Bael (Ba’al, Baal) is no ordinary demon. By any means. He’s the First King of Hell, the Demon of Many Forms and Faces, Commander of Legions, and a corrupted version of one of the most powerful Canaanite gods.
His name is often mentioned in all important grimoires, from “The Lesser Key of Solomon,” to “Pseudomonarchia Daemonum” and “Dictionnaire Infernal.”
As for his origins? Archaeological finds trace Baal worship back to at least 1400 BC in Egypt. Maybe even earlier. However, some believe the demon is so old that his origins have been lost in time. Others see it as the ancient Canaanite god Baal, once celebrated as a deity of life, fertility, and the harvest.
But Baal underwent a dark and twisted transformation over time—from a revered god into a monstrous demon feared by all who know his name.
Regardless, his fall from grace is a tale of corrupted power. Of divinity turned dark and grotesque.
In this article:
Etymology
Baal’s name likely comes from the ancient Semitic word “Baal,” meaning “lord” or “master.” Ancient Canaanites and Phoenicians gave this title to several gods who ruled over agriculture, storms, and fertility.
For these people, the name meant a lot. It was linked to life-giving forces (like rain and harvest) and even connected to the supreme god El, probably implying Baal’s high status as a powerful offspring.
Depending on who you ask, Baal’s name is pronounced differently. “BAY-el” is common in English, while “BAHL” is closer to the original Semitic pronunciation.
Origins and Historical Background
Who is Bael?
In Canaanite mythology, Baal was a powerful god. According to some accounts, he was the son of Dagon. In other old texts, he is the offspring of El, the chief god, and Asherah, the goddess of the sea.
This association meant Baal was significant: the god of storms, fertility, and the sun. A warrior wielding a lightning bolt to defeat his enemies (like Yamm, the sea god, and Mot, the god of death). He also ensured that crops grew and people had children.
Canaanite worship of Baal revolved around agricultural cycles and fertility rites. However, temples dedicated to the god often featured altars for sacrifices. And the worship practices included ritualistic prostitution to ensure fertility.
At times, people even offered human sacrifices—usually their firstborn—to gain Baal’s favor (Jeremiah 19:5). These practices were anything but peaceful. Worship involved frenzied ceremonies, ecstatic cries, dancing, and priests inflicting wounds on themselves to prove their devotion (1 Kings 18:28).
Related: Who Is Abaddon in the Bible? The Destroyer and the Apocalypse
People strongly believed these rites would invoke the god’s powers over rain, guaranteeing successful crops. So, Baal’s worship was a major part of Canaanite life.
When the Israelites entered Canaan, God warned them against worshiping Baal (Deuteronomy 6:14-15). But despite these warnings, many fell into the old god’s trap, especially during the reign of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel.
Jezebel (a Phoenician princess) actively promoted Baal worship, leading to the construction of temples and altars across Israel. However, this also led to the legendary confrontation on Mount Carmel between the prophet Elijah and 450 prophets of Baal.
The prophets allegedly called on Baal all day, but nothing happened. When Elijah prayed, fire fell from heaven, proving God’s power and Baal’s impotence (1 Kings 18:29-39).
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Aliases | Ba’al, Baal, Baell, Baall, Boal, Boall |
| Titles | First King of Hell, Duke or Prince under Astaroth, subordinate to Lucifuge Rofocale in the Grand Grimoire |
| Race | Demon; originally an ancient Canaanite deity |
| Pantheon | Initially part of the Canaanite pantheon, later demonized in Christian demonology |
| Personifies | Invisibility, stealth, wisdom, necromancy, control over science, life cycles (in his earlier god form) |
| Appearance | Often appears with three heads (man, cat, toad), sometimes on spider legs; can also appear as any combination of human, cat, or toad; described with a hoarse voice |
| Abilities | Grants invisibility, wisdom, influence, knowledge of sciences, control over life and death (as Baal), power to gain favor, necromancy; strongest influence said to be in October |
| Equipment | Known to carry ashes in his pocket for necromantic purposes (as mentioned in Sloane MS 3824) |
| Associated Elements | Eastern/Oriental associations, sometimes ruled by Oriens; fire (in ancient sacrificial rites) |
| Gem/Crystal | Not specifically associated with any gem or crystal in historical texts; however, modern occult practices may assign personal stones for rituals |
| Associated Figures | Lucifuge Rofocale (subordinate), Vehuiah (angelic opponent), Oriens (demon ruler of the East), Astaroth (in Grimoire of Pope Honorius) |
| Astrological Influence | Believed to have greater power in October, particularly in summoning rituals |
| Summoning Requirements | Sigil drawing, dark candles, invocation of protective circles; mental clarity and focused intentions required |
| Equivalents | Sometimes equated to the god Baal; considered distinct from Beelzebub despite similar names |
| Affiliations | Commands 66 legions of demons in Ars Goetia and Pseudomonarchia Daemonum; affiliated with Lucifer and Oriens; sometimes serves Astaroth and Lucifuge depending on the grimoire |
| Alignment | Chaotic/Neutral Evil in most depictions, especially in his role as a demon king |
| Historical Mentions | Appears as the first demon in Pseudomonarchia Daemonum, The Lesser Key of Solomon, Livre des Esperitz, Dictionnaire Infernal, Sloane MS 3824, The Grand Grimoire, Grimoire of Pope Honorius |
From God to Demon
Over time, the Israelites and Christians reinterpreted Baal as a demon—a symbol of idolatry and false worship.
