Anonymous
×
Create a new article
Write your page title here:
We currently have 2,416 articles on Monstropedia. Type your article name above or click on one of the titles below and start writing!



Monstropedia
Monstropedia
2,416Articles
in:
Content from Wikipedia, Jewish mythology, Persian mythology,
and 2 more

Difference between revisions of "Asmodeus"

m (Asmodeus, stub)
 
 
(11 intermediate revisions by 4 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{stub}}
[[Image:Asmodeus 2.jpg|thumb|from Collin de Plancy's ''Dictionnaire Infernal'']]
'''Asmodai''' ('''Asmodeus''', '''Asmodaeus''', pronounced '''Ashmed''' or '''Ashmedai''' in Hebrew, also '''Chammadai''', '''Sydonai''') is a semi-[[Bible|Biblical]] [[demon]] mostly known thanks to the [[deuterocanonical books|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 of Solomon]]. Amongst critical scholars, legends about Asmodai are thought to derive from [[Zoroastrianism]], and incorporated into [[Judaism]] (and hence [[Christianity]]) during the [[Persia]]n [[Achaemenid dynasty|Achaemenids']] rule over the [[Jew]]s.
'''Asmodai''' or '''Asmodeus''' is a demon in Jewish mythology.


== Spelling Variations ==
=Nature=
Æshma (Old Persian), Æshma-dæva, Ashmadia, Ashmedai (Hebrew), Asmodaios (Greek), Asmoday, Asmodée (French), Asmodee, Asmodei, Ashmodai, Asmodeios, Asmodeo (Spanish, from a Latin declination), Asmodeius, Asmodeus (Latin, as he is known in most translations of the ''Book of Tobit''), Asmodi, Chammaday, Chashmodai, Sidonay, Sydonai.


== The Persian Asmodai ==
==Etymology==
In [[Zoroastrianism|Mazdeism]], Æshma-deva (Asmodai) is the chief of all [[demon]]s, a personal being under direct command of [[Angra Mainyu]], the principle of evil, and the enemy of Sraoscha, one of the ''suras'' or [[angel]]s that serve [[Ahura Mazdah]], the principle of good (see [[dualism]]). Æshma's mission is to fill the hearts of men with anger and vengeful desires, and to create all evil on [[Earth]]. He incites men to abandon the path of good and follow that of [[evil]]. Avestan Æshma is cognate with modern [[Persian language|Persian]] ''kheshm''.
The name Asmodai is believed to derive from Avestan language *aēšma-daēva, where aēšma means "wrath", and daēva signifies "demon". While the daēva Aēšma is thus Zoroastrianism's demon of wrath and is also well attested as such, the compound aēšma-daēva is not attested in scripture. It is nonetheless likely that such a form did exist, and that the Book of Tobit's "Asmodaios" (Ἀσμοδαῖος) and the Talmud's "Ashmedai" (אשמדאי) reflect it. Although there are also functional parallels between Zoroastrianism's Aešma and Judaism's Asmodai/Asmodeus, the linguistic relationship does not denote conceptual continuity. The two are mythologically and culturally distinct.


== Asmodai in Judaism ==
Spelling variations deriving from Asmodai/Asmodeus include Ashmadia, Ashmedai (Hebrew), Asmodaios-?sµ?da??? (Greek), Asmoday, Asmodée (French), Asmodee, Asmodei, Ashmodei, Ashmodai, Asmodeios, Asmodeo (Spanish and Italian, from a Latin declination), Asmodeu (Portuguese), Asmodeius, Asmodi, Chammaday, Chashmodai, Sidonay, Sydonai.
In [[Judaism]] Asmodai appears in the ''Book of Tobit'' and the ''[[Talmud]]''. Note, however, that the ''Book of Tobit'' is not part of the established Jewish canon.


In the ''Book of Tobit'', Asmodai falls in love with Sarah, daughter of Raguel, and kills her husband each time she gets married. In this way, he killed seven men on their wedding nights, thus impeding the consummation of the sexual act. After this, Sarah becomes engaged to a young man called Tobias. Tobias is menaced by the demon and receives the aid of the angel [[Raphael (angel)|Raphael]]. Raphael teaches Tobias how to deal with the demon, making him catch a [[fish]] and put its heart and liver on lit coals. This produces a vapour that makes Asmodai flee to [[Egypt]], where Raphael binds him. More about the demon's fate in this story is unknown, but here he is presented as feeling carnal desire as well as having evil behaviour.


In the ''Talmud'', Asmodai seems not to be the evil creature he is in other books. However, there are some legends concerning Asmodai and [[King Solomon]]. One of them tells that King Solomon tricked the demon and obliged him to collaborate in building the temple of Jerusalem. In another legend Asmodai changed place for some years with King Solomon. Yet another legend tells that Asmodai is the king of all demons, comparable to the Christian notions of [[Satan]], and married Lilith, the daughter of [[Samael]] and [[Lilith]] (the original wife of [[Adam]]).
==Rank==
Asmodeus is one of the Kings of Hell under Lucifer the emperor and has seventy-two legions of demons under his command but submits to Amoymon. He incites gambling, and is the overseer of all the gambling houses in the court of Hell. Some Catholic theologians compared him with Abaddon. Yet other authors considered Asmodai a prince of revenge.
According to Wierus, he had three heads, that of a bull, a man, and a ram. He also has a serpent's tail, the feet of a goose, and flaming breath. He rides a dragon  In the infernal hierarchy, he governs seventy-two legions.
 
 
==Appearance==
In the Dictionnaire Infernal by Collin de Plancy, Asmodai is depicted with the breast of a man, cock legs, serpent tail, three heads (one of a man spitting fire, one of a sheep, and one of a bull), carrying a standard and a lance and riding a lion with dragon wings and neck, all of these animals being associated with either lascivity, lust or revenge.


It is also stated that he was the offspring of the union between Adam and the angel of prostitution, [[Naamah]], concieved whilst Adam was married to Lilith.


===1906 Jewish Encyclopedia article===
==Powers==
====His Function====
According to demonologists Asmodeus was able to reveal to men the hidden secrets and treasures of the mother earth, besides giving them the ability to become invisible. When one exorcises him, one must be steadfast and call him by name. He gives rings influenced by astronomical bodies, advises men on making themselves invisible, and instructs men in the art of geometry, arithmetic, astronomy, and the mechanical arts. He also knows of treasures.  
In the [[Zoroastrianism|Mazdian]] religion the chief of the dævas, or demons. Though the oldest sections of the ''[[Avesta]]'' —the ''[[Gathas]]''— present Æshma mainly as an abstract conception, still, in passages here and there, he is represented in the guise of a personal being ranging among the evil spirits that obey [[Angro-mainyush]]. In the later portions of the ''Avesta'' the personal character connoted by the name admits of no doubt. Æshma is an enemy of [[Sraoscha]], one of the good angels that serve Ahuramazda. Æshma's design is directed preeminently toward imbuing the hearts of men with anger and revenge. Indeed, all the evil in the world is occasioned through his agency; he fortifies men in the pursuit of evil and seeks to keep them from entering the path of righteousness.


