Demonology – A Who’s Who of the Demon World

There has been a bit of Demonic sensationalising going on in popular culture of late, ghost hunting television shows have exposed some so-called instances of demonic possession and influence. Some have even named the beastly entities in question, and drawn correlation between various cases to single entities across great distances.

Demonology is a well known discipline of parapsychology and theology, though few people have really done their homework.  The true nature of demons, their purpose and their origin eludes us as a species, and even our own academic ranks are divided among various schools of thought on the very existence of demons. Amid all this scepticism, conjecture and misinformation, the demonic are left to amuse themselves at the expense of the weaker minded.

What follows is a look at the most dangerous demons known to the realm of Demonology (though is not to be taken as a literal listing of real entities, each description is meant as a theological metaphor intended to vilify a certain idea, tradition or prejudice…demons do not exist).

Top 10 Most Dangerous Demons (in alphabetical order):

Amy – The Presiding Demon of Hell

Despite a rather benign name, Amy is an extremely high ranking Demon in Christian theology; he is considered to be the ruling President of Hell. It is said that he appears in flame, but upon taking human form he used his demonic wiles to entrap familiars, to master human sciences and to manipulate the politics of the church. He is bent on taking the thrown of Hell and we are warned that he will use whatever means are possible to do so. Amy may be preoccupied with the political structure of various planes of existence, but he remains capable of commanding legions and waging war on humanity.

Asmodeus – (aka Abaddon) is “The Destroyer”

Mentioned in the Book of Tobias (Deuteronomy), Asmodeus is not your typical all around demon, he is considered to be one of the Princes of Hell, though other sources cite him as one of the King’s of Hell, a distinction that may not be all that important. Among other things, Asmodeus is responsible for the lust component of the famed Seven Deadly Sins, and it is said that those who submit to his sexual manipulation will be doomed to an eternity in the second level of Hell.

Astaroth – one of the Chief Devils

Astaroth is a powerful demon indeed, one of the original 72 to be named in The Lesser Key of Solomon, and this is one to watch out for.  He will use temptation to lure and guide humans to their unending torture; he again, takes a role in the list of the Seven Deadly Sins.

Azazel

Holds the distinction of being the most mysterious extrahuman character in Jewish sacred literature, his presence has been felt throughout the ages, but little is known about his origin or even his affiliation. He is a peddler of influence and knowledge, and popular culture has exploited his reputation and possibly given rise to his recent popularity.

Baal – The Christian King of Hell (also given as Baalim and Bael)

Baal may be the worst demon there is, he is said to be the ruling King of hell. His role as that of the right hand of Satan, and as the leader of sixty-six legions of lesser demons, makes him possibly the most dangerous entity ever conceived. His high rank and responsibility may make him less of a threat to the average living human, though ruthlessness and an all out passion for satanic power make him humanity’s worst nightmare.

Beelzebub – One of the Kings of Hell

Beelzebub may actually be the incarnate identity of Satan himself, though there is doubt in demonology circles. He may be an alternate incarnation of Baal or Bael, or he may be the original fallen angel (with the distinction that Satan was not the original). In any event, Beelzebub is largely regarded as the most powerful and dangerous demon there is. Of the available demons, Baal Zebub (as he is also known), is attributed to not one but two deadly sins, pride and gluttony, though there is some argument about this point.

One point that is seldom argued is Beezebub’s role as one of the three most prominent fallen angels, in the company of Lucifer and Leviathan. He is a force among the ruling echelon of Hell and aside his kin, is a plague on humanity and the heavens.

Byleth – one of the Kings of Hell.

Beleth (one of the many spelling variations is yet another King of Hell, some believe he is a separate incarnation of either Baal or Beelzebub, and as is the case with the demonic, deception and disguise are par for the course. Regardless of his connection to the other Kings of Hell, he is one of the most powerful there is, commanding eighty-eight legions of lesser demons, he is said to be one to offer prize and assistance to those who request it, but usually has an alterior motive.The story of Beleth may be responsible for the “selling your soul to the devil” idiom.

Leviathan

Leviathan, uncommonly not known by any other name, is said to be Satan himself, though argument exists. Typically represented as an enormous sea monster or serpent, it is believed that Leviathan was the serpent to have corrupted Adam and Eve. He stands next to Beelzebub and the famed Lucifer, and rules Hell as one third the almighty triad of Kings.

Lucifer – “Light-bearer”

Lucifer, once translated from the term meaning ‘Morning Star’, is the fallen archangel. He is the ambitious and power hungry Satan and was the subject of God’s wrath as he was cast out of heaven with his band of angels in tow. Some believe that Satan is in fact a representation of Lucifer, Leviathan and Beezebub, and that Hell hath only one King, and his name is Satan. He commands all in the realm of Hell and is the one demon all humanity agrees is most powerful and most dangerous.

Mephistopheles, the original Faustian

Mephisto is commonly held as the originator of the Legend of Faust, wherein the scholar wagers his soul against the devil being able to make Faust wish to live, even for a moment; using circular logic to trick Mephistopheles. He is often portrayed as Satan, though is it likely just his image that has been confused among the theology. He is known as a prince of Hell, and therefore may be considered one of the many hands of Satan

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *