Storytelling3: Lilith's Point of View
This story is inspired by the story of Lilith written by Louis Ginzberg, from The Legend of the Jews. In the original version, you learn that Lilith was Adams first wife, but he sent her away because she would not submit to his will. This is her side of the story.
Lilith's Point of View
"Hello. Welcome to my barren desert. I am Lilith, first wife of Adam. I was cast out of the garden of Eden for far lesser crimes than eating from the tree of knowledge. Yet my punishment is far more severe. Would you like to hear my story? "
The dark haired woman in front of you is willowy and pale. She seems almost delicate, but there is a strength in her eyes that hints at something more. You nod you head and choose to listen.
"If you've read the bible, you know that there are two stories about human creation. One states that both a man and woman were formed from dust in God's image. The other talks about the woman coming from Adam's rib. Both stories are true, but Adam was the only constant.
The woman who was created from the dust was me. I was formed in God's image, just as my husband was. We were created together and therefore I believed we should be partners.
Sadly, the man God created was selfish and vain. Adam believed that since God spoke in a man's voice, he must be closer to God. Therefore, he tried to insist that I worship him the same way we worshiped God.
Adam ordered me to bring him food, while he lounged in the grass, watching the clouds. He wanted me to fetch him water, while he conversed with the animals. Worst of all, he expected me to submit to his urges, no matter is I wasn't in the mood or was otherwise occupied.
I attempted to speak with him about it, but Adam was a whiny human. I pleaded and prayed to God for guidance, but he refused to speak to me. According to Adam, God said all the creatures in the garden were his to control, and that included me. I AM NOT WILLING TO BE PLACED ON THE SAME LEVEL AS CATTLE!"
Lilith stomped her feet and turned away, but not before you seen the actual fire in her eyes. Should you feel bad for her, or should you be afraid? She must have regained her composure, because before you can decide, she softly says,
"What was I supposed to do? Is it fair to ask someone to not be an equal, even though they share all the same characteristics aside from gender?
I refused to submit. So whiny, Adam begged God to take me away, and God chose to love him more than me, and thusly did his bidding. I was thrown into this barren desert, alone.
It was hot, and I had no food, no shelter and no company. I was forced to did into the earth, until I found water. I was forced to brave the spikes of the cactus in order to reach the nectar within. My shelter I built from the rocks around me. Life was hard, but I enjoyed it, because I was in control of my destiny.
One day I met a fallen angel named Lucifer. He was cast aside after offending God by questioning his love of Adam. We bonded over our wounds, and became partners in the isolation. Sometime after our relationship progressed, I became pregnant with a child.
God, who is all knowing, thought that Lucifer and I were not behaving in a contrite manor. He ordered us to fall onto our knees before him and beg forgiveness for our perceived sins. Neither of us believes we have done anything wrong, so we refused. In retaliation, God cursed our children. He refused to give them a soul.
My children walk a path of darkness, never basking in the light you do, but they are free. They can grow to make their own choices and submit to no one. Together, we are a strong family. We only wish to exist as you do."
Now Lilith turns and stares into your eyes, pleading.
"Is that really too much to ask?"
Well, what's your answer.
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