====Etymology of the Word====
The term 'flight of Asmodeus' is derived from a work of literature by Alain René Lesage (Le Diable Boiteux, 1707) in which Asmodeus takes Don Cleofas for a night flight, and by magical means removes the roofs from the houses of a village to show him the secrets of what passes in private lives.
Whether Æshma, like the Jewish Asmodeus in the ''[[Book of Tobit]]'', or the Ashmedai of the ''[[Talmud]]'', was, as a demon, specially characterized by carnal desire can not be determined. Against such a supposition the fact may be adduced that the Mazdian religion embraces another demon, [[Azi]], who, as expressly stated, is the demon of carnal desire. It is, however, conceivable that Æshma may have had the same part assigned to him in the popular beliefs of the Persians, although the literary sources contain nothing to support the conjecture. The etymology of the word "Æshma" affords no possibility of arriving at any such conclusion. It is true that "Æshma" is connected with the verb ''ish'', denoting "to desire," "to lust after"; but the abstract sense, "anger," that lies in the word "Æshma" in the ''Gathas'', would seem to point to the necessity of referring the word to the same verb ''ish'' in its sense of "to throw," "to put in motion" (compare Justi's note to Baudissin's article "Asmodi," in Hauck's "Realencyklopädie").


Though "Æshma" does not occur in the ''Avesta'' in conjunction with ''dæva,'' it is probable that a fuller form, such as "Æshmo-dæus," has existed, since it is paralleled by the later [[Pahlavi]]-form ''Khashm-dev'' (''Khashm dev'' = "Æshma dev"), written with the [[Aramaic]] ''sheda,'' but pronounced ''dev.'' Corresponding to this form are Ασμοδαῖος (Asmodeus) of the Book of Tobit, and in the Talmud; for the last-named word is not to be derived from ''shemad.'' Thus, Asmodeus (Ashmedai) embodies an expression of the influence that the Persian religion or Persian popular beliefs have exercised on the Jewish—an influence that shows itself very prominently in the domain of demonology. Thus 'Ασμο, corresponds to "Æshma," and the ending δαῖος, to "dæva," "dev."
 
==Symbols==


====Asmodeus in the ''Book of Tobit''====
    Adversary: John the Baptist
Apart from this etymological coincidence—which, as is now generally agreed, has its basis in the fact that the Jewish word is borrowed from the Persian—Asmodeus of the ''Book of Tobit'' and Ashmedai in the ''Talmud'' bear no very great similarity to their Persian parallel, as Kohut, for instance, has sought to render plausible. All three are evil, harmful demons, though in different degrees; the worst of the three being undoubtedly the Persian Æshma. The Asmodeus of the ''Book of Tobit'' is attracted by Sarah, [[Raguel]]'s daughter, and is not willing to let any husband possess her (''Tobit'', vi.13); hence he slays seven successive husbands on their wedding-nights. When the young Tobias is about to marry her, Asmodeus purposes the same fate for him; but Tobias is enabled, through the counsels of his attendant angel [[Raphael (archangel)|Raphael]], to render him innocuous. By placing a fish's heart and liver on red-hot cinders, Tobias produces a smoky vapor which causes the demon to flee to [[Egypt]], where Raphael binds him (viii.2, 3). Asmodeus would thus seem to be a demon characterized by carnal desire; but he is also described as an evil spirit in general: 'Ασμοδαίος τὸ πονηρὸν δαιμόνιον or τõ δαιμόνιον πονηρόν, and πνεῦμα ἀκάϑαρτον (iii.8, 17; vi.13; viii.3). It is possible, moreover, that the statement (vi.14), "Asmodeus loved Sarah," implies that he was attracted not by women in general, but by Sarah only.
    Sign: 10° - 20° Aquarius (January 30 - February 8)
    Time of Day: Day
    Planet: Sol (Sun)
    Metal: Gold
    Tarot Card: 6 of Swords


====Special Office of Æshma====
=History/Beliefs=
 
==Jewish mythology==
 
Asmodai is mostly known from the deuterocanonical Book of Tobit. The demon is also mentioned in some Talmudic legends, for instance, in the story of the construction of the Temple of Solomon.
 
 
===Special Office of Æshma===
This general designation of an evil spirit tallies with the description of Æshma in the ''Bundahis'' (xxviii.15 et seq.): "Seven powers are given Æshm that he may utterly destroy the creatures therewith: with those seven powers he will destroy seven of the Kayân heroes in his own time; but one will remain. There where Mîtôkht ["Falsehood"] arrives, Arask ["Malice"] becomes welcome; [and there where Arask is welcome] Æshm lays a foundation; and there where Æshm has a foundation many creatures perish, and he causes much non-Iranianism. Æshm mostly contrives all evil for the creatures of Auhramazd, and the evil deeds of those Kayân heroes have been more complete through Æshm, as it says that Æshm, the impetuous assailant, causes them most" (E. W. West, ''Sacred Books of the East,'' by F. Max Müller, v.108).
This general designation of an evil spirit tallies with the description of Æshma in the ''Bundahis'' (xxviii.15 et seq.): "Seven powers are given Æshm that he may utterly destroy the creatures therewith: with those seven powers he will destroy seven of the Kayân heroes in his own time; but one will remain. There where Mîtôkht ["Falsehood"] arrives, Arask ["Malice"] becomes welcome; [and there where Arask is welcome] Æshm lays a foundation; and there where Æshm has a foundation many creatures perish, and he causes much non-Iranianism. Æshm mostly contrives all evil for the creatures of Auhramazd, and the evil deeds of those Kayân heroes have been more complete through Æshm, as it says that Æshm, the impetuous assailant, causes them most" (E. W. West, ''Sacred Books of the East,'' by F. Max Müller, v.108).


Less harmful in character than Æshma and Asmodeus is the figure of Ashmedai in the ''Talmud'': he appears there repeatedly in the light of a good-natured and humorous fellow. But besides that, there is one feature in which he parallels Asmodeus, inasmuch as his desires turn upon [[Solomon]]'s wives and [[Bath-sheba]]. Thus, while Asmodeus resembles Æshma-dæva with tolerable closeness, Ashmedai, on the contrary, would seem to come into direct comparison with a Greek [[satyr]] rather than with an evil demon. The historical element, however, that identifies him with Asmodeus on the one hand, and both with their Persian parallels on the other, is by no means to be ignored. Besides, if the Jews have merely borrowed the name from the Æshma-dæva of Parseeism, and have developed, independently, the idea of a demon corresponding to the name, it merely shows that the Jews shaped on lines of their own the materials they had borrowed from their neighbors.


