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InManichaean cosmology, the world of darkness, which invaded the world of light in a lustful desire to mingle with the light, is ruled by five evilArchons (demon,dragon,eagle,fish andlion), who together make up thePrince of Darkness (Chinese:黑暗王子;pinyin:hēiàn wángzĭ).[1] TheFather of Greatness parries the assault by evoking a number of entities, who sacrifice themselves and are absorbed by the Prince of Darkness; however, tricked by the Father of Greatness, their existence now depends on the light they absorbed.[1] To prevent the light particles from returning into their divine origin, they counter by giving birth to two demonic beings: Sakla and Nebroel. As the strictanti-thesis of the pure light, the Prince of Darkness cannot createex nihilo, but only by copulation.[1]
Augustine of Hippo, who converted from Manichaeism toChristianity, criticised the Manichaeans forpolytheism andpaganism, stating that Manichaeans, due to theirdualistic cosmology, believe in two differentdeities. The ManichaeanbishopFaustus of Mileve defends Manichaeism by stating thatCatholics erroneously assume that the Prince of Darkness had a divine essence, while in fact, the Prince of Darkness does not share any attributes with the Divine, thus Manichaeism would not worship multiple gods, but rather one true god.[2] They are both two different principles: although eternally existing, clearly distinct. Only the light particles within humans are consubstantial to the Divine.
Manichaean missionaries adjusted the name of the Prince of Darkness depending on the audience. TowardsChristians, they commonly used the nameSatanas.[3] In relation toIslam, the expressionIblīs al-Qadīm (The Ancient Iblis) can be found,[3] but is also referred to asal-Šayṭān.[4] InIranian Manichaeism, he was calledAhriman.[5] In Old Turkish, he is calledšmnw.[6]
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