Hybrids are mythological creatures that have origins in legends and folklore around the world. They are combinations of two or more different species, usually with distinct physical and magical attributes derived from each component animal or human. One common hybrid myth is that of the symbiote, a creature that lives in a mutually beneficial relationship with a host. There are four main symbiote hybrids found in myths and fictional stories.
The Succubus
The succubus is a female demon that seeks out human men to seduce and prey upon. She draws energy from her victims to sustain herself, often through sexual intercourse. The succubus can shapeshift to appear as an ideal mate and appeal to a man’s particular desires. According to folklore, repeated visits from a succubus can cause deterioration of health or even death. However, the succubus does provide pleasure and companionship, at least in the short term. This mutual, if ultimately destructive, exchange of benefits characterizes the succubus as a parasitic symbiote. Some key attributes of the mythical succubus include:
- Female appearance and seductive abilities
- Ability to shapeshift and read minds/desires
- Drains life force through physical intimacy
- Gives short-term pleasure and companionship
The succubus legend probably arose as an explanation for sleep paralysis and nocturnal emissions. The terror of feeling paralyzed at night combined with sexual dreams could have led to stories of a night demon that sexually preys on men. However, the succubus entered folklore as a parasitic hybrid that offers a mutual, if imbalanced, relationship. Victims are rewarded with ecstasy, at least initially, in return for the succubus draining their life force.
The Werewolf
Another famous symbiote hybrid is the werewolf, a human able to shapeshift into a wolf. The werewolf’s transformation is often involuntary, occurring during full moons or other predicatable cycles. While in wolf form, the werewolf may lose human consciousness and become violently predatory. However, the wolf side can also augment the human with increased speed, strength, and senses. Long lifespans are also attributed to some werewolf legends. As a hybrid creature, the werewolf blends human intelligence and reasoning with animalistic power and wildness:
- Human able to transform into a wolf
- Often an involuntary/cyclical transformation
- Enhanced physical abilities and longevity in both forms
- Dual existence between rational human and fierce animal
Werewolf myths originated in Europe, possibly arising from stories of warriors dressing in wolf pelts before battle. The voluntary transformation into a wolf pelt represents a symbiotic relationship. The warrior gains animal ferocity, intimidation, and heightened senses, while the wolf spirit gains a human vessel through which to act. Later werewolf legends featured more involuntary and chaotic transformations during full moons, but the symbiotic duality remained.
The Vampire
The vampire is likely the most famous symbiotic hybrid in modern pop culture. Vampires sustain eternal life by feeding on human blood. They possess a range of predatory powers including speed, strength, mind control, and shape shifting. While vampires do prey on humans, they also form intimate symbiotic relationships. Their gifts can corrupt and convert humans to join their supernatural ranks. Vampires form symbiotic bonds with humans including:
- Immortality via human blood
- Superhuman physical and psychic abilities
- Conversion of humans into loyal vampire followers
- Sensual predation and intimate corruption of victims
The vampire myth originates from a variety of folklores worldwide, including the Greek lamia, Hebrew estrie, and ancient Babylonian tales. Vampire legends became most pronounced in early 18th century Southeastern Europe. Superstitions about deceased loved ones drinking blood merged with bats and other night creatures into the iconic vampire hybrid. The parasitic yet intimate symbiosis of the vampire made it a horror classic.
The Zombie
The zombie is a more modern symbiote legend, originating in Haitian folklore and popularized in the 20th century. Unlike vampires and werewolves, zombies lack conscious thought and agency. However, they do form a simple symbiotic pairing with dark magic practitioners:
- Reanimated human corpse slave
- Lacks freewill but follows psychic commands
- Provides cheap physical labor if controlled
- Used as weapon by magic wielders
The zombie myth emerged from the Vodou religion and culture imported to Haiti by African slaves. Beliefs about sorcerers reanimating the dead into soulless drones originated there. These tales eventually spawned the modern zombie genre. Though zombies lack a predatory intelligence, they still represent a magical symbiosis. Their lifeless bodies receive renewed motor function, while the sorcerers gain expendable servants and instruments of infection.
Conclusion
Symbiote hybrid creatures are a common theme in mythical lore across human cultures. The succubus, werewolf, vampire, and zombie all represent a mutualism built on exploitation. On the human side, benefits range from sensual pleasure to immortality and supernatural powers. For the nonhuman entity, rewards include sustenance, vessels through which to act, and spread of the mystical infection. While the symbiosis may be predatory, it grants both parties opportunities exceeding normal existence. This cycle of temptation, corruption, and cost continually recurs in legends worldwide. It ensures symbiote hybrids like vampires and werewolves will continue haunting human imaginations.