====Influence of Persian Beliefs on Judaism====
===In the Book of Tobit===
However, it is not impossible that Æshma-dæva, too, may have had other qualities analogous, point for point, to those of Asmodeus and Ashmedai. It is probable that the belief in the existence of a number of carnally minded and lascivious spirits, which was prevalent among the [[Parsees]] as among other peoples with whom the people of [[Israel]] came in contact, exercised an influence not merely on the Hebrew conceptions of an Asmodeus or Ashmedai, but also on Jewish ideas in general with regard to the qualities of evil spirits. In later Judaism there may be observed an extensive evolution of the conceptions that are present by intimation in the mythological reminiscence found in ''[[Book of Genesis|Gen]].'' vi.1 et seq. This evolution would seem, in any case, to have been advanced by the views spread by foreign religions. Not the least was the influence of Parseeism. To what extent this influence made itself felt among the Jews of later times, it is of course impossible to determine from the mere presence of Asmodeus in the ''Book of Tobit'' or of Ashmedai in the ''Talmud''. But this occurrence indicates one of the channels through which the influence of foreign religions found its way among the Jews. Just as several of the [[apocalyptic]] works seem to show that the ideas of the Persian religion have had a bearing upon Jewish theological modes of thought, so do the conceptions of the ''Book of Tobit'' with regard to Asmodeus, and the depiction of Ashmedai in the ''Talmud'', show that the popular beliefs of the Persians have likewise had a bearing, presumably in the first instance, on popular beliefs, and later, through them, on their theological modes of thought.
 
The Asmodeus of the Book of Tobit is attracted by Sarah, Raguel's daughter, and is not willing to let any husband possess her (Tobit, vi.13); hence he slays seven successive husbands on their wedding-nights, thus impeding the consummation of the sexual act. When the young Tobias is about to marry her, Asmodeus purposes the same fate for him; but Tobias is enabled, through the counsels of his attendant angel Raphael, to render him innocuous. By placing a fish's heart and liver on red-hot cinders, Tobias produces a smoky vapor which causes the demon to flee to Egypt, where Raphael binds him (viii.2, 3).
 
Asmodeus would thus seem to be a demon characterized by carnal desire; but he is also described as an evil spirit in general: 'Ασμοδαίος τὸ πονηρὸν δαιμόνιον or τõ δαιμόνιον πονηρόν, and πνεῦμα ἀκάϑαρτον (iii.8, 17; vi.13; viii.3). It is possible, moreover, that the statement (vi.14), "Asmodeus loved Sarah," implies that he was attracted not by women in general, but by Sarah only.
 
 
===In the Talmud===
 
The figure of Ashmedai in the Talmud is less harmful in character than Tobit's Asmodeus. In the former, he appears repeatedly in the light of a good-natured and humorous fellow. But besides that, there is one feature in which he parallels Asmodeus, inasmuch as his desires turn upon Solomon's wives and Bath-sheba. But even here, Ashmedai seems more comparable to a Greek satyr, rather than to an evil demon.
 
Another Talmudic legend has King Solomon tricking Asmodai into collaborating in the construction of the temple of Jerusalem. In yet another legend Asmodai changed place for some years with King Solomon. An aggadic narrative describes him as the king of all the shades (Pesachim 109b-112a). Another passage describes him as marrying Lilith, who became his queen.
 
It is also stated that he was the off-spring of the union between Adam and the angel of prostitution, Naamah, conceived whilst Adam was married to Lilith. But in The Devil's Own Dear Son, by James Branch Cabell, he is instead said to be the son of Lilith, fathered by Sammael.
 
 
===Influence of Persian Beliefs on Judaism===
It is probable that the belief in the existence of a number of carnally minded and lascivious spirits, which was prevalent among the Parsees as among other peoples with whom the people of Israel came in contact, exercised an influence not merely on the Hebrew conceptions of an Asmodeus or Ashmedai, but also on Jewish ideas in general with regard to the qualities of evil spirits. In later Judaism there may be observed an extensive evolution of the conceptions that are present by intimation in the mythological reminiscence found in ''Gen.'' vi.1 et seq. This evolution would seem, in any case, to have been advanced by the views spread by foreign religions. Not the least was the influence of Parseeism. To what extent this influence made itself felt among the Jews of later times, it is of course impossible to determine from the mere presence of Asmodeus in the ''Book of Tobit'' or of Ashmedai in the ''Talmud''.  


Bibliography: Baudissin, Asmodi, in Hauck's ''Realencyklopädie für Theologie und Kirche'', ii.142; Stave, ''Einfluss des Parsismus auf das Judentum'', 1898; Kohut, ''Aruch Completum'', i.318.
But this occurrence indicates one of the channels through which the influence of foreign religions found its way among the Jews. Just as several of the apocalyptic works seem to show that the ideas of the Persian religion have had a bearing upon Jewish theological modes of thought, so do the conceptions of the ''Book of Tobit'' with regard to Asmodeus, and the depiction of Ashmedai in the ''Talmud'', show that the popular beliefs of the Persians have likewise had a bearing, presumably in the first instance, on popular beliefs, and later, through them, on their theological modes of thought.


{{JewishEncyclopedia}}


== Asmodai in demonology ==
==Demonology==
The importance given to Asmodai in demonology is less than in [[Judaism]], being considered somewhat lower to other hellish authorities by most [[Christian]] demonologists (according to ''[[The Lesser Key of Solomon]]'' he is the thirty second in rank), but all of them coincide on his duty, which is to exacerbate carnal desire.


In the Testament of Solomon (dated 1st - 3rd centuries CE) , Solomon invokes Asmodeus to aid in the construction of the Temple. The demon appears and predicts Solomon's kingdom will one day be divided.
===In the Testament of Solomon===
 
In the Testament of Solomon, a 1st-3rd century text, the king invokes Asmodeus to aid in the construction of the Temple. The demon appears and predicts Solomon's kingdom will one day be divided (Testament of Solomon 5:4-5). When Solomon interrogated Asmodeus further, the king learns that Asmodeus is thwarted by the angel Raphael, as well as by sheatfish found in the rivers of Assyria. He also admits to hating water.  


:"''My constellation (is like an animal which) reclines in its den in heaven; some men call me the Great Bear, but others the Offspring of a Dragon. Moreover, a smaller constellation accompanies my constellation, for the high position and throne of my father is always in the sky. So do not ask me so many things, Solomon, for eventually your kingdom will be divided. This glory of yours is temporary. You have us to torture for a little while; then we shall disperse among human beings again with the result that we shall be worshipped as gods because men do not know the names of the angels who rule over us.''"
:"''My constellation (is like an animal which) reclines in its den in heaven; some men call me the Great Bear, but others the Offspring of a Dragon. Moreover, a smaller constellation accompanies my constellation, for the high position and throne of my father is always in the sky. So do not ask me so many things, Solomon, for eventually your kingdom will be divided. This glory of yours is temporary. You have us to torture for a little while; then we shall disperse among human beings again with the result that we shall be worshipped as gods because men do not know the names of the angels who rule over us.''"
- Testament of Solomon 5:4-5
- Testament of Solomon 5:4-5


When Solomon interrogated Asmodeus further, he learned that Asmodeus was thwarted by the angel, Raphael, as well as sheatfish found in the rivers of Assyria. He also admitted he hated water.


