Who is Lilith? Adam's first wife or demon who devours babies?

As a Catholic, I didn't know about Lilith's existence for a long time.

Growing up, I had no idea that Lilith was Adam’s first wife. I had obviously known about Eve, Adam’s wife who was made from his rib, and who shared the “forbidden fruit” with him which resulted in the ‘Adam’s apple’, and the world being what it is etc etc

For those of you who don’t know, I was born and raised in the Middle East. I was baptised and raised Catholic in a Mangalorean family. Many people ask me if I had any religious restrictions in the Gulf. Truth is No. I never felt I wasn’t allowed to be myself or practice my faith. I went for Catechism classes like most Catholic children do. That’s where I received more insight into the Bible and its teachings among other things BUT I had never heard of Lilith. Not that I remember much from the classes now, but I don’t recollect being told about Lilith.

Lilith has been buried in history. I only recently found out about her. You can imagine my happiness when I came across the book ‘Eden Abandoned’ by Shinie Antony. I had to read it, and when I read it, so many questions popped up in my head like they usually do when I read something interesting. I knew I had to interview her. Who was Lilith? Why is she portrayed as a demon in most stories? What did it take to write in her voice? Did it feel like a sin to write about her?

I grew up with a lot of guilt, being a Catholic, and even now as a grown-up, writing about Lilith or admitting that I enjoyed the book and speaking to Shinie, has a bit of guilt attached to it. Why? Because it’s tough to undo conditioning. Because Lilith was abandoned by God. (If you have been reading my work, you would have noticed my characters dealing with this religion-induced guilt as well. )

Lilith is often depicted in art as someone with horns on her head. Somewhat like Malificent who is the villain in Sleeping Beauty. Angelina Jolie Malificent? Yes, that one.

It was quite refreshing to see this alternate depiction on Shinie’s book cover.

We discussed this, and a lot more in the interview. You can listen to it here.

Women are often hidden in stories, as stories were often written by men SO I’d love to hear from you. Let me know what version of Lilith you have been aware of, or if you want to share the story of any other woman who has been erased from religion or scriptures or history for whatever reason. I’m all ears.

Lilith was banished for being rebellious.

If you liked my thoughts, please let me know, I intend to share my views on the books I explore more often. :)