How Different Religions Explain Demons

Some of the most terrifying demons in history were not simply seen as embodiments of evil. In this video, we explore six powerful demons from different religious traditions — Satan, Iblis, Angra Mainyu, Mara, Apep, and Pazuzu — and the very different roles they played in the beliefs of the people who feared them. You'll learn how Satan became associated with rebellion and pride in Christianity, why Iblis refused to bow to Adam in Islam, and why Angra Mainyu represents a unique form of cosmic evil in Zoroastrianism. We also examine Mara, the tempter who confronted the Buddha on the night of his enlightenment, and Apep, the giant serpent believed to attack the sun every night in ancient Egypt. Finally, you'll discover the surprising story of Pazuzu — a terrifying Mesopotamian demon who was feared for his destructive power but was also invoked as a protector against other demons, especially Lamashtu, who was believed to threaten pregnant women and newborn children. 🕰️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Satan 01:35 Iblis 03:16 Angra Mainyu 05:11 Mara 06:51 Apep 08:53 Pazuzu 📚 SOURCES ▸ Satan in Christian tradition — The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church — F. L. Cross & E. A. Livingstone, eds. (3rd ed., 2005, Oxford University Press). Covers the development of Satan as the adversary, tempter, accuser, and fallen angel in Christian tradition. ▸ Isaiah 14 and the “Lucifer” tradition — “Lucifer, Who Or What?” — Robert L. Alden (1968, Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society). Examines how the figure called “Lucifer” in Isaiah 14 became associated with Satan in later Christian interpretation. The original passage concerns the King of Babylon, not explicitly Satan. ▸ Iblīs — Whitney Bodman (2025, St Andrews Encyclopaedia of Theology). Provides an academic overview of Iblis in the Qur'an and Islamic tradition, including his refusal to bow before Adam, his identification as a jinn, his expulsion, and his request for respite until the Day of Judgment. ▸ The Qur’an — Iblis, Adam and the jinn — Qur’an 2:34, 7:11–18, 15:26–44, 18:50, 38:71–85. These passages provide the primary textual basis for Iblis refusing to bow to Adam, claiming superiority because he was created from fire, and being granted respite to tempt humanity. ▸ AHRIMAN — Jacques Duchesne-Guillemin (1984, Encyclopaedia Iranica). A major scholarly reference on Angra Mainyu/Ahriman, his role as the destructive spirit opposing the forces of good, his relationship to Zoroastrian dualism, and his eventual defeat. ▸ The Demonisation of the Other through the Narrative of Māra’s Defeat (māravijaya) — Perry Schmidt-Leukel (2022, Buddhism and Its Religious Others, British Academy/Oxford University Press). Examines the Buddhist narratives surrounding Māra's attempt to prevent Siddhartha's awakening, including Māra's army, his daughters, and his defeat beneath the Bodhi tree. ▸ The Buddha’s Victory over Mara — Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, Jataka Stories. Provides the traditional account of Māra's attack, the demon army, his challenge to Siddhartha's right to the seat of enlightenment, and the Buddha's earth-touching gesture. ▸ The Book of Overthrowing Apophis — University of Oregon, translation and discussion of the ancient Egyptian ritual text. Documents the ritual destruction of Apophis through representations of the serpent, including magical acts intended to weaken and destroy him. ▸ The Ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead — Raymond O. Faulkner (1994, British Museum Press). Provides translations and scholarly treatment of Egyptian funerary texts describing the nightly journey of the solar deity and the supernatural forces opposing it. ▸ Pazuzu: Beyond Good and Evil — The Metropolitan Museum of Art (2014). Explains Pazuzu's role as the king of the evil wind demons and, paradoxically, his use as a protective figure against other supernatural threats, particularly the demoness Lamashtu. ▸ Amulet with a Lamashtu Demon — The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Documents the use of protective amulets against Lamashtu and the association of Pazuzu with protection from this dangerous demoness, particularly in relation to pregnant women and infants. 🛑 DISCLAIMER This video is created for educational and historical purposes. Religious traditions and beliefs are often complex, and some details have been simplified to make them easier to understand. The video presents these figures according to historical and religious traditions and does not promote or endorse any particular religious belief. Some ancient sources and interpretations differ between periods and cultures. Where traditions vary, the video follows the historical sources and interpretations most relevant to the subject. Always do your own research if you want a deeper understanding.