Lilith is an enigmatic mythological figure. Historically, her first literary appearance seems to be in medieval Jewish folklore, as the first wife of Adam, but there are hints she was once a Sumerian goddess. In Darkness Visible Lilith is an awakened ancient goddess in demonic rage. Darkness Visible is a critique of patriarchy. In Part One, Lilith addresses prominent western male culture-heroes from the last few thousand years—no lashes spared. In Part Two, female figures speak to Lilith. Both men and women, masculine and feminine, god and goddess have a voice in Darkness Visible . Lilith is the creature who "pulls heaven and earth together" through the "rage of inescapable freedom."