King Solomon is famously associated with the summoning and binding of demons, a theme explored in various ancient and medieval texts. While the popular understanding often refers to 72 demons, this specific number is most prominently detailed in the grimoire known as The Lesser Key of Solomon, particularly its first section, the Ars Goetia. However, another significant ancient text, The Testament of Solomon, describes a different set and number of entities that King Solomon encountered and subdued.
The 72 Goetic Demons
The concept of the 72 demons is central to the Ars Goetia, a highly influential grimoire from the 17th century that compiles various earlier texts on demonology. This grimoire lists 72 specific spirits, often referred to as Goetic demons, complete with their sigils, ranks (e.g., King, Duke, President), and abilities. These demons are said to have been conjured and bound by King Solomon into a brass vessel, compelling them to perform tasks and reveal knowledge. Examples include:
- Bael: A King who appears with three heads (man, toad, cat) and grants invisibility and wisdom.
- Paimon: A Great King who appears riding a dromedary, preceded by musicians, and grants knowledge of sciences and secrets.
- Agares: A Duke who teaches all languages, brings back runaways, and causes earthquakes.
It is important to note that the Ars Goetia and the Testament of Solomon are distinct texts from different historical periods, each offering a unique perspective on Solomon's magical prowess.
Demons Summoned in The Testament of Solomon
The Testament of Solomon is an older pseudepigraphical text, believed to have been written between the 1st and 5th centuries CE. It narrates King Solomon's acquisition of a magical ring from the Archangel Michael, which grants him the power to command demons and use them in the construction of his temple. This text lists a total of 60 distinct demons or groups of spirits, each detailing their names, appearances, and the specific torments or ills they inflict upon humanity, along with the angelic counter-spells or methods Solomon used to subdue them.
The demons described in the Testament of Solomon, listed in order of their appearance before the king, include:
| No. | Demon / Spirit Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ornias | A succubus-like demon that torments a temple worker; Solomon uses his ring to control it. |
| 2 | Beelzebub | The prince of demons, whom Solomon interrogates about his powers and dominion. |
| 3 | Onoskelis | A female demon with a beautiful form, associated with prostitution, causing discord, and breaking bones. |
| 4 | Asmodeus | A powerful and malevolent demon, responsible for attacking newlyweds; Solomon learns his true name and subdues him. |
| 5 | Tephras | A demon associated with scorching or fiery destruction. |
| 6 | The 7 Star Sisters | Seven female spirits (a reference to the Pleiades) who cause eye diseases, fevers, and other ailments, especially in children. |
| 7 | Envy | A demon who causes discord and rebellion. |
| 8 | Rabdos | A demon who causes severe pain. |
| 9 | Rath | A demon causing anger and disputes. |
| 10 | Tribolaios | A demon who causes paralysis and trembling. |
| 11 | Obizuth | A female demon who causes miscarriages, infant mortality, and prevents sleep. |
| 12 | The Wingdragon | A destructive aerial demon. |
| 13 | Enêpsigos | A demon associated with bringing chaos. |
| 14 | Kunopaston | A demon responsible for causing spasms or convulsions. |
| 15 | An Unnamed "Lustful Spirit" | Causes sexual misconduct and leads men astray. |
| 16 | The 36 Spirits of the Decans | A group of 36 astral demons, each associated with a specific decan of the zodiac, and each inflicting unique torments or diseases upon humans. Solomon interrogates them all. |
| 17 | Ephippas | A demon who causes various ailments, especially related to the head. |
| 18 | Abezethibou | A fallen angel who once served Moses and now causes disease and destruction, specifically mentioned as causing the Red Sea to consume the Egyptians during the Exodus. |
In summary, while the figure of 72 demons is famously linked to King Solomon through the Ars Goetia, the Testament of Solomon provides a different, earlier account, detailing a list of 60 distinct demonic entities and groups that he subdued and questioned using his divine ring.