In the ''[[Malleus Maleficarum]]'' (1486), he was considered the demon of [[lust]], to which agreed [[Sebastian Michaelis]] saying that his adversary is St. [[John the Apostle|John]]. To some demonologists of the [[16th Century]], that assigned each month to a demon, Asmodai's power is stronger in November. According to other demonologists his [[zodiac]]al sign is [[Aquarius]] but only between the dates of [[January 30]] and [[February 8]], he has seventy-two legions of demons under his command, and is one of the [[kings of Hell]] ([[Lucifer]] being the emperor). They also add to his mission that of inciting gambling, as he was said to be overseer of all the gambling houses in the court of Hell; and some Catholic theologians compared him with [[Abaddon (demon)|Abaddon]]. To other authors this demon is considered a prince of revenge and protector of male homosexuals, [[homosexuality]] being one of his methods of [[seduction]]. In the ''[[Dictionnaire Infernal]]'' by [[Collin de Plancy]] he is depicted with the chest of a man, [[cock]] legs, [[Serpent (symbolism)|serpent]] tail, three heads (one of a man spitting fire, one of a [[sheep|ram]], and one of a [[Cattle|bull]]), riding a [[lion]] with [[dragon]] wings and neck, all of these creatures being associated with either lasciviousness, lust or revenge.
===In the Malleus Maleficarum===


It is rumored that the modern-day exorcist [[Dr. Daniel J. Garguillio]] has made claims to be the literal son of Asmodeus.
In the Malleus Maleficarum (1486), Asmodai was considered the demon of lust, to which agreed Sebastian Michaelis saying that his adversary is St. John. Some demonologists of the 16th century assigned each month to a demon and considered November to be the month in which Asmodai's power was stronger. Other demonologists asserted that his zodiacal sign was Aquarius but only between the dates of January 30th and February 8th.


== Asmoday ==
The spelling '''Asmoday''' can be seen in the [[Ars Goetia]] as a king, and is said to have a seal in gold and is listed as number 32 according to respective rank<ref>chapter:Classified List of the 72 Chief Spirits in the Goetia, by S.L. MacGregor Mathers and Aleister Crowley</ref>. He "is strong, powerful and appears with three heads; the first is like a bull, the second like a man, and the third like a ram; the tail of a serpent, and from his mouth issue flames of fire."<ref name = "multiple">the Goetia or Lesser Key of Solomon, page 32</ref> Also, he sits upon an infernal dragon, holds a lance with a banner and, "amongst the Legions of '''Amaymon''' governs seventy two legions of inferior spirits<ref name="multiple" />.


== Asmodai in fiction ==
===In the Lesser Key of Solomon===
*In ''[[Dungeons & Dragons]]'', [[Asmodeus (Dungeons & Dragons)|Asmodeus]] resides in Fortress Malsheem, located in Nessus, the ninth layer of [[Baator]]. He is acknowledged by all [[baatezu]] as the king of [[Baator]], essentially making him lord of the nine layers of Hell.  
 
*''[[El Diablo Cojuelo]]'' (The Cripple Devil), by [[Luís Vélez de Guevara]]
Asmodai appears as the king 'Asmoday' in the Ars Goetia, where he is said to have a seal in gold and is listed as number thirty-two according to respective rank.
*''[[Paradise Lost]]'', by [[John Milton]]
 
*In ''[[Redwall]]'', by [[Brian Jacques]], he is a giant [[adder]].
<blockquote>He is a Great King, Strong, and Powerful. He appeareth with Three Heads, whereof the first is like a Bull, the second like a Man, and the third like a Ram; he hath also the tail of a Serpent, and from his mouth issue Flames of Fire. His Feet are webbed like those of a Goose. He sitteth upon an Infernal Dragon, and beareth in his hand a Lance with a Banner. He is first and choicest under the Power of Amaymon, he goeth before all other.</blockquote>
*In the ''[[Wheel of Time]]'' books by [[Robert Jordan]] as Asmodean, one of the thirteen [[Forsaken (Wheel of Time)|Forsaken]], near-immortal men and women of magical might and political influence who serve the Dark One.
 
*''[[In Nomine (role-playing game)|In Nomine]]'' as Asmodeus, one of the Demon Princes.
<blockquote>When the Exorcist hath a mind to call him, let it be abroad, and let him stand on his feet all the time of the action, with his Cap or Headdress off; for if it be on, Amaymon will deceive him and call all his actions to be bewrayed. But as soon as the Exorcist seeth Asmoday in the shape aforesaid, he shall call him by his Name, saying: 'Are thou Asmoday?' and he will not deny it, and by-and-by he will bow down unto the ground.</blockquote>
*''[[Shadow Hearts 2|Shadow Hearts: Covenant]]'' as Asmodeus, a demon. He was summoned by Rasputin.
 
*''[[Terranigma]]'' as Asmodeus, the disease that ravaged the surface world.
<blockquote>He giveth the Ring of Virtues; he teacheth the Arts of Arithmetic, Astronomy, Geometry, and all handicrafts absolutely. He giveth true and full answers unto thy demands. He maketh one Invincible. He showeth the place where Treasures lie, and guardeth it. He, amongst the Legions of Amaymon governeth 72 Legions of Spirits Inferior.</blockquote>
*''[[Megatokyo]]'' webcomic as Asmodeus, archenemy to Seraphim
[[Image:Asmodeus.gif|thumb|Asmodeus' seal]]
*[[Gene Roddenberry]]'s ''[[Spectre (movie)|Spectre]]'' has a fictional cult devoted to the worship of him.
 
*In the arcade/[[Nintendo 64]] [[fighting game]] ''[[Mace: The Dark Age]]'', Asmodeus is a demon who wields an unholy relic called the Mace of Tanis. Drawing on its netherwordly power, he supports the Covenant of Seven, an alliance of vicious rulers in the medieval world. In return, these sovereigns constantly war on their neighbouring countries and subject their lessers to the worst kinds of torture imaginable, thus satisfying the dark cravings of the Mace and its master.
 
*The first ''[[Star Ocean]]'' [[computer and video games|video game]] features the Demon King Asmodeus as the source of the virus that ravaged the planet of [[Roak]].
==Quote==
*In the ''[[Ogre Battle]] Saga'', as both Asmodeus and Asmodee, the god of Bane.
 
*In ''[[Gabriel Knight 3: Blood of the Sacred, Blood of the Damned]]'', Asmodeus is the demon the titular character must defeat in the Temple of Solomon.
Milton writes in Paradise Lost
*In the comic series ''[[RFU (comic)|RFU]]'', Asmodeus is the leader of the Pointy Hat Guys, responsible for orchestrating many of the series' events.
 
