Notable Demons from Religion & Folklore

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Urban legends expert Sydney Bermudez explains what demons are across different religions & mythologies

Co-authored by Sydney Bermudez and Raven Minyard, BA

Last Updated: December 31, 2025 Fact Checked

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• From Mythology
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• Classifications
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• Ranks
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• Well-Known Demons
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• What is a demon?
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Demons are malevolent, supernatural entities found in many religions and mythologies. Because each belief system is unique, demons have many different traits and characteristics depending on where they’re from. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into demonology and teach you about different types of demons based on mythology, classification, and rank with help from urban legends expert Sydney Bermudez. We’ll also discuss some well-known demons whose names you may recognize.

What are the different types of demons?

Urban legends expert Sydney Bermudez says demons are common in many religions and mythologies, often representing chaos, temptation, and punishment. In Christianity, fallen angels are the most common type of demon. In Islamic culture, ifrits and djinn are notable types, and many Japanese yōkai can be considered demons.

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Section 1 of 5:

Types of Demons from Mythology

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   Fallen angels “In Christian and Jewish traditions, demons are typically fallen angels,” says Bermudez. These angels were cast out of Heaven for rebelling against God. They are led by Lucifer (Satan). Fallen angels often attempt to corrupt humanity by teaching forbidden knowledge or tempting them into sin. Fallen angels are also a part of Muslim beliefs.

   • Bermudez notes that fallen angels include Lucifer and lesser demons like Asmodeus. She says they’re “often associated with sin, possession, and deception.”

   Meet the wikiHow Expert

   Sydney Bermudez is an urban legends expert and horror content creator. She shares paranormal cases, internet mysteries, and horror stories to her over 400k followers on TikTok and Instagram.
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   Biblical demons While fallen angels are the most common type of demon in Christianity, the Bible also describes different kinds of demons based on their nature and actions. Here are a few other categories of demons based on scriptural terms:

   • Evil spirits: A general term for demonic entities.
   • Unclean spirits: A term used in the Gospels to describe spirits that Jesus expelled.
   • Lying spirits: Demons that deceive and spread falsehoods.
   • Spirits of affliction: Demons believed to cause mental and physical suffering, leading to illnesses and despair.
   • Familiar spirits: Spirits that are consulted for forbidden knowledge or that imitate the deceased.
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   Djinn Bermudez explains that in Islamic belief, djinn (also known as jinn or genies) are “supernatural beings made of smokeless fire who possess free will; some are good, while others are malicious.” They are naturally invisible and can shapeshift, and often act as tricksters and cause mischief.
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   Ifrits Ifrits are a type of powerful demon in Islamic culture. They’re associated with the underworld and may be spirits of the dead. They frequently inhabit desolate places, like ruins and temples. They’re often depicted as large, winged creatures made of fire. They may also have horns, claws, or flaming eyes.
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   Rakshasas and asuras “In Hindu and Buddhist traditions, demons such as asuras and rakshasas often symbolize ego, violence, and imbalance, frequently opposing the gods and disrupting cosmic order,” says Bermudez. They reside on Earth but possess supernatural powers, which they use for evil acts, such as disrupting Vedic sacrifices or eating humans. They’re often depicted as shapeshifting, monstrous creatures with large fangs and claw-like fingernails.

   • These demons are also often featured in Jainism and Indonesian folk Islam.
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   Pishachas Pishachas are flesh-eating demons that appear in both Hinduism and Buddhism. They’re often referred to as the very manifestation of evil. Pishachas like darkness and typically haunt cremation grounds alongside other monsters. They can shapeshift and become invisible, and they feed on human energy. If they possess a human, their victim may go insane.

