Asmodeus
Alternatively Asmodeos, Asmodeius, Asmoday, Asmodai and Ashmedai.
Literally "creature, or being, of judgment," Asmodeus was originally a Persian god, but later became incorporated into Jewish lore, and known as "a raging fiend."
He was the undisputed and infinitely evil king of the demons in Hebrew mythology, with three heads (one a bull's, one a ram's, and one a man's or ogre), goose or cock's feet, a snake tail, and riding a fire-breathing lion. He was thought to be the son of Naamah and the husband of Lilith, the queen of the demons, 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.
According to demonologists this satanic fiend was able to reveal to men the hidden secrets and treasures of the mother earth, besides giving them the ability to become invisible. He was a very busy demon, being the overseer of all the gambling houses in the court of Hell and the general spreader of dissipation. On top of that, he was personally responsible for stirring up matrimonial trouble, being the demon of lust, lechery, and adultery. He would do everything under his power to keep husbands and wives from having intercourse, while encouraging them at every chance to indulge in adulterous affairs. To invoke him, one should be bareheaded, otherwise Asmodeus would most certainly trick the supplicant.
This is what the The Goetia, The Key of Solomon the King, reports about this demon:
"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."
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