Marchosias
Marchosias is a prominent Marquis of Hell in demonology, particularly known from the "Ars Goetia." He is described as a powerful fighter who provides truthful answers and is loyal to those who summon him. Originally a member of the angelic order of Dominations, he anticipates a return to Heaven after 1,200 years, a hope Weyer's "Pseudomonarchia Daemonum" suggests is misguided.
Key Facts
- ›Marchosias is a Great and Mighty Marquis of Hell, commanding thirty legions of demons.
- ›He is depicted as a wolf with griffin wings and a serpent's tail, capable of spewing fire.
- ›Marchosias can assume human form at the request of a magician.
- ›He is known for providing true answers to all questions and for his faithfulness to summoners.
- ›Before his fall, he was part of the angelic order of Dominations.
- ›He hopes to return to Heaven after 1,200 years, though this hope is considered deceived by some sources.
Marchocias
Commanding Legions, Providing True Answers, Faithfulness To Summoners
Spewing Fire, Assuming Human Form, Providing True Answers, Fighting
Ars Goetia, Pseudomonarchia Daemonum, Dictionnaire Infernal
Solomon
Loyalty, Truthfulness
- Can Be Summoned By Magicians.
- Associated With A "Sending" Ceremony In Fiction.
- Evocation Rituals Are Described In Fictional Works.
- Marchocias Is A Variant Spelling Found In Johann Weyer's "Pseudomonarchia Daemonum."
Wolf, Griffin Wings, Serpent's Tail
About Marchosias
Marchosias is a significant figure in demonology, prominently featured in the "Ars Goetia," the first book of "The Lesser Key of Solomon," a 17th-century grimoire. He holds the rank of a Great and Mighty Marquis of Hell, commanding a formidable force of thirty legions of demons. His primary role involves providing truthful answers to those who summon him and demonstrating unwavering faithfulness to their commands.
Appearance and Nature
His appearance is often described as a fearsome combination of a wolf with the wings of a griffin and the tail of a serpent, capable of expelling fire from his mouth. However, Marchosias possesses the ability to assume human form at the behest of a magician. Beyond his martial prowess, he is recognized as a strong fighter and a reliable source of information.
Origins and Aspirations
Historically, Marchosias is understood to have once been a member of the angelic order of Dominations. According to his testimony when bound by King Solomon, he harbored a hope of returning to Heaven after a period of 1,200 years. This aspiration, however, is met with skepticism in Johann Weyer's "Pseudomonarchia Daemonum" (1577), which notes that Marchosias is "deceived in that hope." Weyer's text, along with Collin de Plancy's "Dictionnaire Infernal," largely corroborates the description found in the "Ars Goetia," though with slight variations in the details of his appearance and pronouncements.
Marchosias in Modern Culture
The demon Marchosias has found a place in various modern fictional works, reflecting a continued interest in his lore. He appears in James Blish's novel "Black Easter," where his evocation is depicted with meticulous detail. Marchosias has also featured in television series like "Legends of Tomorrow" as a hellhound, and in Kelley Armstrong's "Wolf's Curse" with a claim to the creation of werewolves. Further adaptations include a mobile suit in the "Mobile Suit Gundam" franchise, a character in the video game "Genshin Impact" (as the former God of the Stove, now Guoba), a phantom in "Myriad Colors Phantom World," an alien form in a Doctor Who audio play, and an atheistic cult leader in "Cult of the Lamb."
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Marchosias's appearance?
Marchosias is typically depicted as a wolf with the wings of a griffin and a serpent's tail. He is also known to spew fire from his mouth. Upon request, he can take on a human form.
What are Marchosias's abilities?
Marchosias is described as a strong fighter who offers true answers to any questions posed to him. He is also noted for his loyalty and faithfulness to the magician who summons him.
What is Marchosias's origin and rank?
Marchosias is a Great and Mighty Marquis of Hell, commanding thirty legions of demons. Prior to his fall, he belonged to the angelic order of Dominations.
Does Marchosias have any hope of redemption?
Marchosias himself stated that after 1,200 years, he hoped to return to Heaven. However, Johann Weyer's "Pseudomonarchia Daemonum" notes that he is deceived in this hope.
Related Demons
Decarabia
Decarabia is a Marquis of Hell, commanding 30 legions of demons. He is known for teaching the virtues of herbs and precious stones, and for his ability to cause love between individuals. He is associated with the Ars Goetia, a grimoire detailing demonology.
Sabnock
Sabnock is a demon characterized in demonological texts, particularly those derived from the Ars Goetia. He is listed as a Marquis of Hell and is known for his ability to build strong towers and fortify cities, often associated with military engineering and destruction. His notable attestations are found within grimoires detailing the hierarchy and powers of infernal beings.
Halphas/Malthus
Halphas, also known as Malthas or Malphas, is the thirty-eighth demon in the Ars Goetia, ranked as an earl. He is primarily known for supplying weapons and ammunition, inciting warfare, and commanding legions of spirits. His traditional depiction is that of a stock dove, though some sources vary.