Lilith som antagonistisk kraft : En studie i judisk mytologi

Sammanfattning: This study reviews Lilith in Jewish mythology, specifically how she relates to the other main operators in the myths, which are God, Samael, Adam and Eve. Her connections with the animal who often symbolizes her, the serpent, has also been reviewed. Furthermore, the study examines what her relationship with the other operators says about her function in the myths. Using a hermeneutical method, the study examines extracts from rabbinic literature, the Alphabet of Ben Sira and Kabbalistic writings.The results show that Lilith’s symbolism and characteristics have drawn inspiration from Eve in the earlier writings, and that both women are portrayed in close relation with the serpent. In the Kabbalist tradition Lilith is a driving force in a narrative that strives for messianic victory, and together with her partner Samael she rules over evil. One of Lilith’s main functions is that of an antagonist, and an antipole, to the divinity and the primal couple, and essentially to goodness.