Mazzikim

In Jewish demonology, **Mazzikim** are invisible Demons which can create minor annoyances or greater dangers. The Hebrew term *mazzikin* (מַזִּיקִין, also spelled *mazzikim* מַזִּיקִים), found in the Talmud, means "damagers" or "those who harm". It is generally understood to mean harmful invisible Demons that a person could encounter in daily life. They were seen rather to be under the command of God who sent His punishment through them.

## **Characteristics**

In some Kabbalistic Jewish beliefs, the Mazzikim are created whenever a man "improperly spills his seed" — a sin considered so heinous by the Kabbalah because it subverts the creative process, and results in the birth of a Mazzikim. In later medieval Jewish beliefs, they are said they can be born from transformed souls of the wicked dead who taunt and torture the recently deceased.

The Talmud describes Mazzikim as having certain characteristics similar to both Angels and humans *(Chagigah 16a)*. According to the text, Mazzikim have wings like Angels, can traverse great distances quickly like Angels, and possess knowledge of future events like Angels. However, they also share traits with humans, such as eating, drinking, procreating, and eventually dying.

Mazzikim are rarely possessing spirits. They tend to attack only if angered or unhappy. Most Mazzikim-lore assumes coexistence. Invisible Mazzikim are ever-present, and so the best defense is to know how to live with them. The Jewish equivalent of Feng Shui is largely concerned with maintaining peaceful relations with Demons.

Mazzikim, like similar to Djinn, prefer uninhabited wild places (deserts, fields, forests), bathhouses, and old-fashioned outhouses. They like ritually impure places and slaughterhouses. They love deep shadows: moon-shadows, shade trees, and especially nut trees. Mazzikim linger under roofs and rain gutters on moonlit nights, possibly a stimulus for protective gargoyles, which may guard against them. They love ruins and cemeteries.

## Appearance

The true appearance of a Mazzikim is virtually unknown since these Demons are almost always invisible to humans and rarely chose to reveal themselves. However it is safe to assume their true forms are humanoid in appearance.

## Powers and Abilities

While nobody has seen what a Mazzikim truly looks like, the true extent of their powers are mostly left unknown.

* **Demonic Possession** - Despite possession from one is rare, Mazzikim are still able to possess humans.
* **Super Strength** - While their true power is unknown, it is safe to say that their strength is greater than that of humans.
* **Medium Invulnerability** - They are not immortal and will die eventually, they are however immune to regular human weapons.
* **Invisibility** - Mazzikim are naturally invisible and only can be seen if they wish, however they rarely ever become visible to humans.
* **Astral Perception** - Even while invisible they can see other Mazzikim.
* **Shapeshifting** - Mazzikim can shapeshift. Favoured forms include dogs, frogs, and goats. They may appear in human forms too.
* **Biokinesis** - Contact with Mazzikim may cause illness characterized by alternating fever and chills. Mazzikim may not intentionally inflict illness. Sensitive people, especially children, may simply react negatively to their presence.

## Weaknesses

* **Deities** - Gods can kill any Mazzikim.
* **Angels** - Mazzikim fear Angels greatly, as they will flee the area is even the name of one is mentioned.
* **Devil's Trap** - A Devil's Trap with Jewish symbols can trap a Mazzikim.
* **Exorcism** - Jewish forms of this ritual can banish Mazzikim to Hell.
* **Magic** - Medieval Jews would wear protective magic amulets to ward off Mazzikim.
* **Holy Water** - Water blessed by a rabbi will cause great discomfort to one upon contact.
* **Mortality** - It is presumed that Mazzikim are not immortal and will eventually die.