The Temptation of St. Anthony by Martin Schöngauer

There have been many attempts throughout the history of Christianity to classify demons into categories. These systems of classification of demons are a part of Christian demonology. Classification systems are based on the nature of the demon, the sin with which they tempt humans, the month in which their power was strongest, the saints that were their adversaries, or other characteristics. Download high resolution version (514x689, 44 KB)The Temptation of St. ... Download high resolution version (514x689, 44 KB)The Temptation of St. ... Saint Anthony the Great (251 - 356), also known as Saint Anthony of Egypt, Saint Anthony of the Desert, Saint Anthony the Anchorite, and The Father of All Monks, was an Egyptian Christian saint and the outstanding leader among the Desert Fathers, who were Christian monks in the Egyptian desert in... c. ... Christianity is a monotheistic[1] religion centered on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as presented in the New Testament. ... St. ... This article or section is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ... Sin is a term used mainly in a religious context to describe an act that violates a moral rule, or the state of having committed such a violation. ... In traditional Christian iconography, Saints are often depicted as having halos. ...

Classification by domain

It can be noted that according to each author listed below, the domain of each demon is very different (with the exception of Francesco Maria Guazzo, who seem to have copied Michael Psellus with little difference.) It can also be seen that each author chooses his demons in a random form. Francesco Maria Guazzo, aka Guaccio, aka Guaccius (15??-16??) was an Italian priest in Milan. ... Michael Psellus is the name of two writers of the Byzantine Empire: Michael Psellus the Elder, a theologian Michael Psellus the Younger, a historian. ...

The Testament of Solomon

Main article: Testament of Solomon

The Testament of Solomon is an Old Testament pseudepigraphical work, purportedly written by King Solomon, in which Solomon mostly describes particular demons whom he enslaved to help build the temple, the questions he put to them about their deeds and how they could be thwarted, and their answers, which provide a kind of self-help manual against demonic activity.The date is very dubious, perhaps 1st century to 3rd century, certainly the oldest work surviving particularly concerned with individual demons. The Testament of Solomon is an Old Testament pseudepigraphical work, purportedly written by King Solomon, in which Solomon mostly describes particular demons whom he enslaved to help build the temple, the questions he put to them about their deeds and how they could be thwarted, and their answers, which provide... Note: Judaism commonly uses the term Tanakh. ... Pseudepigrapha (Greek pseudos = false, epi = after, later and grapha = writing (or writings), latterly or falsely attributed, or down right forged works, describes texts whose claimed authorship is unfounded in actuality. ... King Solomon Latin name (Hebrew: שְׁלֹמֹה, (Shelomo) (Shlomo pronounced with Yiddish accent)Standard Tiberian ; Arabic: سليمان, Sulayman; all essentially meaning peace) is a figure described in Middle Eastern scriptures as a wise ruler of an empire centred on the united Kingdom of Israel. ... St. ... Solomons Temple (Hebrew: בית המקדש, transliterated Beit HaMikdash), also known as the First Temple, was, according to the Bible, the first Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. ... The 1st century was that century which lasted from 1 to 100 according the Gregorian calendar. ... // Overview Events 212: Constitutio Antoniniana grants citizenship to all free Roman men 212-216: Baths of Caracalla 230-232: Sassanid dynasty of Persia launches a war to reconquer lost lands in the Roman east 235-284: Crisis of the Third Century shakes Roman Empire 250-538: Kofun era, the first...

Psellus' classification of demons

This is a classification of demons prepared by Michael Psellus in the 11th century and that undoubtedly was an inspiration for the one Francesco Maria Guazzo prepared later. Michael Psellus is the name of two writers of the Byzantine Empire: Michael Psellus the Elder, a theologian Michael Psellus the Younger, a historian. ... Francesco Maria Guazzo, aka Guaccio, aka Guaccius (15??-16??) was an Italian priest in Milan. ...

• Avoid daylight and are invisible to people
• Demons of fire, which dwell far from us...

Spina's classification of demons

Alfonso de Spina, in 1467, prepared a classification of demons based on several criteria: Alphonso de Spina (unknown date of birth – in or about 1491) was a Spanish Franciscan Catholic Bishop, preacher and writer. ... Events October 29 - Battle of Brusthem: Charles the Bold defeats Liege Beginning of the Sengoku Period in Japan. ...

