Sacred Atlas logoSacred Atlas

Marax/Morax/Foraii

Morax, also known by spellings like Marax and Foraii, is a Great Earl and President of Hell in demonological traditions, commanding legions of demons. He is notable for his ability to teach astronomy and liberal sciences, and for providing wise familiars knowledgeable in herbs and precious stones. His depiction and potential etymological links suggest connections to ancient mythology.

Key Facts

  • Morax is a Great Earl and President of Hell.
  • He commands thirty, or thirty-two, legions of demons.
  • Morax teaches astronomy and all liberal sciences.
  • He grants wise familiars that know the virtues of herbs and precious stones.
  • He is depicted as a man with a bull's head or a bull with a man's head.
  • His name may derive from the Latin word 'morax', meaning 'that which delays'.
Marax/Morax/Foraii
Alternate Names

Marax, Foraii, Farax

Rank / role
Great Earl, President of Hell
Domains Of Influence

Astronomy, Liberal Sciences, Knowledge of Herbs and Precious Stones

Abilities Powers
  • Teaches Astronomy
  • Teaches Liberal Sciences
  • Grants Wise Familiars
  • Familiars Know Virtues of Herbs and Precious Stones
Appearance Description
Depicted as a man with the head of a bull, or as a bull with the head of a man.
Source Texts
  • the Goetia: the Lesser Key of Solomon the King
  • Pseudomonarchia Daemonum
Associated Figures

Minotaur

Symbols

Bull

Historical Period Prominence
16th century onwards (attested in Weyer and Goetia)

About Marax/Morax/Foraii

Morax

Morax, also known by the spellings Marax and Foraii, is a prominent figure within Western demonology, particularly recognized as a Great Earl and President of Hell. He is documented as commanding a significant retinue of demons, with accounts varying between thirty and thirty-two legions under his authority. His primary notoriety stems from his purported ability to impart knowledge in astronomy and all other liberal sciences to those who summon him. Furthermore, Morax is said to grant his petitioners wise familiars, entities possessing deep understanding of the virtues inherent in various herbs and precious stones.

Appearance and Etymology

Iconographically, Morax is described with a striking duality in his appearance. He is depicted either as a human figure crowned with the head of a bull, or conversely, as a bull bearing the head of a man. This unique imagery has led to scholarly speculation about potential connections to mythological figures such as the Minotaur, whom Dante famously placed within his depiction of Hell.

Scholarly and Popular Context

The etymology of Morax's name is believed to derive from the Latin word "morax," meaning "that which delays" or "that which stops." This linguistic root may offer insight into some of his attributed characteristics or functions within demonological lore. Morax has also found representation in modern popular culture, notably appearing as a character in the Japanese anime and manga series "Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun" under the name Morax Momonoki, and as the Geo Archon Zhongli in the widely popular video game "Genshin Impact."

Source: Wikipedia ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Morax's rank in Hell?

Morax holds the titles of Great Earl and President of Hell, indicating a significant position within its hierarchy.

What knowledge does Morax impart?

Morax is known for teaching astronomy and all other liberal sciences. He also bestows familiars who are wise and knowledgeable about the virtues of herbs and precious stones.

How is Morax depicted?

His appearance is described as either a man with the head of a bull, or conversely, a bull with the head of a man.

What is the possible origin of Morax's name?

The name 'Morax' is thought to originate from the Latin word 'morax', which translates to 'that which delays' or 'that which stops'.

Is Morax related to the Minotaur?

It has been suggested that Morax might be related to the Minotaur, a creature that Dante placed in Hell in his Inferno.

Where does Morax appear in modern popular culture?

Morax appears as a character in the anime and manga series "Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun" as a teacher named Morax Momonoki, and as the Geo Archon Zhongli in the video game "Genshin Impact".