Who Is Ariton, The Infernal Demon King of the North?

Ariton is a powerful demon known in Western occult tradition as one of the four Great Kings who rule the cardinal directions. He governs the North and is often described as cold, strict, and highly intelligent. Unlike more chaotic spirits, Ariton is recognized for his skill in managing legions of spirits and his control over hidden secrets, especially those buried in the Earth or deep within the human mind.

Many grimoires describe him as a prince of the underworld who leads many spirits and can reveal both the past and the future. He is often seen as serious and commanding, showing the tough and unbending traits linked to the North.

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Key Takeaways

Attribute	Details
Name	Ariton, Egyn, Egin, Ariton-Egyn.
Title	King of the North, Great King of the Infernal Regions, Sovereign of the Northern Quarter.
Gender	Male.
Origin	First appears in Renaissance-era grimoires, most especially The Sacred Magic of Abramelin the Mage and the works of Agrippa.
Appearance	Often described as a king-like entity with a grave face, sometimes manifesting with a heavy, cold presence or appearing in human form to grant knowledge.
Hierarchy	One of the Four Kings of the World (alongside Oriens, Paimon, and Amaimon).
Superior Demon	Lucifer (often listed as one of the four primary subordinates to the infernal emperor).
Servitors	Mago, Maho, Oroia, Paimon (in certain sub-hierarchies), and numerous unnamed legions of spirits of the North.
Associated Figures	Abraham of Worms (Abramelin), King Solomon (in later expansions of Solomonic lore).
Powers	Granting knowledge of the past and future, discovering hidden treasures, uncovering secrets, and influencing the minds of men.
Weaknesses	Holy names of God, the magical square of Abramelin, salt, and the authority of the four archangels.
Opposing Angel/Saint	Archangel Uriel (traditionally associated with the North).
Equipment/Tools	A scepter or crown representing his regal authority over the northern legions.
Pantheon	Christian Demonology / Western Occult Tradition.
Notable Myths	The Book of the Sacred Magic of Abramelin the Mage.

Etymology

The name Ariton has unclear origins due to linguistic changes in medieval and Renaissance magic texts. Many believe it comes from the Greek word “arritos,” which means “unspoken” or “ineffable.” This fits with Ariton’s role as a guardian of secret knowledge. In grimoires, names were often made to sound old and powerful by using Hebrew, Greek, and Latin roots.

Other manuscripts, including those by S.L. MacGregor Mathers, closely connect Ariton with Egyn. The name Egyn may derive from the Hebrew word “Agon,” meaning “circle” or “boundary,” or from the Greek “Aigyon,” which relates to cold or protection.

Since Ariton rules the North, a direction linked with darkness and the unseen in ancient beliefs, his name marks him as a ruler of things hidden from sunlight.

What Does the Demon Ariton Look Like?

Ariton is not usually shown as a monster or strange creature, unlike many demons in the Ars Goetia. Instead, he often appears as a serious and impressive king in human form. He has pale skin and sharp features, showing the coldness of his northern realm. He wears a crown and royal robes, and his presence is said to bring a deep, heavy cold.

Traditional occult accounts say that when Ariton appears, the temperature suddenly drops. He can take on different forms to trick or test people, but his usual form is that of a serious king. Unlike southern or eastern demons, he does not show fiery or wild energy. Instead, he moves slowly and carefully, with a strong sense of dark authority.

Historical and Mythological Background

Ariton does not appear in the Bible or early classical mythology but is a central entity in the specialized world of Renaissance “Solomonic” and “Abramelin” magic. His role is primarily that of a world-governor, a spirit who maintains the order of the infernal world.

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Ariton in the Book of the Sacred Magic of Abramelin the Mage

In the 15th-century text attributed to Abraham of Worms, Ariton is identified as one of the four Sub-Princes or Kings who rule over the world under the ultimate authority of Lucifer, Leviathan, Satan, and Belial.

According to this narrative, the practitioner must undergo a grueling six-month purification process to eventually summon these four kings. Ariton is presented as the sovereign of the North.

In this process, the mage must order Ariton to appear and promise loyalty. The text says Ariton can show visions of anyone, living or dead, and reveal the location of any hidden treasure is on Earth. He is not seen as a force of destruction, but as a guardian of the Earth’s riches and secrets who must be controlled by divine power.

The Four Kings in the Grimoire of Armadel

In different versions of the Grimoire of Armadel, Ariton (also called Egyn) is listed among the four kings who rule the cardinal directions. These stories state that after the angels fell, the world was divided into four parts, and Ariton received the North. This area was thought to be where sunlight was weakest, making it home to the most hidden and dense spirits.

The story says Ariton’s job is to manage the spirits of the Earth and minerals, making sure the secrets of the underground world stay hidden from anyone who has not reached a certain level of spiritual or magical skill.

Historical Mentions

The Sacred Magic of Abramelin the Mage (Book II, Chapter 19):

“The Eight Sub-Princes are: Ariton, Magot, Asmodeus, Belzebud, Oriens, Paimon, Ariton, and Amaimon. These be the Spirits who be the Chiefs and the Princes of the Legions of the Spirits of the Air, and of the Earth, and of the Underworld.”

The Key of Solomon (Clavicula Salomonis, various manuscripts):

“The four Kings of the four quarters of the World are: Oriens, King of the East; Amaymon, King of the South; Paymon, King of the West; and Egyn, King of the North. They are the most powerful spirits and must be addressed with the greatest of caution and through the names of the Most High.”

Steganographia by Johannes Trithemius (1499):

“Egyn, rex Aquilonis, habet sub se multos spiritus, quorum nomina sunt: Mago, Maho, Oroia, Paimon… (Egyn, king of the North, has under him many spirits, whose names are: Mago, Maho, Oroia, Paimon…).”

