Sacred Atlas logoSacred Atlas

Furfur

Furfur is a powerful Great Earl of Hell, commanding twenty-six legions of demons. Associated with the Goetia tradition, he is notable for his deceptive nature, ability to incite love and storms, and his varied appearances as a deer or angel. He is also recognized in modern popular culture and university folklore.

Key Facts

  • Furfur is a Great Earl of Hell, ruling over twenty-six legions of demons.
  • He is known to be a liar, even when compelled to speak within a magic triangle.
  • Furfur is capable of causing love between men and women, and creating storms, thunder, and lightning.
  • His appearance is described as a deer or winged deer, and sometimes as an angel, with a possible transformation from deer to angel.
  • The name 'Furfur' may be a corruption of the Latin word 'furcifer', meaning scoundrel.
  • He is featured in various modern media, including anime, video games, and television series, and is part of folklore at the University of Missouri-Columbia.
Furfur
Alternate Names

Furtur, Ferthur

Rank / role
Great Earl of Hell, ruler of twenty-six legions
Domains Of Influence

Love, Storms, Tempests, Thunder, Lightning, Secret Knowledge, Divine Things, Mischief, Misfortune

Abilities Powers

Causes Love Between A Man and A Woman, Creates Storms, Tempests, Thunder, Lightning, Teaches On Secret and Divine Things, Answers Questions, Causes Mischief and Small Fires

Appearance Description
Depicted as a deer or winged deer. Also appears as an angel, sometimes transforming from deer to angel when compelled into a magic triangle. In one modern portrayal, he is a horned, red-skinned man.
Source Texts
  • the Goetia: the Lesser Key of Solomon the King
Associated Figures

Beatrice, Zepar

Moral Or Symbolic Associations

Deception, Chaos, Mischief

Ritual Lore
  • Answers Questions When Compelled To Enter A Magic Triangle, Though He Is A Liar.
Historical Period Prominence
Attested in demonological texts from the 17th century onwards, with later appearances in popular culture and specific folklore.

About Furfur

In the realm of demonology, Furfur is recognized as a formidable Great Earl of Hell, commanding the obedience of twenty-six legions of demons. His nature is often characterized by deception; he is known to be a liar, even when compelled to answer questions within the confines of a magic triangle.

Powers and Influence

Furfur possesses a diverse range of abilities. He is said to be capable of inciting love between men and women, a power that can influence human relationships. Beyond personal matters, he also wields influence over the natural world, able to create storms, tempests, thunder, and lightning. Additionally, Furfur is reputed to impart knowledge on secret and divine matters.

Appearance

Visual descriptions of Furfur vary. He is commonly depicted as a deer or a winged deer. Some accounts suggest he can appear as an angel, and in certain traditions, he is said to transform from his deer form into an angelic one when summoned into a magic triangle. Modern interpretations have also portrayed him as a horned, red-skinned figure.

Origins and Associations

The name 'Furfur' itself has been subject to linguistic speculation, with theories suggesting it may be a corruption of the Latin word 'furcifer', meaning 'scoundrel,' or derived from the Latin 'furfur' for 'bran.' He is primarily documented within the Goetia tradition, notably in texts like 'The Lesser Key of Solomon the King.'

Modern Presence and Folklore

Furfur has transcended ancient demonological texts to appear in contemporary popular culture. He is featured in anime series such as 'Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun,' television shows like 'Good Omens,' and video games. Furthermore, Furfur holds a place in student folklore at the University of Missouri-Columbia, where he is sometimes blamed for campus mischief and fires, and is a frequent subject of student jokes and Halloween costumes.

Source: Wikipedia ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Furfur's rank in Hell?

Furfur is described as a powerful Great Earl of Hell. He commands twenty-six legions of demons, indicating a significant position within the infernal hierarchy.

What are Furfur's primary abilities?

Furfur is known for his ability to create love between a man and a woman. He can also conjure storms, tempests, thunder, and lightning. Additionally, he is said to teach on secret and divine things.

How is Furfur depicted visually?

Furfur's appearance is varied. He is typically depicted as a deer or a winged deer. In some accounts, he also appears as an angel, and is said to transform from a deer into an angel when summoned into a magic triangle.

What is the origin of Furfur's name?

The name 'Furfur' is believed by some to be a corruption of the Latin word 'furcifer', which translates to 'scoundrel'. Another interpretation suggests it is related to the Latin word 'furfur', meaning 'bran'.

Does Furfur appear in modern popular culture?

Yes, Furfur has been incorporated into several modern works. He is a character in the anime series 'Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun', the TV series 'Good Omens', and the game 'Umineko When They Cry'. He also features in student folklore at the University of Missouri-Columbia.