Bathin in the Ars Goetia: Rank, Appearance, and Powers

Bathin is the eighteenth spirit in the Ars Goetia. He is a strong Duke with authority over many infernal legions. Bathin is swift and has special knowledge of nature’s hidden properties, which he uses to move quickly and to change physical distances.

As a high-ranking demonic entity in the infernal hierarchy, Bathin is linked to crossing boundaries and moving people across great distances. He appears both noble and monstrous, with a snake-like side that shows the dark duality found in many Goetic spirits.

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Key Takeaways

Attribute	Details
Name	Bathin, Batin, Bathym, Marthim
Title	Great and Strong Duke of Hell
Gender	Male
Origin	First detailed in 16th-century grimoires like the Pseudomonarchia Daemonum and the Lesser Key of Solomon.
Appearance	A strong man with the tail of a serpent, riding on a pale horse.
Hierarchy	Duke
Superior Demon	Subordinate to the four Great Kings of the Directions (often Amaymon in Goetic tradition).
Servitors	Commands thirty legions of spirits.
Associated Figures	King Solomon (who supposedly bound him).
Powers	Granting the ability to travel instantly from one country to another; knowledge of the virtues of herbs and precious stones.
Weaknesses	The use of the Seal of Solomon and the invocation of divine names.
Opposing Angel/Saint	Caliel
Equipment/Tools	None specifically mentioned, though he is always depicted with a pale horse.
Pantheon	Christian Demonology / Goetic Tradition
Notable Myths	The binding of the 72 spirits by King Solomon into a brass vessel.

Etymology

The name Bathin (also spelled Bathym or Marthim) has several possible origins. One main theory links it to the Arabic word Batin, meaning “inner,” “hidden,” or “secret.”

In Islamic theology, Al-Batin is one of God’s names and means the “Hidden One.” In a demonic context, the name likely alludes to Bathin’s control over hidden or magical qualities in nature, such as the secret powers of herbs and stones.

Another theory is that the name comes from Marthim, found in older manuscripts. In different versions of the Pseudomonarchia Daemonum, the name changes between these forms. The shift from Marthim to Bathin may be due to changes in pronunciation or to mistakes in translating Latin texts into English during the Renaissance.

Despite these differences, the name always refers to a being linked to revealing hidden knowledge and moving instantly between faraway places.

What Does the Demon Bathin Look Like?

Bathin is usually shown in grimoires as a strong man with a commanding presence, fitting his rank as a Duke. However, he also has a serpent’s tail, a common symbol in demonology for deceit, ancient wisdom, and ties to the underworld.

The demon is almost always shown riding a pale horse, which often stands for speed and change, similar to the pale horse of Death in the Bible. He is always in motion, highlighting his role as a spirit of travel. Unlike other Goetic spirits who change forms, Bathin’s look stays the same, combining man, serpent, and horse to show his quick and adaptable nature.

Historical Mentions

Livre des Esperitz (15th-century manuscript):

Machin est un grant duc et a xxxvij legions de esperitz sour luy. Il scet la vertu des herbes et des pierres precieuses et porte les hommes d’une terre en l’autre.

Livre des Esperitz (15th-century manuscript, English translation):

Machin is a great duke and has 37 legions of spirits under him. He knows the virtue of herbs and precious stones and carries men from one land to another.

Pseudomonarchia Daemonum (Johann Weyer, 1577):

Bathin, alias Marthim, dux est magnus & fortis: Visitur in persona viri fortissimi, habens caudam serpentinam, equitans in equo pallido. Hic herbarum vires & lapidum pretiosorum intelligit. Cito hominem de regione in regionem transfert. Huic subjacent legiones triginta.

Pseudomonarchia Daemonum (Johann Weyer, 1577, English translation):

Bathin, otherwise called Marthim, is a great and strong duke: he is seen in the shape of a very strong man, having a serpent’s tail, riding on a pale horse. He understands the virtues of herbs and precious stones. He quickly transfers a man from region to region. Under him are thirty legions.

The Discoverie of Witchcraft (Reginald Scot, 1584):

Bathin, alias Marthim, is a great duke and a strong, he is seene in the shape of a verie strong man, with a serpents taile, sitting on a pale horsse, understanding the vertues of hearbs and pretious stones, transferring men suddenlie from countrie to countrie, and ruleth thirtie legions of divels.

The Lesser Key of Solomon (S.L. MacGregor Mathers, 1904):

The Eighteenth Spirit is Bathin. He is a Mighty and Strong Duke, and appeareth like a Strong Man with the tail of a Serpent, sitting upon a Pale-Coloured Horse. He knoweth the Virtues of Herbs and Precious Stones, and can transport men suddenly from one country to another. He ruleth over 30 Legions of Spirits.

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The Grimoire of Pope Honorius (German Edition):

Machin (Bathin) lehret die Kräfte der Kräuter und Edelsteine und kann Menschen in kurzer Zeit von einem Land in das andere bringen.

The Grimoire of Pope Honorius (German Edition, English translation):

Machin (Bathin) teaches the powers of herbs and gemstones and can bring people from one country to another in a short time.