• Demons of fate
• Goblins
• Incubi and succubi
• Wandering groups or armies of demons
• Familiars
• Drudes
• Demons that are born from the union of a demon with a human being.
• Liar and mischievous demons
• Demons that attack the saints
• Demons that try to induce old women to attend Sabbaths

This classification is somewhat capricious and it is difficult to find a criterion for it. It seems that Spina was inspired by several legends and stories. The drudes belong to German folklore. Familiars, goblins, and other mischievous demons belong to the folklore of most European countries. For other uses of Fate, see Fate Destiny refers to a predetermined course of events. ... A goblin is an evil or mischievous creature of folklore, often described as a grotesquely disfigured, elf-like phantom. ... Incubus, 1870 This article is about the type of demon called an Incubus. For other uses, see Incubus. ... A bracket carved as a winged succubus on the outside of an English inn, suggesting that a brothel could have been found inside. ... In early modern English witchcraft, a familiar spirit, commonly called familiar (from Middle English familiar, related to family) or imp is a spirit who obeys a witch, conjurer, or other users of the supernatural, and serves and helps that person. ... This article lacks information on the importance of the subject matter. ... Francisco Goyas Los Caprichos: Linda maestra! (Nice mistress!) - witches heading to a Sabbath In Christian folklore, the Sabbath (also known as Witchs Sabbath) was a gathering supposed to have been celebrated by Satanists, witches and warlocks to honor the Devil, offend God, Jesus, the sacraments, the cross, and... German folklore shares many characteristics with Scandinavian folklore due to origins in a common Germanic mythology. ...

The belief in incubi and succubae (and their ability to procreate) seem to have inspired the sixth category, but it could also have been inspired in the Talmudic legend of demons having sexual intercourse with mortal women (see also Mastema). Mastema, Hebrew משטמה (maśṭēmâ), translated as hatred/hostility/enmity/persecution. From Hosea 9. ...

The visions of tempting demons that some early (and not too early) saints had, perhaps inspired the ninth category (i.e. the visions of Anthony the Great). Saint Anthony the Great (251 - 356), also known as Saint Anthony of Egypt, Saint Anthony of the Desert, Saint Anthony the Anchorite, and The Father of All Monks, was an Egyptian Christian saint and the outstanding leader among the Desert Fathers, who were Christian monks in the Egyptian desert in...

The idea of old women attending Sabbaths was common during the European Middle Age and Renaissance, and Spina mentioned it before the Malleus Maleficarum as it is possible to see. Middle age is that stage in life when physical decline has started but a person cannot be called old. ... The Renaissance (French for rebirth, or Rinascimento in Italian), was a cultural movement in Italy (and in Europe in general) that began in the late Middle Ages, and spanned roughly the 14th through the 17th century. ... Cover of the seventh Cologne edition of the Malleus Maleficarum, 1520 (from the University of Sydney Library). ...

Binsfeld's classification of demons

Binsfeld's classification of demons was prepared in 1589 by Peter Binsfeld. His demon classification based on the seven deadly sins, establishing that each one of the mentioned demons tempted people by means of one of those sins. Events Rebellion of the Catholic League against King Henry III of France, in revenge for his murder of Duke Henry of Guise. ... Peter Binsfeld ( 1545 - 1598 or 1603) was a Suffragan Bishop of Trier and a witch hunter who wrote the treatise De confessionibus maleficorum et sagarum, The Confession of Warlocks and Witches, translated into several languages (Trier, 1589). ... For other uses, see Cardinal sin (disambiguation). ... Sin is a term used mainly in a religious context to describe an act that violates a moral rule, or the state of having committed such a violation. ...

• Lucifer: arrogance (pride)
• Leviathan: envy
• Satan: wrath
• Belphegor: sloth (laziness)
• Mammon: avarice (greed)
• Beelzebub: gluttony
• Asmodeus: lust

Lucifer, as depicted in Collin de Plancys Dictionnaire Infernal (1863). ... Destruction of Leviathan. 1865 engraving by Gustave Doré. This article is about the biblical creature. ... For other uses, see Satan (disambiguation). ... In demonology, Belphegor (or Beelphegor) is a demon who helps people to make discoveries. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... Beelzebub as depicted in Collin de Plancys Dictionnaire Infernal (Paris, 1863). ... Asmodeus (Asmodeus, Asmodaeus, pronounced Ashmed or Ashmedeus in Hebrew, also Chammadai, Sydonai) is a semi-Biblical demon mostly known thanks to the deuterocanonical Book of Tobit; he is also mentioned in some Talmudic legends and in demonology, as he is a leading figure in the construction efforts of the Temple...