*In the PC game ''[[Diablo]]'', referred to as Azmodan, the Lord of Sin.
<blockquote>Better pleased
*In Anne Perry's ''[[Tathea]]'', Asmodeus is the evil counterpart to God.
    Than Asmodeus with the fishy fume
*In [[Linda Haldeman]]'s ''[[Esbae: A Winter's Tale]]'', Chuck Holmes summons the demon Asmodeus to help him pass his college classes.
    That drove him, though enamoured, from the spouse
*In ''[[Robot Alchemical Drive]]'', Asmodeus is the Leader of an evil robot race, and the final boss.
    Of Tobit's son, and with a vengeance sent
    From Media post to Egypt, there fast bound.
    - Paradise Lost , iv. 167--71.— Paradise Lost.</blockquote>
 
 
<blockquote>Sidonay, alias Asmoday, a great king, strong and mightie, he is seene with three heads, whereof the first is like a bull, the second like a man, the third like a ram, he hath a serpents taile, he belcheth flames out of his mouth, he hath feete like a goose, he sitteth on an infernall dragon, he carrieth a lance and a flag in his hand, he goeth before others, which are under the power of Amaymon. When the conjuror exerciseth this office, let him be abroad, let him be warie and standing on his feete; if his cap be on his head, he will cause all his dooings to be bewraied, which if he doo not, the exorcist shalbe deceived by Amaymon in everie thing. But so soone as he seeth him in the forme aforesaid, he shall call him by his name, saieng; Thou art Asmoday; he will not denie it, and by and by he boweth downe to the ground; he giveth the ring of venues, he absolutelie teacheth geometrie, arythmetike, astronomie, and handicrafts. To all demands he answereth fullie and trulie, he maketh a man invisible, he sheweth the places where treasure lieth, and gardeth it, if it be among the legions of Amaymon, he hath under his power seventie two legions. - Pseudomonarchia daemonum - Johann Wier (1583)</blockquote>
 
 
 
<blockquote>The Thirty-second Spirit is Asmoday, or Asmodai. He is a Great King, Strong, and Powerful. He appeareth with Three Heads, whereof the first is like a Bull, the second like a Man, and the third like a Ram; he hath also the tail of a Serpent, and from his mouth issue Flames of Fire. His Feet are webbed like those of a Goose. He sitteth upon an Infernal Dragon, and beareth in his hand a Lance with a Banner. He is first and choicest under the Power of AMAYMON, he goeth before all other. When the Exorcist hath a mind to call him, let it be abroad, and let him stand on his feet all the time of action, with his Cap or Headdress off; for if it be on, AMAYMON will deceive him and call all his actions to be bewrayed. But as soon as the Exorcist seeth Asmoday in the shape aforesaid, he shall call him by his Name, saying: "Art thou Asmoday?" and he will not deny it, and by-and-by he will bow down unto the ground. He giveth the Ring of Virtues; he teacheth the Arts of Arithmetic, Astronomy, Geometry, and all handicrafts absolutely. He giveth true and full answers unto thy demands. He maketh one Invincible. He showeth the place where Treasures lie, and guardeth it. He, amongst the Legions of AMAYMON governeth 72 Legions of Spirits Inferior. His Seal is this which thou must wear as a Lamen upon thy breast, etc. Goetia - S. L. MacGregor Mathers (1904) (quoted)  Asmoday, Goetia</blockquote>
 
 
 
<blockquote>Asmodee: Usually written "Asmodeus," and sometimes "Chashmodai". Derived by some from the Hebrew word "Asamod," to destroy or exterminate; and by others from the Persian verb "Azmonden," = to tempt, to try or prove. Some Rabbins say that Asmodeus was the child of the incest of Tubal-Cain and his sister Naafrfah. Others say that he was the Demon of impurity. Others again relate that he was employed by Solomon in the building of the Temple at Jerusalem; that he then attempted to dethrone Solomon, to put himself in his place; but that the King vanquished him and the Angel Gabriel chased him into Egypt, and there bound him in a Grotto. The Rabbins say that when Asmodeus was working at the building of the Temple, he made use of no metal tool; but instead of a certain stone which cut ordinary stone as a diamond will glass.Sacred Magic of Abra-Melin the Mage - SL MacGregor Mathers (1898)</blockquote>
 
 
 
=Art / Fiction=
 
 
==Popular Culture==
 
 
===Comics===
*''Megatokyo'' webcomic as Asmodeus, archenemy to Seraphim
*In the comic series ''RFU'', Asmodeus is the leader of the Pointy Hat Guys, responsible for orchestrating many of the series' events.
 
 
===Games===
*In ''Dungeons & Dragons'', Asmodeus resides in Fortress Malsheem, located in Nessus, the ninth layer of Baator. He is acknowledged by all ''baatezu'' as the king of Baator, essentially making him lord of the nine layers of Hell.  
*''In Nomine'' as Asmodeus, one of the Demon Princes.
*''Shadow Hearts: Covenant'' as Asmodeus, a demon. He was summoned by Rasputin.
*''Terranigma'' as Asmodeus, the disease that ravaged the surface world.
*In the arcade/Nintendo 64 fighting game ''Mace: The Dark Age'', Asmodeus is a demon who wields an unholy relic called the Mace of Tanis. Drawing on its netherwordly power, he supports the Covenant of Seven, an alliance of vicious rulers in the medieval world. In return, these sovereigns constantly war on their neighbouring countries and subject their lessers to the worst kinds of torture imaginable, thus satisfying the dark cravings of the Mace and its master.
*The first ''Star Ocean'' video game features the Demon King Asmodeus as the source of the virus that ravaged the planet of Roak.
*In the ''Ogre Battle Saga'', as both Asmodeus and Asmodee, the god of Bane.
*In ''Gabriel Knight 3: Blood of the Sacred, Blood of the Damned'', Asmodeus is the demon the titular character must defeat in the Temple of Solomon.
*In ''Robot Alchemical Drive'', Asmodeus is the Leader of an evil robot race, and the final boss.
*In a Role-Playing Story called the "Yoshi Bodyguards" (located in the Nintendo Nsider Forums), Asmodeus is a Titan made of fire. The story's main character was named Asmodeus as well.
*In a Role-Playing Story called the "Yoshi Bodyguards" (located in the Nintendo Nsider Forums), Asmodeus is a Titan made of fire. The story's main character was named Asmodeus as well.
*In a series of novels by [[Richard Harland]] called the ''[[Heaven and Earth Trilogy]]'', Asmodai is a fallen angel who pretends to repent. He is welcomed back into Heaven, but secretly continues to plot Heaven's fall.
*In the PC game ''Diablo'', referred to as Azmodan, the Lord of Sin.
*In the video game [[Painkiller (game)|Painkiller]], Asmodeus is the leader of Lucifer's armies. In the expansion, he usurps the throne of Lucifer.
*In the video game Painkiller, Asmodeus is the leader of Lucifer's armies. In the expansion, he usurps the throne of Lucifer.
*In ''[[Charmed]]'' the leader of the demonic group known as the Triad, the leader is named Asmodeus.
*In the action videogame ''Max Payne', the psychotic mafia goon Jack Lupino mentions Asmodeus in his deluded worship of various demons and other malevolent figures.
*Asmodai is also the name given to the Interrogator-Chaplain of the [[Dark Angels (Warhammer 40,000)|Dark Angels]] [[Space Marines (Warhammer 40,000)|Space Marine]] chapter in the ''[[Warhammer 40,000]]'' fictional universe.
* Named Sydonai, he is the final boss in the computer game Hellgate: London. He looks similar to Cthulhu.
*In [[Raven's Gate]], by [[Anthony Horowitz]], Jayne Deverill, a witch, has a cat called Asmodeus.
===Literature===
*In the action videogame ''[[Max Payne]]'', the psychotic mafia goon Jack Lupino mentions Asmodeus in his deluded worship of various demons and other malevolent figures.
*[http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/9684323441/sr=1-1/qid=1155059962/ref=sr_1_1/104-8059691-6811967?ie=UTF8&s=books El Diablo Cojuelo'' (The Cripple Devil) by Luís Vélez de Guevara]
*''Asmodaios'' was the name of a Greek satirical newspaper published by writer [[Emmanouel Roidis]] between 1875 and 1876.  
*[http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0393924289/sr=1-1/qid=1155059894/ref=pd_bbs_1/104-8059691-6811967?ie=UTF8&s=books ''[[Paradise Lost]]'' by John Milton]
*In the ''Redwall'' series by Brian Jacques, he is a giant adder
*In the ''Wheel of Time'' series by Robert Jordan as Asmodean, one of the thirteen Forsaken, near-immortal men and women of magical might and political influence who serve the Dark One.
*[http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0441009700/sr=1-1/qid=1155059779/ref=pd_bbs_1/104-8059691-6811967?ie=UTF8&s=books ''Tathea'' by Anne Perr. Asmodeus is the evil counterpart to God]
*[http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/038078758X/ref=sr_11_1/104-8059691-6811967?ie=UTF8 ''Esbae: A Winter's Tale'' by Linda Haldeman. Chuck Holmes summons the demon Asmodeus to help him pass his college classes]
*[http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0140292314/sr=1-2/qid=1155059715/ref=sr_1_2/104-8059691-6811967?ie=UTF8&s=books ''Heaven and Earth Trilogy'' by Richard Harland, Asmodai is a fallen angel who pretends to repent. He is welcomed back in Heaven, but secretly continues to plot Heaven's fall]
*[http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1844163989/sr=1-1/qid=1155059590/ref=pd_bbs_1/104-8059691-6811967?ie=UTF8&s=books “Dark Angels Warhammer 40,000”. Asmodai is also the name given to the Interrogator-Chaplain of the Dark Angels]
*[http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0439679958/sr=1-1/qid=1155059503/ref=pd_bbs_1/104-8059691-6811967?ie=UTF8&s=books “Raven's Gate” by Anthony Horowitz. Witch Jayne Deverill has a cat called Asmodeus]
* In "Voices in the Dark", the first instalment of Babylon 5: The Lost Tales, a man named Simon Burke claims to be possessed by Asmodeus as part of God's strategy to bring mankind back to the Church.
 
