We may distinguish several classes.

In the first place, there are the demons that cause disease and all manner of physical annoyances.

The chief of these will be considered when we come to the analysis of the incantation texts.

Against these demons the sufferer seeks protection by means of formulas, the utterance of which is invested with peculiar power, and again by means of certain rites of an expiatory or purificatory character.

Next, we have the demons supposed to inhabit the fields, and to whom the ground is supposed to belong.