Dictionnaire Infernal (Jacques Collin de Plancy, 1863 edition):

Bathin, duc aux enfers, grand et puissant. Il a la figure d’un homme robuste; mais son corps se termine en queue de serpent. Il monte un cheval d’une blancheur livide. Il connaît les vertus des herbes et des pierres précieuses. Il transporte les hommes d’un pays dans un autre avec une rapidité merveilleuse. Trente légions lui obéissent.

Dictionnaire Infernal (Jacques Collin de Plancy, 1863 edition, English translation):

Bathin, duke of Hell, great and powerful. He has the figure of a strong man, but his body ends in a serpent’s tail. He mounts a horse of a livid whiteness. He knows the virtues of herbs and precious stones. He transports men from one country to another with marvelous rapidity. Thirty legions obey him.

The Grand Grimoire (Red Dragon):

Bathim is a subordinate of Fleurety, a Lieutenant General of the infernal armies.

Bathin’s Powers and Abilities

Bathin’s powers are focused on using hidden knowledge to change the physical world, especially by bending space. His main ability is to instantly transport people, not just by moving fast, but by supernaturally “teleporting” them from one country to another.

This power can tempt people who want to escape their problems, avoid justice, or get an unfair edge in trade or war by skipping the normal limits of time and distance.

Bathin also knows all about the powers of herbs and precious stones. He understands the secret qualities of plants, which can be used for healing or for darker purposes. By sharing these secrets, he tempts people with promises of power over life and death, or the ability to influence others using plant mixtures and stone charms.

Powers and Abilities Breakdown

Power/Ability	Description	Source	How It Tempts/Corrupts
Instant Transport	Moving individuals across borders in an instant.	Ars Goetia	Encourages sloth and the evasion of consequences.
Herbal Mastery	Secret knowledge of plant properties.	Pseudomonarchia Daemonum	Leads to the creation of poisons or mind-altering philters.
Lapidary Knowledge	Understanding the magic of stones.	Dictionnaire Infernal	Promotes greed and the pursuit of forbidden power through talismans.

How to Counter Bathin’s Powers

To protect yourself from Bathin, use items that keep you grounded in the present, both physically and spiritually. Since Bathin is linked to fast movement, salt is a main defense. Salt is known for stopping spirits and keeping things in their natural place.

To keep Bathin away, people can use the Pentacle of Solomon made for the Dukes of the Goetia, which should be made of copper. Wearing a protective amulet like the Hamsa or the Saint Benedict Medal also helps provide spiritual protection.

If you suddenly feel the urge to run away or notice lost time (which could be Bathin’s influence), it’s best to cleanse your home with holy water and ask a priest for a blessing to restore spiritual boundaries.

Bathin’s Role in the Hierarchy of Hell

In the infernal order, Bathin is a Duke. This means he is a high-level leader and commands thirty legions of spirits, which is a large force. He ranks below the Kings of Hell but is equal to other powerful Dukes like Agares or Eligos.

Bathin’s role in the hierarchy is mostly practical. He acts as a courier or guide for the infernal hosts. Though he serves higher powers, he has his own court and authority. Being the 18th spirit in the Goetic list shows he is a key entity in Solomon’s system.

Astrological Associations and Symbolism

Bathin is closely linked to astrological signs and elements connected to travel and the earth’s hidden treasures.

Association	Details
Zodiac Sign	Virgo (specifically 25-29 degrees)
Element	Earth
Planet	Venus (as a Duke)
Metal	Copper
Color	Green or Pale White
Plant	Mistletoe
Stone	Diamond or Malachite

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Bathin’s Sigil

Bathin’s sigil is a complex geometric symbol used in Goetic tradition to represent him. People believe the sigil acts as a calling card or focus for his energy. Its sharp angles and flowing lines may show the quick paths he travels.

Associated Symbols and Offerings

Symbol/Item	Association/Meaning	Use in Rituals
Snake Tail	Chthonic wisdom/Deceit	Symbol of his true nature.
Pale Horse	Swiftness/Death	Representation of his transit.
Copper	Venusian energy	Used to construct his protective lamen.

Similar Demonic Entities

Demon Name	Gender	Primary Religion	Type / Class	Sphere of Influence	Weaknesses
Agares	Male	Christian	Duke	Earthquakes, runaway languages	Holy Names
Gaap	Male	Christian	President/Prince	Philosophy, quick travel	Consecrated Water
Forcas	Male	Christian	Knight	Logic, herbalism	Iron
Stolas	Male	Christian	Prince	Astronomy, precious stones	Blessed Salt
Bechard	Male	European Folklore	Demon	Wind, storms, travel	Silver
Pazuzu	Male	Mesopotamian	Demon	Wind, famine, locusts	Own image (Amulets)
Marax	Male	Christian	Earl/President	Astronomy, herbs	Exorcism
Raum	Male	Christian	Earl	Theft, destruction of cities	Holy Ground
Valac	Male	Christian	President	Finding serpents, treasures	Divine Prayer
Gusion	Male	Christian	Duke	Answering the past/future	Pentacle of Solomon

Conclusion

Bathin stands out in the Goetic tradition because he focuses on travel and the secrets of nature. As the eighteenth spirit and a Duke, his role shows how the infernal hierarchy is organized, with each powerful spirit having a special job.

To understand Bathin, you need to see both his human-like rank and his monstrous, serpent side. Whether he is seen as a keeper of plant secrets or a master of moving through space, Bathin represents the tempting appeal of shortcuts and hidden knowledge that avoid the normal human effort.