For instance, in Matthew 12:27, Jesus links Satan to Bael-Zebub, a Philistine deity, suggesting that Baal’s various forms might have been different faces of the devil himself. This way, the ancient Canaanite god was turned into a demon. His name changed, too. From Baal to Bael.
This way, the god was not only stripped of all his positive attributes but also placed on the side of darkness.
We can see this change in much later texts, too. For example, “Livre des Esperitz” (eng. “Book of Spirits”) is an occult grimoire that dates back to the medieval period, and it lists various demons and their attributes. Here, Baal is mentioned as a fallen angel from a high angelic position (right under Lucifer).
Interestingly, Baal’s influence remained strong despite his demonization. He even inspired later gods. According to some theories, the demon was re-imagined as Zeus by the Greeks and Jupiter by the Romans.
What does this tell us? That his legacy was too powerful to completely erase, even if his image shifted from revered god to feared demon.
Bael in Occult Grimoires
There are very few more important demons in the Goetic hierarchy (hierarchy of Hell). And that’s why Bael has a significant place in many occult grimoires.
“The Grimoire of Pope Honorius” (traditionally attributed to Pope Honorius III, who reigned from 1216 to 1227) portrays Bael as a Prince of Hell under Astaroth.
“Sloane MS 3824” (a manuscript from Sir Hans Sloane’s collection, a British collector whose extensive library formed the basis for the British Museum) places Bael under Oriens. Oriens is one of the four cardinal rulers of Hell. These four are known collectively as the Princes of the Cardinal Directions: Oriens (East), Amaymon (South), Paimon (West), and Egyn (North).
In “The Grand Grimoire” (while this grimoire origin is a bit murky, it is generally believed to have been written in the early 19th century, possibly around the 1820s), Bael is shown as a subordinate of Lucifuge Rofocale.
Bael in the Bible
Scripture consistently portrays Bael as a symbol of unfaithfulness. His worship implicated abhorrent practices, like child sacrifices (Jeremiah 19:5), which led to moral and spiritual decay. That’s why Bael’s name is mentioned multiple times throughout the “Old Testament.” Especially when Israel struggled with idolatry.
For example, we can read how King Hezekiah’s son rebuilt Bael’s altars, which his father had destroyed (2 Kings 21:3).
The “Book of Judges” frequently references how the Israelites fell into the worship of Baal, leading to periods of oppression by their enemies as punishment for their idolatry (Judges 2:11-14).
During the time of Gideon, Baal worship was so prevalent that Gideon’s first task from God was to destroy his father’s altar to Baal and cut down the Asherah pole beside it (Judges 6:25-27). This act marked the beginning of Gideon’s rise as a leader who would free Israel from Midianite oppression.
Bible verses about Bael:
“Will you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, make offerings to Baal, and go after other gods that you have not known […]” (Jeremiah 7:9)
“Behold, you trust in deceptive words to no avail. Will you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, make offerings to Baal, and go after other gods that you have not known, and then come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, ‘We are delivered!’—only to go on doing all these abominations?” (Jeremiah 7:8-10)
“The priests did not say, ‘Where is the Lord?’ Those who handle the law did not know me; the shepherds transgressed against me; the prophets prophesied by Baal and went after things that do not profit.” (Jeremiah 2:8)
“In the prophets of Samaria I saw an unsavory thing: they prophesied by Baal and led my people Israel astray.” (Jeremiah 23:13)
“And in that day, declares the Lord, you will call me ‘My Husband,’ and no longer will you call me ‘My Baal.’ For I will remove the names of the Baals from her mouth, and they shall be remembered by name no more.” (Hosea 2:16-17)
“So the people of Israel put away the Baals and the Ashtaroth, and they served the Lord only.” (1 Samuel 7:4)
“And they abandoned all the commandments of the Lord their God, and made for themselves metal images of two calves; and they made an Asherah and worshiped all the host of heaven and served Baal.” (2 Kings 17:16)
“For he rebuilt the high places that Hezekiah his father had destroyed, and he erected altars for Baal and made an Asherah, as Ahab king of Israel had done, and worshiped all the host of heaven and served them.” (2 Kings 21:3)
The Demon of Many Forms… and Faces
Originally, Baal was a powerful and noble god. He was often shown alongside fertility, strength, and life symbols—like a lightning bolt or a bull.
