The Steward Who Won't Give Up the Throne
In Tolkien it is Denethor — not evil exactly, but so attached to his own rule that he cannot receive the King when he arrives.
He despairs and gives up, believing that Sauron’s victory is inevitable. He burn his son alive and die himself rather than fight nobly to the death or yield the throne. He has served so long he has forgotten he was only ever a steward. He mistakes his function for his identity.
In the Arthurian world it is the various false kings and usurpers — Mordred being the culmination.
In the inner tradition, the Steward is the ego. Not a demon. The Steward is the functional part of the mind that has been running the show in the King's absence. It has grown accustomed to power. It confuses management for sovereignty. It will not go quietly.
The recognition problem is ultimately this: when the true King arrives, the Steward does not step aside willingly.
The Steward must die or be cast down, he will not give up his claim on the throne, so that the King can be enthroned. The death of the false self…..