   • Pishachas may be created when a person is not buried properly. The deceased may be unable to escape their dead body and turn into a Pishacha.
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   Yōkai “Yokai are supernatural creatures, spirits, or monsters from Japanese folklore,” says Bermudez. “Unlike Western demons, yokai exist on a wide moral spectrum: some are dangerous and terrifying, while others are mischievous or even friendly.” According to Bermudez, “Yokai often serve as explanations for strange events, fears, or moral lessons in Japanese culture.” She explains that “they can take many forms, including animals, humans, objects, or shapeshifters.” Some common forms include:

   • Oni: These are ogre-like demons, says Bermudez.
   • Kappa: A reptilian creature that resembles a turtle. They live in rivers and freshwater and are typically described as mischievous, yet harmless.
   • Gashadokuro: A giant skeleton made of the skulls of people who died in battle or did not receive a proper burial. It roams the countryside at night, looking for humans to eat.
   • Kitsune: A mythical fox spirit, explains Bermudez. They can either be good or a malicious trickster that possesses or deceives humans.
   • Kasha: A demonic cat-like creature that steals corpses from funerals and carries their souls to hell in a flaming chariot.
   • Wanyudo: The spirit of a human head on a giant, flaming wheel that serves as the guardian of hell.
   • Tengu: These are bird-like mountain beings, says Bermudez.
   • Yūrei: These are ghosts in Japanese folklore, explains Bermudez.
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   Tzitzimime Tzitzimime are skeletal female figures in Aztec mythology. They’re often described as “star demons” who would descend to Earth during solar eclipses to devour humanity. They’re powerful deities associated with death, fertility, and childbirth, and were both feared and worshipped.
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   Daeva A daeva is a malevolent entity from Zoroastrianism, an ancient religion founded in Persia. They were believed to be created by Angra Mainyu (the evil spirit) to corrupt the world created by Ahura Mazda. They embody immoral principles, like evil thought and destruction.
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    Daityas The daityas are a race of giants or demons in Hindu mythology. They are descended from Kashyapa and his wife Diti, and are known for their supernatural strength. They’re often portrayed as antagonists to the Devas (gods). Prominent daityas include Hiranyaksha, Hiranyakashipu, and Mahabali.
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    Fomorians In Irish mythology, the Fomorians are a supernatural, monstrous race often depicted as hostile giants from under the sea. They represent the destructive forces of nature, like chaos, darkness, and blight. They’re the enemies of the Tuatha De Danann, another supernatural race in Irish mythology.
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    Hiisi The term “hiisi” refers to mythological beings from Finnish mythology, including giants, demons, and goblins associated with wild, untamed nature. These creatures were originally associated with spirits of the land, but were later reimagined as malevolent or trickster entities.
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    Imps Imps are small, mischievous creatures that are often described as lesser demons or fairies. They originated in Germanic folklore and are known for playing pranks and causing trouble. They sometimes serve as familiars to witches or wizards, or may be spies or servants in Hell’s hierarchy.
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    Lechies Lechies, or leshy, are Slavic forest demons or spirits that guard the woods and their animals. They have a goat’s body from the waist down, along with the horns, ears, and beard of a goat. They’re trickster spirits who can mimic voices to lead people astray, and they’ve sometimes been known to tickle people to death.
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    Incubi and succubi Incubi and succubi appear in various folklore. An incubus (pl. incubi) is a male demon who appears in the dreams of female humans to seduce them. A succubus (pl. succubi) is a female demon who appears in the dreams of male humans to seduce them. Their victims' mental and physical health deteriorate rapidly if the demon keeps visiting them. In modern representations, they’re depicted as extremely beautiful and charming rather than demonic or frightening.
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    Shedim Shedim are demonic entities from Jewish folklore. Unlike modern conceptions of demons, shedim were believed to be the gods of foreigners and were considered evil because they were not the Hebrew god. They appear twice in the Tanakh, at Psalm 106:37 and Deuteronomy 32:17. In both instances, the text discusses child or animal sacrifice.
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Section 2 of 5:

Classifications of Demons

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   Trickster demons Trickster demons are mischievous and cunning entities who use deception to create chaos and manipulate humans. They’re not always inherently evil, but their actions often cause significant disruption and harm.

   • Bermudez notes that “across many cultures, demons are not always purely evil: some act as tricksters, punishers, or even guardians of sacred realms.”
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   Elemental demons Elemental demons have powers based on the natural elements: earth, water, fire, and air. They’re often associated with storms, earthquakes, and other natural disasters.
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   Death demons Death demons are beings that guide souls to the afterlife or cause death itself. Depending on the tradition, they may be seen as merciful or as terrifying entities that torment souls.
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   Hellish demons Hellish demons live in Hell or the underworld, depending on the mythology. They’re typically depicted as tormentors of souls or as servants of a great evil, like the Devil. They’re symbols of destruction, suffering, and sin.
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   Canid demons Canid demons are dog-like demons. Most have a dog-like appearance, though some can appear more humanoid. Hellhounds, which are demonic dogs from folklore, are perhaps the most common type of canid demon.