However, as Baal was demonized and became Bael, his image grew twisted and dark. And his symbols of power and life were replaced with grotesque distortions.
Today, the demon’s appearance is bizarre and grotesque at the same time. But that’s pretty normal for devils, right? It’s a reflection of their corruption and twisted nature.
In The Lesser Key of Solomon, the demon can appear as a human, a cat, a toad, or a disturbing combination of all three. Other texts, like Pseudomonarchia Daemonum and Dictionnaire Infernal, describe him with three distinct heads—those of a man, a cat, and a toad—often mounted on spider-like legs.
The human head represents intelligence and cunning, highlighting Bael’s ability to strategize, deceive, and manipulate. The cat’s head symbolizes stealth, independence, and a predatory instinct. The toad’s head represents transformation, decay, and rebirth.
When Bael is depicted with spider legs, his appearance becomes even more terrifying—these legs add an element of horror, control, and entrapment, demonstrating his ability to ensnare the unwary and those foolish enough to summon him.
In some depictions, Bael takes on authoritative forms—as a king or a soldier. The kingly form emphasizes his command over his legions. Meanwhile, the soldier form highlights his readiness for battle and his role as a relentless warrior in Hell’s infernal hierarchy.
These varied forms, from the grotesque multi-headed beast to the commanding king, may suggest the demon’s adaptability. And, of course, his capability to dominate multiple realms—from the natural and supernatural worlds to the brutal battlefields of Hell.
The sigil of Bael first appeared in The Lesser Key of Solomon, a 17th-century grimoire. This occult text, also known as the Ars Goetia, includes detailed descriptions and sigils of 72 demons, with Bael listed as the first among them.
Bael Sigil
Bael’s sigil is used in rituals meant to invoke his presence. It is a powerful symbol that practitioners use to attempt a connection with Bael, but it is important to note that these rituals do not truly summon demons in a literal sense. Instead, they are symbolic attempts to channel his energy.
The sigil, detailed in The Lesser Key of Solomon, acts as a bridge between the practitioner and the demon’s supposed realm.
Powers and Abilities
As the First King of Hell, Bael allegedly wields powers that make him stand out among the other demonic rulers. Unlike many of the other Kings of Hell (Asmodeus, Zagan, Purson, Viné, Paimon, Balaam, Belial, and Beleth), Bael is known not just for brute strength but also for his cunning and strategic use of abilities.
His power of invisibility, command over numerous demonic legions, and influence in both knowledge and sciences make him one of the most formidable adversaries in the infernal hierarchy.
Invisibility
Bael is best known for his ability to grant invisibility. This power is mentioned repeatedly across various grimoires. “The Lesser Key of Solomon” specifically talks about this ability, while “Livre des Esperitz” and “Liber Officiorum Spirituum” also affirm his ability to make practitioners unseen.
He was often invoked by those wishing to move unseen, such as spies, thieves, or individuals conducting secret rituals. Historical anecdotes suggest practitioners who feared persecution or needed to navigate enemy territories would call upon Bael to cloak their presence.
During the witch and werewolf trials in Europe, there were even claims that some alleged witches and werewolves invoked Bael’s power to evade capture, moving through towns unnoticed by authorities.
Command over Legions
Bael commands 66 legions of demons, according to “The Lesser Key of Solomon.” Some texts (like “Sloane MS 3824″) list up to 250 legions under his command.
Knowledge, Sciences, and Influence
Beyond invisibility, Bael imparts wisdom, especially in the sciences and social influence. Livre des Esperitz mentions his power to help people gain favor and influence others.
According to Francis Barrett, Bael’s power is strongest in October.
His knowledge of necromancy and sciences makes him a sought-after figure for those interested in the occult.
Bael’s Role Among Other Demons
Compared to other demons in the “Ars Goetia,” Bael stands out for his abilities over stealth and command. Asmodeus, for instance, is associated more with wrath, brutality, and lustful desires, while Belial is often linked to lawlessness, deception, and corruption, representing influence and chaos.
Bael, in contrast, embodies a kind of strategic wisdom and control, often leveraging his powers of invisibility to outmaneuver others. Belial might create disorder through social manipulation, whereas Bael uses tactical precision to achieve his goals.
Bael is also distinct from Beelzebub, who is more closely associated with gluttony and the lordship over flies, though the two are sometimes confused.
