In demonology, Agares (or Agaures) is a Prince or a Grand Duke of the order of the virtues, ruling the eastern zone of Hell, and being served by 31 legions of demons.
Appearance
Agares appears as an old wise man, riding upon a crocodile, and carrying a hawk, or goshawk, on the right fist.
Powers
Agares is said to make deserters return and can cause enemies to flee. He can also cause earthquakes and teaches languages, finding pleasure in teaching immoral expressions. He also has the power to destroy dignities, both temporal and supernatural.
Quotes
Agares - The first duke under the power of the east, is named Agares, he commeth up mildile [i.e. he appears willingly] in the likenes of a faire old man, riding upon a crocodile, and carrieng a hawke on his fist; hee teacheth presentlie all maner of toongs, he fetcheth backe all such as runne awaie, and maketh them runne that stand still; he overthroweth all dignities supernaturall and temporall, hee maketh earthquakes, [lit. "and makes spirits of the earth dance"] and is of the order of vertues, having under his regiment thirtie one legions.
Pseudomonarchia daemonum - Johann Wier (1583)
The Second Spirit is a Duke called Agreas, or Agares. He is under the Power of the East, and cometh up in the form of an old fair Man, riding upon a Crocodile, carrying a Goshawk upon his fist, and yet mild in appearance. He maketh them to run that stand still, and bringeth back runaways. He teaches all Languages or Tongues presently. He hath power also to destroy Dignities both Spiritual and Temporal, and causeth Earthquakes. He was of the Order of Virtues. He hath under his government 31 Legions of Spirits. And this is his Seal or Character which thou shalt wear as a Lamen before thee.
Agares, GoetiaGoetia - S. L. MacGregor Mathers (1904)
Popular culture
- Agares is one character in Wayne Douglas Barlowe's series of paintings depicting Hell and its inhabitants. He appears in portrait in Barlowe's Inferno and as a minor character in Barlowe's first novel, God's Demon.
Sources
- Peterson, Joseph. Lemegeton Clavicula Salomonis, or Lesser Key of Solomon. Ars Goetia.
- Weyer, Johann. De praestigiis daemonum. Pseudomonarchia Daemonum.
- de Plancy, Collin. Dictionnaire Infernal