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Revision as of 17:58, 16 October 2009 by Ophois (talk | contribs) (→Demon culture)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff) Fictional character| Demon | |
|---|---|
| File:Man possession.JPGA demon being exorcised. | |
| First appearance | "Phantom Traveler" |
| Home | Hell |
| Leader | Lucifer |
Development
It was originally intended for demons to not use human hosts, but rather exist "halfway between spirits and corporeal creatures", though capable of taking solid form. However, after it was decided to give the demon featured in "Phantom Traveler" the ability to possess people, the writers chose to make it an element of all demons. Kripke feels that this added an interesting aspect to the storylines, as the viewers "never quite know who the bad guy is".
Inspirations for the types of demons have come from numerous sources, such as the devil-on-your-shoulder concept that is used in "Sin City". The writers often try to base the demons off of actual aspects of history, as is done in "Malleus Maleficarum" by having the demon Tammi turn a group of women into witches. An encyclopedia on demons is used for research, with Binsfield's Classification of Demons inspiring "The Magnificent Seven"'s storyline of demons being the physical embodiment of the Seven Deadly Sins.
For the third season, writer Ben Edlund pitched the revelation that demons were once human, which series creator Eric Kripke feels "opened up the mythology in an interesting and complicated way". It was further expanded upon to both convey the belief of the writing staff that the "worst evil is the evil inside all of us" and to serve as a plot device by showing Dean that being in Hell will "burn away his humanity" and turn him into the "thing he hates most".
Physical characteristics
Fictional history
Demons were all once human, but their souls have been corrupted after spending hundreds of years in Hell, leaving them as large, black clouds that generate electromagnetic interference. The first demon in creation is Lilith, whom Lucifer himself corrupted as revenge against God.
Demon culture
Demons in the series are generally portrayed as cruel and sadistic, often taking pleasure in causing humans pain. However, at times their culture has been compared to that of normal humans. Introduced in the third season is the concept of some demons being religious, believing in their own higher power—Lucifer. Like humans with their deities, demons have faith in his existence, with one demon stating, "Well, no one's actually seen him, but they say that he made us into what we are, and they say that he'll return." Azazel's endgame throughout the entire series is to free Lucifer, whom he refers to as his "Father".
Demons in the series have generally appeared to have little dissent, though it does exist. They are held together at first by the "tyrant" Azazel, who releases an army of demons from Hell in order to wage war against humanity with Sam Winchester as their leader. However, after Azazel is killed and Sam fails to assume the role, the demons' cohesion falls apart, with hundreds of demons attempting to fill the power vacuum. One of these demons is Lilith, whom Azazel releases as part of his master plan. The demonic world reunites once again under her command, and after she gives her life in order to release Lucifer, they appear to now follow their creator.
Within the demon culture exists a hierarchy based on levels of power. While all demons have some similar characteristics—being able to possess a human host, whether living or dead, and the inability to cross paths of salt or iron—other aspects depend on their place in the hierarchy. The most common demon featured in the series are low-level black-eyed demons, who generally just gain enhanced strength while in possession of a host. However, stronger black-eyed demons, such as the one possessing Meg Masters, exhibit other abilities such as telekinesis, and are not barred from entering hallowed grounds.
Azazel is immune to the effects of holy water. The most effective way to contain a demon is by using a devil's trap. When within the mystical symbol, a demon is temporarily stripped of its usual abilities and cannot leave until the symbol is disturbed. Exorcisms, which expel the demon from its host and send it to Hell, usually coincide with the use of the trap.
References
- ^ Knight, p.114
- ^ Knight, p.104
- Kubicek, John (February 5, 2008). "Exclusive Interview: 'Supernatural' Creator Eric Kripke". BuddyTV. Retrieved 2009-04-11.