Amaymon

Amaymon is a significant figure in Western demonology, primarily identified as a prince of Hell. He is most notably referenced in grimoires such as Johannes Weyer's Pseudomonarchia Daemonum and The Lesser Key of Solomon, where he is described as holding considerable power, including the alleged sole authority over the demon Asmodai.

Key Attributes and Lore

A peculiar aspect surrounding Amaymon involves specific ritualistic requirements during the evocation of other demons, particularly Asmodai. English translations of the Ars Goetia suggest the exorcist must stand upright with their head uncovered as a sign of respect to prevent Amaymon from causing the work to fail. However, scholarly analysis indicates that this instruction likely arose from a mistranslation of the original Latin, which instead cautions the exorcist to be alert and unprotected if overwhelmed, rather than mandating the removal of headwear.

Beyond his potential for deception, Amaymon is also attributed with possessing a deadly poisonous breath. To guard against this dangerous emanation, The Lesser Key of Solomon advises conjurers to wear a consecrated silver ring on their middle finger. The textual tradition presents conflicting information regarding his dominion; while some sources name him king of the East, others, including Liber Officiorum Spirituum and the 18th-century grimoire Clavis Inferni, identify him as the king of the South.

Abramelin and Popular Culture

In The Book of the Sacred Magic of Abramelin the Mage, Amaymon (rendered as Amaimon) is described as an Egyptian devil and one of eight sub-princes. Here, the mage Abramelin is said to have restrained Amaymon from performing evil during specific hours of the day. Amaymon has also found a place in modern popular culture, appearing as a beastlike character in the anime and manga series Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun and as one of the eight demon kings in Blue Exorcist.