Guazzo's classification of demons

Francesco Maria Guazzo prepared this classification of demons based on a previous work by Michael Psellus. It was published in his book Compendium Maleficarum in 1608. Francesco Maria Guazzo, aka Guaccio, aka Guaccius (15??-16??) was an Italian priest in Milan. ... Michael Psellus is the name of two writers of the Byzantine Empire: Michael Psellus the Elder, a theologian Michael Psellus the Younger, a historian. ...

• Demons of the superior layers of the air, which never establish a relationship with people.
• Demons of the inferior layers of the air, which are responsible for storms.
• Demons of earth, which dwell in fields, caves and forests.
• Demons of water, which are female demons, and destroy aquatic animals.
• Demons of the underground part of the earth, responsible of keeping hidden treasures, causing earthquakes, and causing the crumbling of houses.
• Demons of the night, which are black and evil. These demons avoid daylight.

Michaelis' classification of demons

In 1613 Sebastian Michaelis wrote a book, Admirable History, in which included a classification of demons as it was told to him by the demon Berith when he was exorcising a nun (according to the author). This classification is based in hierarchies, the sins by means of which the temptation is made, and includes the demons' adversaries (these adversaries are who allegedly suffered that temptation without falling). Events January - Galileo observes Neptune, but mistakes it for a star and so is not credited with its discovery. ... In demonology Berith is a Great Duke of Hell, powerful and terrible, and has twenty-six legions of demons under his command. ...

Note that many demons' names are exclusively French or unknown in other catalogues. St. John and St. John the Evangelist are the same but were written as if they were different persons (or did he consider St. John as John the Baptist?), and other saints are cited only by their name without making clear, i.e., which Francis is (of Assisi?).

First Hierarchy

• Beelzebub: arrogance; adversary, St. Francis
• Leviathan: attacks Christian religious beliefs; adversary, St. Peter
• Asmodai: lust; adversary: St. John
• Berith: murdering and blasphemy; adversary, St. Barnabas
• Astaroth: laziness and vanity; adversary, St. Bartholomew
• Verrin: impatience; adversary, St. Dominic. See Verrine
• Gressil: impurity, uncleanness and nastiness; adversary, St. Bernard
• Sonnilon: hate; adversary, St. Stephen.

Beelzebub as depicted in Collin de Plancys Dictionnaire Infernal (Paris, 1863). ... Destruction of Leviathan. 1865 engraving by Gustave Doré. This article is about the biblical creature. ... Asmodeus (Asmodeus, Asmodaeus, pronounced Ashmed or Ashmedeus in Hebrew, also Chammadai, Sydonai) is a semi-Biblical demon mostly known thanks to the deuterocanonical Book of Tobit; he is also mentioned in some Talmudic legends and in demonology, as he is a leading figure in the construction efforts of the Temple... In demonology Berith is a Great Duke of Hell, powerful and terrible, and has twenty-six legions of demons under his command. ... Astaroths seal In demonology Astaroth (also Ashtaroth, Astarot, and Asteroth) is a Grand Duke of Hell; his main assistants are four demons called Aamon, Pruslas, Barbatos and Rashaverak. ... In Christian demonic mythology, Verrine is the demon of impatience. ... In Christian demonic mythology, Gressil is the demon of impurity and uncleanliness. ...

Second Hierarchy

• Lilith: first wife of Adam, succubus

Lilith (1892), by John Collier Lilith (Hebrew לילית) is a female Mesopotamian demon associated with wind and was thought to be a bearer of disease, illness, and death. ... Michelangelos The Creation of Adam, a fresco on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, shows God creating Adam, with Eve in His arm. ... A bracket carved as a winged succubus on the outside of an English inn, suggesting that a brothel could have been found inside. ...

Third Hierarchy

• Belial: arrogance; adversary, St. Francis of Paula
• Olivier: fierceness, greediness and envy; adversary, St. Lawrence
• Jouvart: sexuality; adversary, not cited.

A woodcarving of Belial and some of his followers from Jacobus de Teramos book Buche Belial (1473) Belial (also Belhor, Baalial, Beliar, Beliall, Beliel; from Hebrew בְּלִיַּ֫עַל ; also named Matanbuchus, Mechembuchus, Meterbuchus in older scripts) is an evil being in Hebrew mythology, and also a term used to characterise the...

