A female demon or supernatural being from folklore and mythology who was believed to visit men in their sleep.
From Medieval Latin 'succuba' and 'succubare' meaning 'to lie beneath,' from 'sub-' (under) and 'cubare' (to lie). The corresponding male demon is called an incubus ('lying on').
The succubus and incubus mythology reveals how medieval people tried to explain nightmares and sleep paralysis—without understanding REM sleep and brain chemistry, they created supernatural explanations for these genuinely terrifying but biological experiences!
Medieval demonology constructed the succubus as a female demon specifically to embody male sexual anxiety and justify controlling women's sexuality. The male counterpart, incubus, carried none of the moral condemnation. This gendered split reflects how supernatural narratives policed women's autonomy.
When referencing mythology, acknowledge the gendered construction. If using metaphorically, avoid using 'succubus' to describe women or femininity.
["demon","supernatural being","mythological figure"]
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