FALL 2014
Model Amanda Koonts CULTURAL GRANDIOSE & EXOTIC GREEK GODS IN NEW YORK CITY AND THEIR STORIES
CULTURAL CREATURES OF FEAR SPECIAL EDITION 1
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS I. Cultural Creatures of Fear i. Seductive Lilith...... pg 4 ii. Mysterious Werewolf...... pg 5 iii. Destructive Sekhmet...... pg 6
3
Cultural creatures of fear
SEDUCTIVE LILITH Jewish
M
en gallop into death as I lure them through my sexual charm. The poor bastard had enough faith in me that I rid him of his heart. Learn from me and fear me; I was Adam’s first wife, but didn’t want to release my body to him, thus God banished me and made me a demon. I have been hidden, fertilizing myself with the sperm of other men to make my demon children. Sensually I lure men to their doom like this poor soul lying 4
beneath me. He told me he loved me, and I as a creature of darkness and despair, stole his soul. Children are not safe from my grasps, especially newborns. I feel pleasure in darkness and tragedy; many fear me as I bring terror to their shivering corpses. My name has brought a veil of death to many, yet I stand victorious, as my freedom is unbridled. To be sincere, I would not have it any other way.
MYSTERIOUS WEREWOLF Various
I
have been in multiple traditions across the globe. Haiti, Iceland, China to Brazil. My earliest account was in Romania and Greece. I was turned into this lonely beast. Many fear me, and my thirst for blood is immeasurable. I hunt at night when the moon is at its brightest, and many would do well to run from me when I change. Agony consumes my body when I shape-shift into a vile creature of the night. Hair begins to grow from my body, and my face becomes
distorted. I have been lonely, and cursed. I dread turning those I love into one of me, so I stay back, hiding in fear.
“I dread turning those I love into one of me, so I stay back, hiding in fear.�
5
DESTRUCTIVE SEKHMET Egyptian
W
rath, anger and power is all that I yearn. These are the forces that push me to destruction. I am the oldest known deity in the Egyptian culture, and I am often depicted as a lion-headed woman with a mane. In Memphis, many worshiped me as the destroyer. I have terrified many people across my culture, and many consider me as the flames of the sun. I only care about a select few, and I cure those whom I love of plague and disease. I am a creative yet destructive force that has been recognized in The Book of the Dead. Many deserve to die.
6
Other notable creatures of fear • Baba Yaga, Russia • Banshee, Ireland • Pontianak, Indonesia • Vodníci, Czech Republic • Encantado, Brazil • Jikininki, Japan • Manananggal, Philippines • Jorōgumo, Japan • Leshy, Eastern Europe • Bean Nighe, Scotland • Lady Midday, Eastern Europe • Domovoi, Russia
7