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Writer's pictureLuzsoraida Figueroa

Classification of demons

1. Lucifer: Pride

2. Beelzebub (Belzebub): Envy (envious)

3. Satan (Sathanas): Wrath (wraþþe)

4. Abaddon (Abadon): Sloth (slowȝ)

5. Mammon: Greed (Auarouse)

6. Belphegor: Gluttony (glotouns)

7. Asmodeus: Lust (leccherouse)

Spina's classification of demons

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Alphonso de Spina, in 1467, prepared a classification of demons based on several criteria:


Demons of fate

Incubi and succubi

Wandering groups or armies of demons

Familiars

Drudes

Cambions and other demons that are born from the union of a demon with a human being.

Liar and mischievous demons

Demons that attack the saints

Demons that try to induce old women to attend Witches' Sabbaths

This classification is somewhat capricious and it is difficult to find a criterion for it. It seems that Spina was inspired by several legends and stories. The drudes belong to German folklore. Familiars, goblins, and other mischievous demons belong to the folklore of most European countries.


The belief in incubi and succubi (and their ability to procreate) seem to have inspired the seventh category, but it could also have been inspired in the Talmudic legend of demons having sexual intercourse with mortal women (see also Mastema).


The visions of tempting demons that some early (and not so early) saints had, perhaps inspired the ninth category (e.g. the visions of Anthony the Great).


The idea of old women attending Sabbaths was common during the European Middle Age and Renaissance, and Spina mentioned it before the Malleus Maleficarum.


Agrippa's classification of demons

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In De occulta philosophia (1509-1510), Cornelius Agrippa proposed several classifications for demons. One is based in the number four and the cardinal points, with the ruling demons being Oriens (East), Paymon (west), Egyn (North) and Amaymon (South). The same four demons appear in the Semiphoras and Schemhamforas.[8][9] Another classification, based in the number nine, has the following orders of demons: False spirits, Spirits of lying, Vessels of iniquity, Avengers of wickedness, Jugglers, Airy powers, Furies sowing mischief, Sifters or triers, Tempters or ensnarers (See Barrett's classification below).


Binsfeld's classification of demons

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Peter Binsfeld prepared a classification of demons in 1589 known as the Princes of Hell. His demon classification was, like the earlier English Lanterne of Light, based on the seven deadly sins, though it differed slightly from the English text.


Lucifer: pride

Mammon: greed

Asmodeus: lust

Leviathan: envy

Beelzebub: gluttony

Satan: wrath

Belphegor: sloth[10][11][12]

King James' classification of demons

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Main article: Daemonologie

King James wrote a dissertation titled Daemonologie that was first sold in 1591, several years prior to the first publication of the King James Authorized Version of the Bible. Within 3 short books James wrote a dissertation in the form of a philosophical play, making arguments and comparisons between magic, sorcery and witchcraft but wrote also his classifications of demons into 4 sections. His classification were not based on separate demonic entities with their names, ranks, or titles but rather categorized them based on 4 methods used by any given devil to cause mischief or torment on a living individual or a deceased corpse. The purpose was to relay the belief that spirits caused maladies and that magic was possible only through demonic influence. He further quotes previous authors who state that each devil has the ability to appear in diverse shapes or forms for varying arrays of purposes as well. In his description of them, he relates that demons are under the supervision of God and are unable to act without permission, further illustrating how demonic forces are used as a "Rod of Correction" when men stray from the will of God and may be commissioned by witches, or magicians to conduct acts of ill will against others but will ultimately only conduct works that will end in the further glorification of God despite their attempts to do otherwise.[13]


Spectra: Used to describe spirits that trouble houses or solitary places

Oppression: Used to describe spirits that follow upon certain people to outwardly trouble them at various times of the day

Possession: Used to describe spirits that enter inwardly into a person to trouble them.

Fairies: Used to describe spirits that prophesy, consort, and transport.

Michaelis' classification of demons

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