The reference work, which first appeared over 30 years ago, is still regarded today as the best specialist dictionary on the subject. The threatening aspects of religions from all times and countries reflect various fundamental human fears in manifold embodiments. The untamed nature, the shadow realm of spirits and ghosts, the oppressive phenomenon of death, and all that threatens existence manifested in the form of demons and dark gods. Thus, the dictionary is more than just a cultural-historical reference work; it also provides an insightful glimpse into the depths of universal human psychological experience.