Lot Essay
The story of Tobias is taken from the Apocrypha of the Old Testament and probably dates from the 2nd Century B.C. including elements from Assyrian and Persian folklore.
Tobias was the son of Tobit, a devout Jew who lived in exile in Nineveh in the 8th Century B.C. When Tobit's death was near, caused by illness, he sent Tobias out to collect money still owed to him. The archangel Raphael joined Tobias upon his travels. At their destination Tobias collected the money, and on the suggestion of the angel, went to stay with a kinsman whose daughter, Sarah, would make an admirable bride for Tobias. But Sarah was unfortunately bewitched by a demon that had already caused the death of seven previous husbands before the marriages could be consummated. They nevertheless proceeded with the wedding, but not without misgivings. The demon was successfully exorcised and the couple then made a prayer of thanksgiving in their bedchamber.
Tobias was the son of Tobit, a devout Jew who lived in exile in Nineveh in the 8th Century B.C. When Tobit's death was near, caused by illness, he sent Tobias out to collect money still owed to him. The archangel Raphael joined Tobias upon his travels. At their destination Tobias collected the money, and on the suggestion of the angel, went to stay with a kinsman whose daughter, Sarah, would make an admirable bride for Tobias. But Sarah was unfortunately bewitched by a demon that had already caused the death of seven previous husbands before the marriages could be consummated. They nevertheless proceeded with the wedding, but not without misgivings. The demon was successfully exorcised and the couple then made a prayer of thanksgiving in their bedchamber.