   • Cerberus from Greek mythology could also be considered a canid demon.
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   Felid demons Felid demons are cat-like demons. They often have a cat-like appearance, though some may look more humanoid than others. A common example is the witch’s familiar, which often takes the form of a black cat.
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Section 3 of 5:

Demons by Rank

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   Archdemons In some mythologies and fictional universes, demons are ranked by how powerful they are or their position in the underworld. Archdemons are the most powerful rank of demon. Many were former archangels, and like archangels led groups of lesser angels, led groups of lesser demons.
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   Demon Lords Demon lords are powerful, high-ranking demons that command lesser spirits and preside over entire domains. They’re viewed as rulers of the underworld and are key figures in demonic hierarchies.
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   Demons Standard demons are the middle rank of demons. They are of moderate power and often do the bidding of archdemons or other, more powerful beings. Most demons fall under this ranking.
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   Devils Devils (not to be confused with the Devil of Christian mythology) are sometimes considered the lowest rank of demons. They’re the weakest group and have no power over other demons. They’re also small in size.

   • Note that this may vary depending on the mythology. According to some lore, devils are beings that are stronger and more powerful than demons.
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Section 4 of 5:

Well-Known Demons

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   Lucifer In Christian theology, Lucifer (also known as Satan) is a fallen angel who becomes the Devil. He is associated with the sin of pride and was banished to Hell after attempting to usurp God.
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   Beelzebub In Christianity, Beelzebub is sometimes another name for Satan (though not always the same entity as Lucifer). He is one of the 7 princes of Hell and represents gluttony and envy. He is also known as the “Lord of the Flies.” The name is derived from a Philistine god formerly worshipped in Ekron.
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   Azazel Azazel is believed to be a fallen angel responsible for introducing humans to forbidden knowledge, as described in the Book of Enoch. He plays a role in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions.
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   Baphomet While not a traditional demon, Baphomet is a symbolic figure linked to occultism and Satanism. According to Bermudez, he is “usually represented as a goat-headed figure sitting with wings and symbolic gestures.” He represents balance, duality, and esoteric knowledge and is essentially the mascot of the Church of Satan.
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   Belial In Christian demonology, Belial is a demon who represents lawlessness and rebellion. He is depicted as a powerful demon who attempts to corrupt humanity by leading them away from righteousness.
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   Lilith Lilith is an ancient figure from Jewish mythology, who is sometimes believed to be the first wife of Adam. When she was cast out of Eden, she became a demon associated with night terrors and the destruction of children. In modern times, she is sometimes regarded as a feminist symbol.
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   Asmodeus In the Book of Tobit, Asmodeus is a demon who kills the husbands of a woman named Sarah. He is frequently associated with lust and vengeance and is one of the Seven Deadly Sins demons, associated with lust.
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   Mammon In the New Testament, “mammon” means money, material wealth, or any entity that promises wealth. Because of this association, over time, Mammon became a demon that personifies greed and material wealth.
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   Mephistopheles Also known as Mephostophilis or Mephisto, Mephistopheles is a demon from German folklore. He originated as the chief devil in the Faust legend and is associated with literature rather than religion.
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    Pazuzu Pazuzu is a demon from ancient Mesopotamian mythology. He has a canine-like face and a scaly body and was believed to be the son of the god Hanbi. He was usually regarded as evil, but could sometimes be a benevolent entity who protected against winds bearing pestilence.
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Section 5 of 5:

What is a demon?

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   Demons are evil spirits who seek to corrupt humanity. “Demons appear in many belief systems and mythologies around the world, often representing chaos, temptation, illness, or spiritual punishment,” explains Bermudez. The traits and characteristics of demons vary, but in general, they’re malevolent supernatural energies. They may work for Satan or another evil figure and tempt humans to sin. In some cases, they may even be able to possess humans.

   • Demons typically live in Hell or the underworld of a certain belief system, though they frequently roam the earth.
   • Demons are ageless, but can often be killed. Many, like succubi and incubi, can also reproduce.

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