Jewish Demons by Jorge Luis Borges
The narrative revolves around a Jewish mystic who seeks to understand the nature of evil and its relationship with God. He encounters various demons that embody different aspects of human suffering, including poverty, disease, and war. Through his interactions with these demons, he grapples with the concept of free will and the role of divine providence in shaping human destiny.
By Jorge Luis Borges · First published 1959 · Genre: Folklore, Religious Studies, Historical · 153 words
First lines
Between the world of the flesh and the world of the spirit, Jewish superstition imagined a middle ground inhabited by angels devils. A census of its population left the bounds of arithmetic far behind. Throughout the centuries, Egypt, Babylonia, and Persia all enriched this teeming middle world. Maybe because of Christian influence (suggests Trachtenberg), demonology, or the lore of devils, became of less account than angelology, or the lore of angels.
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Jewish Demons is listed on Textopian as a short story by Jorge Luis Borges, dated 1959 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Jorge Luis Borges
- Date: 1959 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Folklore, Religious Studies, Historical, Fantasy, Cultural Studies
- Length: 153 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Folklore — The text explores Jewish superstition and demonology, focusing on mythical beings and their cultural integration.
- Religious Studies — It delves into Jewish beliefs and the influence of other cultures on Jewish demonology and angelology.
- Historical — The narrative references historical periods and cultural exchanges that shaped Jewish demonology.
- Fantasy — The depiction of supernatural entities and their interactions with humans aligns with fantasy elements.
Tags
Philosophical Fiction · Literary Short Stories · Jewish Culture · Demonology · Mythology · Fictional Essays · Short Story Collection · Existentialism · Absurdism · Surrealism · Mystery and Suspense · Psychological Insight