 
===Movies===
*Gene Roddenberry's ''Spectre'' has a fictional cult devoted to the worship of him.
 
 
===TV===
*In the TV series ''Charmed'' the leader of the demonic group known as the Triad, the leader is named Asmodeus.
 
 
===Trivia facts===
*''Asmodaios'' was the name of a Greek satirical newspaper published by writer Emmanouel Roidis between 1875 and 1876.
*It is rumored that the modern-day exorcist Dr. Daniel J. Garguillio has made claims to be the literal son of Asmodeus.
   
   
<!-- the redundancy is here because Asmodai is particularly important in Jewish demonology, while being important enough elsewhere that placing him only in "Jewish demons" would be wrong -->


== See also ==
== Sources ==
*[[The Lesser Key of Solomon]]
*[http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/087728847X/ref=sr_11_1/104-8059691-6811967?ie=UTF8  S. L. MacGregor Mathers ''The Goetia: The Lesser Key of Solomon the King'']
*[[Ars Goetia]]
{{wikipedia}}
*[[Rennes-le-Château]]
 
           
==References==


== References ==
#^ p. 8 of Lilith's Cave: Jewish tales of the supernatural, by Howard Schwartz (San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1988)
<references/>
#^ a b c MacGregor, Mathers (trans.) (1995), Crowley, Aleister & Liddell, Samuel, eds., The Goetia: The Lesser Key of Solomon the King, York Beach: Samuel Weiser, ISBN 0-87728-847-X


== Sources ==
*S. L. MacGregor Mathers (ed.), Samuel Liddell (trans.),  ''The Goetia: The Lesser Key of Solomon the King''. York Beach, ME : Samuel Weiser (1995) ISBN 087728847X.


[[Category:Angels & Demons]]
[[Category: Jewish mythology]]
[[Category: Persian mythology]]
[[Category: Ars Goetia]]
[[Category: Demons]]

Latest revision as of 09:02, 15 April 2008

from Collin de Plancy's Dictionnaire Infernal

Asmodai or Asmodeus is a demon in Jewish mythology.

Nature

Etymology

The name Asmodai is believed to derive from Avestan language *aēšma-daēva, where aēšma means "wrath", and daēva signifies "demon". While the daēva Aēšma is thus Zoroastrianism's demon of wrath and is also well attested as such, the compound aēšma-daēva is not attested in scripture. It is nonetheless likely that such a form did exist, and that the Book of Tobit's "Asmodaios" (Ἀσμοδαῖος) and the Talmud's "Ashmedai" (אשמדאי) reflect it. Although there are also functional parallels between Zoroastrianism's Aešma and Judaism's Asmodai/Asmodeus, the linguistic relationship does not denote conceptual continuity. The two are mythologically and culturally distinct.

Spelling variations deriving from Asmodai/Asmodeus include Ashmadia, Ashmedai (Hebrew), Asmodaios-?sµ?da??? (Greek), Asmoday, Asmodée (French), Asmodee, Asmodei, Ashmodei, Ashmodai, Asmodeios, Asmodeo (Spanish and Italian, from a Latin declination), Asmodeu (Portuguese), Asmodeius, Asmodi, Chammaday, Chashmodai, Sidonay, Sydonai.


Rank

Asmodeus is one of the Kings of Hell under Lucifer the emperor and has seventy-two legions of demons under his command but submits to Amoymon. He incites gambling, and is the overseer of all the gambling houses in the court of Hell. Some Catholic theologians compared him with Abaddon. Yet other authors considered Asmodai a prince of revenge.

According to Wierus, he had three heads, that of a bull, a man, and a ram. He also has a serpent's tail, the feet of a goose, and flaming breath. He rides a dragon In the infernal hierarchy, he governs seventy-two legions.


Appearance

In the Dictionnaire Infernal by Collin de Plancy, Asmodai is depicted with the breast of a man, cock legs, serpent tail, three heads (one of a man spitting fire, one of a sheep, and one of a bull), carrying a standard and a lance and riding a lion with dragon wings and neck, all of these animals being associated with either lascivity, lust or revenge.


Powers

According to demonologists Asmodeus was able to reveal to men the hidden secrets and treasures of the mother earth, besides giving them the ability to become invisible. When one exorcises him, one must be steadfast and call him by name. He gives rings influenced by astronomical bodies, advises men on making themselves invisible, and instructs men in the art of geometry, arithmetic, astronomy, and the mechanical arts. He also knows of treasures.

The term 'flight of Asmodeus' is derived from a work of literature by Alain René Lesage (Le Diable Boiteux, 1707) in which Asmodeus takes Don Cleofas for a night flight, and by magical means removes the roofs from the houses of a village to show him the secrets of what passes in private lives.


