A succubus may take the form of a beautiful woman, but closer inspection may reveal deformities of her body, such as bird-like claws or serpentine tails.[7] Folklore also describes men being forced to perform the act of cunnilingus.[8] In later folklore, a succubus took the form of a siren.
Throughout history, priests and rabbis, including Hanina ben Dosa and Abaye, tried to curb the power of succubi over humans.[9] However, not all succubi were malevolent. According to Walter Map in the satire De nugis curialium (Trifles of Courtiers), Pope Sylvester II (999–1003) was allegedly involved with a succubus named Meridiana, who helped him achieve his high rank in the Catholic Church. Before his death, he confessed of his sins and died repentant.[10]