Ariton’s Powers and Abilities

Ariton’s power focuses on the mind and the physical Earth. Unlike demons who stir up passion or violence, he appeals to people’s wish for secret knowledge and wealth. His main ability is to reveal secrets, both from history and from personal lives. He can give someone the “eyes of the earth,” letting them see what is hidden or buried.

His power to corrupt lies in the stagnation of the soul. Because he represents the North—associated with winter and darkness—his influence can lead to a state of emotional coldness and intellectual pride. He tempts humans by offering them absolute certainty about the past and future, which often leads to the ruin of faith and the development of a cold, calculating heart.

Powers and Abilities Breakdown

Power/Ability	Description	Source	How It Tempts/Corrupts
Can Reveal Hidden Treasures	The ability to reveal gold, gems, and artifacts hidden in the earth.	Abramelin	Provokes extreme greed and obsession with material wealth.
Vision of the Absent	Can show images of any person, regardless of distance or time.	Abramelin	Fuels voyeurism, jealousy, and the desire to spy on others.
All-Knowing	Knowledge of all things past and things yet to come.	Grimoire of Armadel	Leads to fatalism and the abandonment of free will.
Command of Earth Spirits	Authority over gnomes and subterranean entities.	Trithemius	Encourages the pursuit of power through the exploitation of nature.

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How to Counter Ariton’s Powers

To protect yourself from the demon’s influence, use things that stand for light, warmth, and divine movement, since these are the opposite of his cold, still nature. Salt is a main tool for protection; making a circle of salt can block his earth spirits. Since Ariton rules the North, putting Holy Water or a crucifix in the northern corner of a room is said to weaken his influence.

Frankincense and Myrrh are strong incenses believed to clear away the heavy energy linked to Ariton. The Turkish Evil Eye (Nazar) or a Hamsa can also be used as a general charm to protect against the cold gaze of the North.

If someone feels an unnatural cold or a mental fog filled with cynicism and greed, the usual advice is to seek a priest’s blessing or a home cleansing. Carrying a piece of iron, which is often thought to repel earth spirits, can also help as a protective measure.

Ariton’s Role in the Hierarchy of Hell

In the structure of the infernal world, Ariton is not just a soldier but a ruler. He is always listed as one of the Four Great Kings who control the directions of the world. In most systems, he reports directly to Lucifer. While demons like Asmodeus or Beelzebub stand for certain sins, Ariton is seen as a key part of the infernal order.

Ariton’s relationship with the other three kings—Oriens, Paimon, and Amaimon—is balanced. Together, they make up the “Cross of the Infernal Kings.”

In his court, Ariton is said to lead thousands of legions. Most of his followers are earth spirits who live in caves, mines, and deep underground. He is often seen as a rival to Amaimon, the King of the South, showing the ongoing struggle between cold and heat.

Astrological Associations and Symbolism

Ariton is closely linked to the symbols of Earth and Winter. He represents the qualities of the North, such as endurance, silence, and hidden potential.

Category	Association
Element	Earth (sometimes associated with cold Water).
Cardinal Direction	North.
Number	4 (representing the four corners of the world).
Metal	Lead or Iron.
Color	Black or Deep Indigo.
Zodiac	Capricorn (the height of winter and earth).
Stone/Crystal	Onyx or Obsidian.

Ariton’s Sigil

Ariton’s sigil is a detailed geometric symbol used in medieval magic to direct his energy. It usually has sharp lines and squares, which stand for the Earth and the Four Corners.

In the Sacred Magic of Abramelin, his name is often written in a “Magic Square,” a grid where his name appears in different directions. This square is thought to control his power and make him reveal knowledge to the practitioner.

Associated Symbols and Offerings

Symbol/Item	Association/Meaning	Use in Rituals
Cypress	Death and the Earth.	Placed in the north to signify his domain.
Lead	Weight and the subterranean.	Used to construct protective seals or binding plates.
Patchouli	Earthy, heavy scent.	Burned to ground the energy of the space.
Black Candle	The darkness of the northern night.	Used to represent the king’s presence.

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Similar Demonic Entities

Demon Name	Gender	Primary Religion	Type / Class	Sphere of Influence	Weaknesses
Byleth	Male	Christian Demonology	King	Love and social discord	Silver ring, hazel wand
Paimon	Male	Western Occultism	King	Knowledge, arts, and science	Holy water, divine names
Amaimon	Male	Renaissance Magic	King of the South	Lust and corruption	Salt, frankincense
Asmodeus	Male	Judaism / Christian	King of Lust	Lust, wrath, gambling	Fish liver smoke, Archangel Raphael
Beithir	Genderless	Scottish Folklore	Dragon/Serpent	Storms and lightning	Iron, sudden light
Ziminiar	Male	Grigorian Lore	King of the North	Control over northern spirits	Holy names, circle of salt
Mammon	Male	Christian	Prince of Greed	Wealth and avarice	Charity, spiritual poverty
Gusion	Male	Ars Goetia	Duke	Past, present, and future	Consecrated seals
Euryale	Female	Greek Mythology	Gorgon	Petrification, cold terror	Mirrors, divine weapons
Eurynomos	Male	Greek / Occult	Prince of Death	Decay and the grave	Sanctified earth, salt

Conclusion

Ariton is still an important demon in Western demonology, standing for the quiet and unbreakable power of the North. As one of the Kings of the cardinal directions, he has great authority and deep knowledge, ruling over secrets hidden in the Earth and in people’s minds.

In ancient grimoires, Ariton is regarded as a source of profound knowledge and material wealth. Still, he also stands for the spiritual coldness that comes from greed and hidden pride.