Symbols

   Adversary: John the Baptist
   Sign: 10° - 20° Aquarius (January 30 - February 8)
   Time of Day: Day
   Planet: Sol (Sun)
   Metal: Gold
   Tarot Card: 6 of Swords


History/Beliefs

Jewish mythology

Asmodai is mostly known from the deuterocanonical Book of Tobit. The demon is also mentioned in some Talmudic legends, for instance, in the story of the construction of the Temple of Solomon.


Special Office of Æshma

This general designation of an evil spirit tallies with the description of Æshma in the Bundahis (xxviii.15 et seq.): "Seven powers are given Æshm that he may utterly destroy the creatures therewith: with those seven powers he will destroy seven of the Kayân heroes in his own time; but one will remain. There where Mîtôkht ["Falsehood"] arrives, Arask ["Malice"] becomes welcome; [and there where Arask is welcome] Æshm lays a foundation; and there where Æshm has a foundation many creatures perish, and he causes much non-Iranianism. Æshm mostly contrives all evil for the creatures of Auhramazd, and the evil deeds of those Kayân heroes have been more complete through Æshm, as it says that Æshm, the impetuous assailant, causes them most" (E. W. West, Sacred Books of the East, by F. Max Müller, v.108).


In the Book of Tobit

The Asmodeus of the Book of Tobit is attracted by Sarah, Raguel's daughter, and is not willing to let any husband possess her (Tobit, vi.13); hence he slays seven successive husbands on their wedding-nights, thus impeding the consummation of the sexual act. When the young Tobias is about to marry her, Asmodeus purposes the same fate for him; but Tobias is enabled, through the counsels of his attendant angel Raphael, to render him innocuous. By placing a fish's heart and liver on red-hot cinders, Tobias produces a smoky vapor which causes the demon to flee to Egypt, where Raphael binds him (viii.2, 3).

Asmodeus would thus seem to be a demon characterized by carnal desire; but he is also described as an evil spirit in general: 'Ασμοδαίος τὸ πονηρὸν δαιμόνιον or τõ δαιμόνιον πονηρόν, and πνεῦμα ἀκάϑαρτον (iii.8, 17; vi.13; viii.3). It is possible, moreover, that the statement (vi.14), "Asmodeus loved Sarah," implies that he was attracted not by women in general, but by Sarah only.


In the Talmud

The figure of Ashmedai in the Talmud is less harmful in character than Tobit's Asmodeus. In the former, he appears repeatedly in the light of a good-natured and humorous fellow. But besides that, there is one feature in which he parallels Asmodeus, inasmuch as his desires turn upon Solomon's wives and Bath-sheba. But even here, Ashmedai seems more comparable to a Greek satyr, rather than to an evil demon.

Another Talmudic legend has King Solomon tricking Asmodai into collaborating in the construction of the temple of Jerusalem. In yet another legend Asmodai changed place for some years with King Solomon. An aggadic narrative describes him as the king of all the shades (Pesachim 109b-112a). Another passage describes him as marrying Lilith, who became his queen.

It is also stated that he was the off-spring of the union between Adam and the angel of prostitution, Naamah, conceived whilst Adam was married to Lilith. But in The Devil's Own Dear Son, by James Branch Cabell, he is instead said to be the son of Lilith, fathered by Sammael.


Influence of Persian Beliefs on Judaism

It is probable that the belief in the existence of a number of carnally minded and lascivious spirits, which was prevalent among the Parsees as among other peoples with whom the people of Israel came in contact, exercised an influence not merely on the Hebrew conceptions of an Asmodeus or Ashmedai, but also on Jewish ideas in general with regard to the qualities of evil spirits. In later Judaism there may be observed an extensive evolution of the conceptions that are present by intimation in the mythological reminiscence found in Gen. vi.1 et seq. This evolution would seem, in any case, to have been advanced by the views spread by foreign religions. Not the least was the influence of Parseeism. To what extent this influence made itself felt among the Jews of later times, it is of course impossible to determine from the mere presence of Asmodeus in the Book of Tobit or of Ashmedai in the Talmud.

But this occurrence indicates one of the channels through which the influence of foreign religions found its way among the Jews. Just as several of the apocalyptic works seem to show that the ideas of the Persian religion have had a bearing upon Jewish theological modes of thought, so do the conceptions of the Book of Tobit with regard to Asmodeus, and the depiction of Ashmedai in the Talmud, show that the popular beliefs of the Persians have likewise had a bearing, presumably in the first instance, on popular beliefs, and later, through them, on their theological modes of thought.


Demonology

In the Testament of Solomon

In the Testament of Solomon, a 1st-3rd century text, the king invokes Asmodeus to aid in the construction of the Temple. The demon appears and predicts Solomon's kingdom will one day be divided (Testament of Solomon 5:4-5). When Solomon interrogated Asmodeus further, the king learns that Asmodeus is thwarted by the angel Raphael, as well as by sheatfish found in the rivers of Assyria. He also admits to hating water.

"My constellation (is like an animal which) reclines in its den in heaven; some men call me the Great Bear, but others the Offspring of a Dragon. Moreover, a smaller constellation accompanies my constellation, for the high position and throne of my father is always in the sky. So do not ask me so many things, Solomon, for eventually your kingdom will be divided. This glory of yours is temporary. You have us to torture for a little while; then we shall disperse among human beings again with the result that we shall be worshipped as gods because men do not know the names of the angels who rule over us."

- Testament of Solomon 5:4-5


In the Malleus Maleficarum

In the Malleus Maleficarum (1486), Asmodai was considered the demon of lust, to which agreed Sebastian Michaelis saying that his adversary is St. John. Some demonologists of the 16th century assigned each month to a demon and considered November to be the month in which Asmodai's power was stronger. Other demonologists asserted that his zodiacal sign was Aquarius but only between the dates of January 30th and February 8th.


In the Lesser Key of Solomon

Asmodai appears as the king 'Asmoday' in the Ars Goetia, where he is said to have a seal in gold and is listed as number thirty-two according to respective rank.

He is a Great King, Strong, and Powerful. He appeareth with Three Heads, whereof the first is like a Bull, the second like a Man, and the third like a Ram; he hath also the tail of a Serpent, and from his mouth issue Flames of Fire. His Feet are webbed like those of a Goose. He sitteth upon an Infernal Dragon, and beareth in his hand a Lance with a Banner. He is first and choicest under the Power of Amaymon, he goeth before all other.

When the Exorcist hath a mind to call him, let it be abroad, and let him stand on his feet all the time of the action, with his Cap or Headdress off; for if it be on, Amaymon will deceive him and call all his actions to be bewrayed. But as soon as the Exorcist seeth Asmoday in the shape aforesaid, he shall call him by his Name, saying: 'Are thou Asmoday?' and he will not deny it, and by-and-by he will bow down unto the ground.

He giveth the Ring of Virtues; he teacheth the Arts of Arithmetic, Astronomy, Geometry, and all handicrafts absolutely. He giveth true and full answers unto thy demands. He maketh one Invincible. He showeth the place where Treasures lie, and guardeth it. He, amongst the Legions of Amaymon governeth 72 Legions of Spirits Inferior.

