Introduction
In the Greek mythology, daemon, was a supernatural being that acted as an intermediate between Gods and men. In the Greek terms, a daemon did not carry a negative connotation to it. Even the Egyptians thought these intermediaries as the 'greatest Gods' because they were most beneficial in their lives. However, during ancient Semitic times, the term, daemon which by then was spelled as demon, meant malevolent creatures; A demon is known to be an evil spirit, a source or agent of evil, harm, distress, or ruin.
It is now believed that a person that has become inhabited by a supernatural being such as a demon and has lose some sense of their own will is said to be demoniacally possessed. The person that is possessed is believed to have no control or what so ever of their state and thus requires to undergo exorcism in order to rid themselves of the possessing entity. The belief in demonic possession is evident across many different cultures. However, among these different cultures, there are slight differences in their references of a demonic possession. The concept is still the same - supernatural being inhabits a persons body- but, the types of demons and their purposes vary.
It is now believed that a person that has become inhabited by a supernatural being such as a demon and has lose some sense of their own will is said to be demoniacally possessed. The person that is possessed is believed to have no control or what so ever of their state and thus requires to undergo exorcism in order to rid themselves of the possessing entity. The belief in demonic possession is evident across many different cultures. However, among these different cultures, there are slight differences in their references of a demonic possession. The concept is still the same - supernatural being inhabits a persons body- but, the types of demons and their purposes vary.
A renowned 17th Century English poet described a demon as:
"The other shape,
If shape it might be call'd, that shape had none,
Distinguishable in member, joint, or limb;
Or substance might be call'd that shadow seem'd;
For each seem'd either; black it stood as night,
Fierce as ten furies, terrible as Hell,
And shook a dreadful dart; what seem'd his head
The likeness of a kingly crown had on.
Satan was now at hand; and from his seat
The monster, moving onward, came as fast
With horrid strides; Hell trembled as he strode."
- John Milton -
http://www.djmcadam.com/demons.htm
"The other shape,
If shape it might be call'd, that shape had none,
Distinguishable in member, joint, or limb;
Or substance might be call'd that shadow seem'd;
For each seem'd either; black it stood as night,
Fierce as ten furies, terrible as Hell,
And shook a dreadful dart; what seem'd his head
The likeness of a kingly crown had on.
Satan was now at hand; and from his seat
The monster, moving onward, came as fast
With horrid strides; Hell trembled as he strode."
- John Milton -
http://www.djmcadam.com/demons.htm