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Agares

Demonology (Grimoire tradition)·Demonology·European (primarily Western European grimoire traditions)·Demon

Agares is a demon described in various demonological grimoires, notable for his appearance as an old man riding a crocodile with a hawk on his fist. He is attributed with the ability to teach languages, stop and retrieve runaways, cause earthquakes, and bestow noble titles. Agares is often listed as a powerful demonic entity, commanding numerous legions.

Key Facts

  • Agares is described as a duke "under the power of the east."
  • He is depicted as an old man riding a crocodile and carrying a hawk.
  • Agares is said to teach languages, stop runaways, cause earthquakes, and grant noble titles.
  • He commands 31 legions of demons according to some grimoires, and 36 according to others.
  • Agares is listed as the second spirit in the Lemegeton Clavicula Salomonis and Pseudomonarchia Daemonum.
  • He is associated with guarding treasure and is featured in an "Experiment of Agares" for summoning.
Agares
Alternate Names

Agarus, Agarat, Agaros

Rank / role
Duke, second spirit
Domains Of Influence

Languages, Runaways, Earthquakes, Noble Titles, Treasure

Abilities Powers

Teaches Languages, Stops Runaway Persons, Retrieves Runaway Persons, Causes Earthquakes, Grants Noble Titles, Guards Treasure

Appearance Description
An old man, riding upon a crocodile, and carrying a hawk on his fist. In some traditions, he is described as an old man riding a cockatrice, without the hawk.
Source Texts

Livre Des Esperitz, Pseudomonarchia Daemonum, Lesser Key of Solomon, Dictionnaire Infernal, Book of the Office of Spirits, Grimoire of Pope Honorius, Grand Grimoire, Sloane Ms 3824

Associated Figures

Oriens, Lucifuge Rofocale, Jelial

Ritual Lore
  • Mentioned In Invocations To Summon Spirits That Guard Treasure.
  • Featured In the "Experiment of Agares," Meant To Draw Him Into A Crystal.
Protective Or Opposing Figures

Jelial

Symbols

Crocodile, Hawk

Historical Period Prominence
Renaissance to early modern period (period of grimoire compilation)

About Agares

Agares is a prominent demon detailed in various demonological grimoires, particularly those from the Renaissance and early modern periods. He is primarily known for his unique appearance and a specific set of attributed powers and influences.

Description and Attributes

Described in texts such as the Pseudomonarchia Daemonum and the Lesser Key of Solomon, Agares is depicted as an "old man, riding upon a crocodile, and carrying a hawk on his fist." This distinctive imagery sets him apart in demonological descriptions. His attributed abilities include the teaching of languages, the power to stop and retrieve runaway individuals, the capacity to cause earthquakes, and the ability to grant noble titles. Grimoires like the Livre des Esperitz and the Book of the Office of Spirits also mention him, sometimes with slight variations in his description, such as riding a cockatrice.

Demonic Hierarchy and Influence

In the hierarchical structures presented in demonological texts, Agares often holds a significant position. Both the Lemegeton Clavicula Salomonis and the Pseudomonarchia Daemonum list him as the second spirit, commanding a substantial number of demonic legions—31 according to these sources, though the Livre des Esperitz attributes 36 to him. He is sometimes noted as subordinate to other powerful demons, such as Lucifuge Rofocale in the Grand Grimoire. Occult traditions also associate him with the guarding of treasure, with specific rituals described in sources like Sloane MS 3824 for his invocation in this context.

Modern Relevance

Beyond historical grimoires, Agares has found representation in contemporary popular culture. He appears as a supernatural entity in the 2017 film The Crucifixion, and is depicted in the Japanese anime and manga series Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun. Furthermore, the monster card "Number 60: Dugares the Timeless" in the Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game also draws inspiration from this demon.

Source: Wikipedia ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Agares described as?

Agares is described as an old man, riding upon a crocodile, and carrying a hawk on his fist. He is often depicted as a duke "under the power of the east."

What are Agares's powers and abilities?

Agares is known for teaching languages, stopping and retrieving runaway persons, causing earthquakes, and granting noble titles. He is also associated with guarding treasure.

How many legions does Agares command?

Different demonological grimoires provide varying accounts of the number of legions Agares commands. The Pseudomonarchia Daemonum and the Lesser Key of Solomon state he commands 31 legions, while the Livre des Esperitz lists him as commanding 36.

In which grimoires is Agares mentioned?

Agares is mentioned in grimoires such as the Livre des Esperitz, the Pseudomonarchia Daemonum, the Lesser Key of Solomon, and the Dictionnaire Infernal. He is also referenced in the Book of the Office of Spirits and the Grimoire of Pope Honorius.

Is Agares depicted in modern popular culture?

Yes, Agares has appeared in modern popular culture. He is featured in the 2017 film The Crucifixion, the anime and manga series Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun, and the Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game.