Spina's classification of demons

Alfonso de Spina, in 1467, prepared a classification of demons based on several criteria:

• Demons of fate
• Goblins
• Incubi and succubae
• Wandering herds or armies of demons
• Familiars
• Drudes
• Demons that are born from the union of a demon with a human being.
• Liar and mischievous demons
• Demons that attack the saints
• Demons that try to induce old women to attend Sabbaths

This classification is somewhat capricious and it is difficult to find a criterion for it. It seems that Spina was inspired by several legends and stories. The drudes belong to German folklore, and familiars, goblins and other mischievous demons belong to the folklore of most European countries.

The belief in incubi and succubae (and their ability to procreate) seem to have inspired the sixth category, but it could also have been inspired in the Talmudic legend of demons having sexual intercourse with mortal women (see also Mastema).

The visions of tempting demons that some early (and not too early) saints had, perhaps inspired the ninth category (i.e. the visions of Anthony the Great).

The idea of old women attending Sabbaths was common during the European Middle Age and Renaissance, and Spina mentioned it before the Malleus Maleficarum as it is possible to see.