Asmodeus' seal


Quote

Milton writes in Paradise Lost

Better pleased

Than Asmodeus with the fishy fume That drove him, though enamoured, from the spouse Of Tobit's son, and with a vengeance sent From Media post to Egypt, there fast bound.

- Paradise Lost , iv. 167--71.— Paradise Lost.


Sidonay, alias Asmoday, a great king, strong and mightie, he is seene with three heads, whereof the first is like a bull, the second like a man, the third like a ram, he hath a serpents taile, he belcheth flames out of his mouth, he hath feete like a goose, he sitteth on an infernall dragon, he carrieth a lance and a flag in his hand, he goeth before others, which are under the power of Amaymon. When the conjuror exerciseth this office, let him be abroad, let him be warie and standing on his feete; if his cap be on his head, he will cause all his dooings to be bewraied, which if he doo not, the exorcist shalbe deceived by Amaymon in everie thing. But so soone as he seeth him in the forme aforesaid, he shall call him by his name, saieng; Thou art Asmoday; he will not denie it, and by and by he boweth downe to the ground; he giveth the ring of venues, he absolutelie teacheth geometrie, arythmetike, astronomie, and handicrafts. To all demands he answereth fullie and trulie, he maketh a man invisible, he sheweth the places where treasure lieth, and gardeth it, if it be among the legions of Amaymon, he hath under his power seventie two legions. - Pseudomonarchia daemonum - Johann Wier (1583)


The Thirty-second Spirit is Asmoday, or Asmodai. He is a Great King, Strong, and Powerful. He appeareth with Three Heads, whereof the first is like a Bull, the second like a Man, and the third like a Ram; he hath also the tail of a Serpent, and from his mouth issue Flames of Fire. His Feet are webbed like those of a Goose. He sitteth upon an Infernal Dragon, and beareth in his hand a Lance with a Banner. He is first and choicest under the Power of AMAYMON, he goeth before all other. When the Exorcist hath a mind to call him, let it be abroad, and let him stand on his feet all the time of action, with his Cap or Headdress off; for if it be on, AMAYMON will deceive him and call all his actions to be bewrayed. But as soon as the Exorcist seeth Asmoday in the shape aforesaid, he shall call him by his Name, saying: "Art thou Asmoday?" and he will not deny it, and by-and-by he will bow down unto the ground. He giveth the Ring of Virtues; he teacheth the Arts of Arithmetic, Astronomy, Geometry, and all handicrafts absolutely. He giveth true and full answers unto thy demands. He maketh one Invincible. He showeth the place where Treasures lie, and guardeth it. He, amongst the Legions of AMAYMON governeth 72 Legions of Spirits Inferior. His Seal is this which thou must wear as a Lamen upon thy breast, etc. Goetia - S. L. MacGregor Mathers (1904) (quoted) Asmoday, Goetia


Asmodee: Usually written "Asmodeus," and sometimes "Chashmodai". Derived by some from the Hebrew word "Asamod," to destroy or exterminate; and by others from the Persian verb "Azmonden," = to tempt, to try or prove. Some Rabbins say that Asmodeus was the child of the incest of Tubal-Cain and his sister Naafrfah. Others say that he was the Demon of impurity. Others again relate that he was employed by Solomon in the building of the Temple at Jerusalem; that he then attempted to dethrone Solomon, to put himself in his place; but that the King vanquished him and the Angel Gabriel chased him into Egypt, and there bound him in a Grotto. The Rabbins say that when Asmodeus was working at the building of the Temple, he made use of no metal tool; but instead of a certain stone which cut ordinary stone as a diamond will glass.Sacred Magic of Abra-Melin the Mage - SL MacGregor Mathers (1898)


Art / Fiction

Popular Culture

Comics

  • Megatokyo webcomic as Asmodeus, archenemy to Seraphim
  • In the comic series RFU, Asmodeus is the leader of the Pointy Hat Guys, responsible for orchestrating many of the series' events.


Games

  • In Dungeons & Dragons, Asmodeus resides in Fortress Malsheem, located in Nessus, the ninth layer of Baator. He is acknowledged by all baatezu as the king of Baator, essentially making him lord of the nine layers of Hell.
  • In Nomine as Asmodeus, one of the Demon Princes.
  • Shadow Hearts: Covenant as Asmodeus, a demon. He was summoned by Rasputin.
  • Terranigma as Asmodeus, the disease that ravaged the surface world.
  • In the arcade/Nintendo 64 fighting game Mace: The Dark Age, Asmodeus is a demon who wields an unholy relic called the Mace of Tanis. Drawing on its netherwordly power, he supports the Covenant of Seven, an alliance of vicious rulers in the medieval world. In return, these sovereigns constantly war on their neighbouring countries and subject their lessers to the worst kinds of torture imaginable, thus satisfying the dark cravings of the Mace and its master.
  • The first Star Ocean video game features the Demon King Asmodeus as the source of the virus that ravaged the planet of Roak.
  • In the Ogre Battle Saga, as both Asmodeus and Asmodee, the god of Bane.
  • In Gabriel Knight 3: Blood of the Sacred, Blood of the Damned, Asmodeus is the demon the titular character must defeat in the Temple of Solomon.
  • In Robot Alchemical Drive, Asmodeus is the Leader of an evil robot race, and the final boss.
  • In a Role-Playing Story called the "Yoshi Bodyguards" (located in the Nintendo Nsider Forums), Asmodeus is a Titan made of fire. The story's main character was named Asmodeus as well.
  • In the PC game Diablo, referred to as Azmodan, the Lord of Sin.
  • In the video game Painkiller, Asmodeus is the leader of Lucifer's armies. In the expansion, he usurps the throne of Lucifer.
  • In the action videogame Max Payne', the psychotic mafia goon Jack Lupino mentions Asmodeus in his deluded worship of various demons and other malevolent figures.
  • Named Sydonai, he is the final boss in the computer game Hellgate: London. He looks similar to Cthulhu.

Literature


Movies

  • Gene Roddenberry's Spectre has a fictional cult devoted to the worship of him.


TV

  • In the TV series Charmed the leader of the demonic group known as the Triad, the leader is named Asmodeus.


Trivia facts

  • Asmodaios was the name of a Greek satirical newspaper published by writer Emmanouel Roidis between 1875 and 1876.
  • It is rumored that the modern-day exorcist Dr. Daniel J. Garguillio has made claims to be the literal son of Asmodeus.


Sources

Part of this article consists of modified text from Wikipedia, and the article is therefore licensed under GFDL.


References

  1. ^ p. 8 of Lilith's Cave: Jewish tales of the supernatural, by Howard Schwartz (San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1988)
  2. ^ a b c MacGregor, Mathers (trans.) (1995), Crowley, Aleister & Liddell, Samuel, eds., The Goetia: The Lesser Key of Solomon the King, York Beach: Samuel Weiser, ISBN 0-87728-847-X
Retrieved from "https://www.monstropedia.org/index.php?title=Asmodeus&oldid=10736"