Barrett's classification of demons

Francis Barrett, in his book The magus (1801), offered this classification of demons, making them princes of some evil attitude, person or thing: Francis Barrett (born probably in London around 1770-1780) was an English occultist. ... The Union Jack, flag of the newly formed United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. ... St. ... In religion and ethics, evil refers to the morally or ethically objectionable behaviour or thought; behavior or thought which is hateful, cruel, excessively sexual, or violent, devoid of conscience. ...

• Mammon: seducers
• Asmodai: vile revenges
• Satan: witches and warlocks
• Pithius: liars and liar spirits
• Belial: fraud and injustice
• Merihem: pestilences and spirits that cause pestilences
• Abaddon: war, evil against good
• Astaroth: inquisitors and accusers

This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... Asmodeus (Asmodeus, Asmodaeus, pronounced Ashmed or Ashmedeus in Hebrew, also Chammadai, Sydonai) is a semi-Biblical demon mostly known thanks to the deuterocanonical Book of Tobit; he is also mentioned in some Talmudic legends and in demonology, as he is a leading figure in the construction efforts of the Temple... For other uses, see Satan (disambiguation). ... In demonology, and according to Francis Barrett, Pithius is a demon with the rank of prince of the liar spirits and demons. ... A woodcarving of Belial and some of his followers from Jacobus de Teramos book Buche Belial (1473) Belial (also Belhor, Baalial, Beliar, Beliall, Beliel; from Hebrew בְּלִיַּ֫עַל ; also named Matanbuchus, Mechembuchus, Meterbuchus in older scripts) is an evil being in Hebrew mythology, and also a term used to characterise the... In demonology, and according to Francis Barrett, Merihem is considered the prince of the spirits or demons of pestilence, and responsible for all plagues and diseases. ... Abaddon (Hebrew אבדון Avadon, meaning destruction). In Biblical poetry (Job 26:6; Proverbs 15:11) it comes to mean place of destruction, or the realm of the dead, and is associated with Sheol. ... Astaroths seal In demonology Astaroth (also Ashtaroth, Astarot, and Asteroth) is a Grand Duke of Hell; his main assistants are four demons called Aamon, Pruslas, Barbatos and Rashaverak. ...

Classification by month

During the 16th century it was believed that each demon had more strength to accomplish his mission during a special month of the year. In this way, he and his assistants' powers would work better during that month.

• Belial in January
• Leviathan in February
• Satan in March
• Belphegor in April
• Lucifer in May
• Berith in June
• Beelzebub in July
• Astaroth in August
• Thammuz in September
• Baal in October
• Asmodai in November
• Moloch in December

The classification of demons by month seems to have astrological implications more than religious ones. A woodcarving of Belial and some of his followers from Jacobus de Teramos book Buche Belial (1473) Belial (also Belhor, Baalial, Beliar, Beliall, Beliel; from Hebrew בְּלִיַּ֫עַל ; also named Matanbuchus, Mechembuchus, Meterbuchus in older scripts) is an evil being in Hebrew mythology, and also a term used to characterise the... Destruction of Leviathan. 1865 engraving by Gustave Doré. This article is about the biblical creature. ... For other uses, see Satan (disambiguation). ... In demonology, Belphegor (or Beelphegor) is a demon who helps people to make discoveries. ... Lucifer, as depicted in Collin de Plancys Dictionnaire Infernal (1863). ... In demonology Berith is a Great Duke of Hell, powerful and terrible, and has twenty-six legions of demons under his command. ... Beelzebub as depicted in Collin de Plancys Dictionnaire Infernal (Paris, 1863). ... Astaroths seal In demonology Astaroth (also Ashtaroth, Astarot, and Asteroth) is a Grand Duke of Hell; his main assistants are four demons called Aamon, Pruslas, Barbatos and Rashaverak. ... In demonology Thammuz is a demon of low category, considered inventor of the Inquisition, fire guns, artillery, and the one that stimulates men to torture other people. ... For other uses, see Baal (disambiguation). ... Asmodeus (Asmodeus, Asmodaeus, pronounced Ashmed or Ashmedeus in Hebrew, also Chammadai, Sydonai) is a semi-Biblical demon mostly known thanks to the deuterocanonical Book of Tobit; he is also mentioned in some Talmudic legends and in demonology, as he is a leading figure in the construction efforts of the Temple... Moloch or Molech or Molekh representing Hebrew מלך mlk is either the name of a god or the name of a particular kind of sacrifice associated historically with Phoenician and related cultures in north Africa and the Levant. ... Hand-coloured version of the anonymous Flammarion woodcut. ...

