]). At the same time, authors frequently employ the term to evoke inner conflicts or moral failings, using "demon" as a metaphor for personal vices like envy or greed, thus highlighting the darker aspects of human nature ([4], [5]). Moreover, in regional folklore and cultural traditions, the demon can be both object of fear and reverence, reflecting a complex interplay between evil and the unknown in human society ([6], [7]).
- For thou well pleased in days of old Gavest the boon that makes him bold, That God nor demon e'er should kill His charmed life, for so thy will.
— from The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse by Valmiki - Thereupon sprang out of it a demon, terrible to behold, and having fierce eyes.
— from The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, Volume 1 - Then with his pointed shafts that came With gold and diamond bright as flame, Dead to the earth the hero threw The remnant of the demon crew.
— from The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse by Valmiki - The demon of care had at last entered into my existence.
— from My Life — Volume 1 by Richard Wagner - I had hardly come up with mine when the demon of envy filled my soul.
— from The Arabian Nights Entertainments by Andrew Lang - 42 Bhūtha, or demon worship, prevails in South Canara, where the villages have their bhūtha sthānam or demon shrine.
— from Omens and Superstitions of Southern India by Edgar Thurston - The demon, receiving offerings of fowls, sheep, etc., sets him or her free.
— from Castes and Tribes of Southern India. Vol. 7 of 7 by Edgar Thurston
