~ * Hierarchy of demons * ~ by luciferino

Poser • Gothic • posted on Apr 29, 2005

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^_^ ok some new mythos and theologic information for you all :-) smack kisses Orietta Hierarchy of demons In early Christian theology, Satan or the Devil was seen as chief of all other demons. But soon this changed and Hell was divided in several hierarchies. This was presumably due to the division of angels in hierarchies or choirs taken from Judaism (see angelology), and as demons were angels before, their organisation had to be similar. During the Middle Ages, many other schema were proposed, some drawing on and expanding on Pseudo-Dionysius, others suggesting completely different classifications. One of these divisions is offered by Sebastian Michaelis, who divided demons in three hierarchies (first, second and third), not making allusion to their rulers (see Michaelis' classification of demons). Soon this division took another sense, and nobility titles were granted to demons as if they were part of an earthly monarchy. Demons were Great Marshals, Knights, Presidents, Great Presidents, Earls, Great Earls, Dukes, Great Dukes, Marquises, Great Marquises, Princes, Great Princes, Kings, Great Kings, and the ruler of all them the Emperor. As in the earth, some of them had more than one title. Curiously the titles of Baronet, Baron, Viscount and Viceroy were not used. It is unclear if Earl was used as a synonym of Count, or with the ancient meaning of Eorl (Old English for 'nobleman, Prince, Warlord, chief of soldiers'), because the Latin term 'comes' has both meanings. Other hierarchies mention physicians, superintendents, demons in charge of keeping the fire of Hell lit, etc. The rest of the demons were divided in legions. Several grimoires used to name demons by their nobility titles, among them The Great Book of Saint Cyprian, Le Dragon Rouge, Pseudomonarchia Daemonum and The Lesser Key of Solomon, that were inspired by previous works. Later these books inspired more writings. Analysis In Christian demonology, Hell is treated as a Mediaeval or Renaissance earthly kingdom, and this shows the imagination of those authors that assigned titles of nobility to some demons that even had attendants, dividing the rest in legions. Perhaps the division in legions was inspired by Mark 5:9, when a demon was asked his name and answered "Legion, because we are many". The word 'legion' could have inspired the military hierarchy, and the fact that Satan was called Prince of this World more than once (i.e. in John 12:31 and 14:30) could have inspired the conception of the hellish nobility. More, theoretically physicians are not necessary in Hell, being demons spiritual entities. This idea seems to have been inspired by the story of the angel Raphael, "God's medicine", healing Tobias in the apocryphal Book of Tobit, but Raphael was intended to heal humans, not angels. Plutarch wrote that demons could get sick, and this may also have influenced some Christian demonologists. QUAN DEL DIABLO for M3 and D3 soon by luciferino and Malefic Mystic Pose and Places 6 by danie and Marfono Background by Antje and Bez Postwork PS7 Big big kisses at all smack Orietta

Comments (80)

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Robert0921

9:25PM | Fri, 29 April 2005

Beautiful piece and an informative read also. I love to see an artist thinking! How long have you been in theology school? :) V!

Asmendia

9:27PM | Fri, 29 April 2005

Beautiful image and scene. vote

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antje

9:30PM | Fri, 29 April 2005

Excellent, Ori! :o)

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Shardz

9:55PM | Fri, 29 April 2005

I'm as newly educated as I am amazed at this piece! I've been feeling the fire lately, so this image hits home hard for me! Astounding composition and realization of my Boss! lol! Interesting concept and myth of the several Hierarchies; somewhere I read there were 666 planes of Hell, each with a separate rule and sub-council members which dealt in different punishments. Very interesting, and superb artwork once again! I'm breaking out my hotdogs and enjoying this one! VVVVVV*

philiplopezjr

10:00PM | Fri, 29 April 2005

As is most of your work this is awesome and full of details. He looks a little like the actor Brad Pitt (the one in the center). Deep angel lore I find refreshing.

loba73

10:25PM | Fri, 29 April 2005

Awesome!!!! Love the details and colors =0)

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Axeye

10:29PM | Fri, 29 April 2005

Super image! great characters and scene! Awesome work!

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AGentleMuse

11:14PM | Fri, 29 April 2005

Superb work!!!

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nemirc

11:39PM | Fri, 29 April 2005

Wow. Outstanding!

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SlwMtionDaylite

12:30AM | Sat, 30 April 2005

Awesome image! Excellent work. :D

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MoonGraphics11

2:13AM | Sat, 30 April 2005

Awesome image, and interesting facts! Excellent!

pmt_monster

2:56AM | Sat, 30 April 2005

Wonderful work Ori .. have a great weekend ~ Annette

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quim2001

3:04AM | Sat, 30 April 2005

Ezcellent work.

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LokiInPigiama

3:08AM | Sat, 30 April 2005

Davvero un trio pieno di brio !!!!!! Quello centrale sicuramente il pipericoloso (modellopsicopatico/cultista)e il piinteressante !!!!! Very very cool !!!! ;-D

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