Classification by office

There were also classifications by office, like those written in several grimoires. This design for an amulet comes from the Black Pullet grimoire. ...

Le Dragon Rouge (or Grand Grimoire)

Like many works of mystical nature, Le Dragon Rouge (or the Red Dragon) claims to come from Solomon and his priests and is said to be published in 1517 by Alibeck the Egyptian. However, it was most likely written in France in the 18th century.

The grimoire details the different hosts of hell and their powers, describing how to enter a pact with them to attain the magicians' goals. The demons of hell are classified by three different tiers from Generals to Officers.

Pseudomonarchia Daemonum

Pseudomonarchia Daemonum, by Johann Weyer, is a grimoire that contains a list of demons and the appropriate hours and rituals to conjure them in the name of God, Jesus and the Holy Ghost (simpler than those cited by The Lesser Key of Solomon below). Johann Weyer, aka Wier, Wierus, Piscinarius, first name also Johannes (born between February 24, 1515 and February 24, 1516 — died February 24, 1588) was a Dutch physician, occultist and demonologist, disciple and follower of Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa. ... This design for an amulet comes from the Black Pullet grimoire. ...

This book was written around 1583, and lists sixty-eight demons. The demons Vassago, Seir, Dantalion and Andromalius are not listed in this book. Pseudomonarchia Daemonum does not attribute seals to the demons. Weyer said to have been inspired by another grimoire also attributed to King Solomon. 1583 was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar or a common year starting on Tuesday of the Julian calendar. ... Vassago, in demonology, is a mighty Prince of Hell (see Hierarchy of demons), ruling over twenty-six legions of demons. ... This entry incorporates text from Eastons Bible Dictionary, 1897, with some modernisation. ... In demonology, Dantalion (or Dantalian) is a powerful Great Duke of Hell, with thirty-six legions of demons under his command; a Jinn, he is the 71st of 72 spirits of Solomon. ... In demonology Andromalius is a mighty Great Earl of Hell, having thirty-six legions of demons at his service. ... It has been suggested that Sulayman be merged into this article or section. ...

The Lesser Key of Solomon

Main article: The Lesser Key of Solomon

The Lesser Key of Solomon or Lemegeton Clavicula Salomonis is an anonymous 17th century grimoire, and one of the most popular books of demonology. The Lesser Key of Solomon contains detailed descriptions of spirits and the conjurations needed to invoke and oblige them to do the will of the conjurer (referred to as the "exorcist"). It details the protective signs and rituals to be performed, the actions necessary to prevent the spirits from gaining control, the preparations prior to the invocations, and instructions on how to make the necessary instruments for the execution of these rituals. The Lesser Key of Solomon or Lemegeton Clavicula Salomonis (the Clavicula Salomonis, or Key of Solomon is an earlier book on the subject), is an anonymous 17th century grimoire, and one of the most popular books of demonology. ... (16th century - 17th century - 18th century - more centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 17th century was that century which lasted from 1601-1700. ... Demonology is the systematic study of demons or beliefs about demons. ... The English word spirit comes from the Latin spiritus (breath). // The English word spirit comes from the Latin spiritus, meaning breath (compare spiritus asper), but also soul, courage, vigor, ultimately from a PIE root *(s)peis- (to blow). In the Vulgate, the Latin word translates Greek (πνευμα), pneuma (Hebrew (רוח) ruah), as... The word conjuration (from Latin conjuratio, conjurare, to swear together) can be interpreted in several different ways: as an invocation or evocation (the latter in the sense of binding by a vow); as an exorcism; or as an act of illusionism. ... An invocation (from the Latin verb invocare to call on, invoke) is: A supplication. ... A ritual is a set of actions, performed mainly for their symbolic value, which is prescribed by a religion or by the traditions of a community. ...

The author of The Lesser Key of Solomon copied Pseudomonarchia Daemonum almost literally, but added demons' descriptions, their seals and details. In demonology, a diabolical signature (from diabolus, the Latin for devil) is the signature of a devil, demon or similar spirit, usually in order to sign your soul away. ...