Succubi

Succubi, the female counterparts of incubi, have fascinated both scholars and mythology enthusiasts for centuries. Despite their masculine name in medieval Latin, they are perceived as demons with unique characteristics. In literature, such as in Francis Barret's "The Magus," succubi are described as tree nymphs who enter into complex relationships with humans. The story of Gerbert of Aurillac, retold by Walter Mapes, illustrates how these demons can influence human fate, combining themes of love, magic, and tragic prophecy.

A succubus is the feminine form of an incubus, although the name itself—in Medieval Latin—is masculine ("succubus"), as demons are presumably asexual. The feminine form of the name is "Sukkuba." Incubi also likely outnumber succubi by a ratio of 9 to 1.

Francis Barret in his book "The Magus" described succubi as tree nymphs.

By observing the words of the Fauna and the Nymphs, beautifully spoken earlier by other demons, later creating their descendants among themselves and forming lasting relationships with humans, feigning copulation, they and their descendants would receive immortality of the soul, however, they would also become, through Satan's suggestions and deceptions, susceptible to carnal copulation with monsters, unaware of persuasion, and therefore these Nymphs are called Succubi, even though Satan later makes mistakes, transforming himself, accepting humans along with succubi and incubi, and starting relationships with older males, for example, single Nymphs.Walter Mapes told the story of the succubus in his "Trivia of a Courtier," published in 1185, writing about Gerbert of Aurillac, who became Pope Sylvester II (999-1003). As a young man, Gerbert fell in love with the daughter of the parish priest of Rheims. She rejected him, and Gerbert fell into despair. One day, he met a beautiful maiden named Meridiana, who offered him sex, magical knowledge, and money if he submitted to her servitude. Gerbert accepted and soon became Bishop of Rheims, Archbishop, Cardinal, Bishop of Ravenna, and finally Pope. He constantly protected Meridiana's secret, and she forgave him when the parish priest's daughter found Gerbert intoxicated and seduced him one day. Finally, Meridiana predicted Gerbert's death while celebrating Holy Mass in Jerusalem. As he was leaving the church, he would be struck by a fragment of the Cross. Preparing for his death, Gerbert publicly confessed his sins and then died repentant [under unknown circumstances – note by Ivellios]. Maps indicated Gerbert's burial site on the Lateran Hill long before his death.