Magot: Demon of Alchemy, Illusion, and Treasures

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Written By Razvan Radu

Storyteller. Researcher of Dark Folklore. Expert in Horror Fiction

What lurks in the shadows of ancient grimoires, promising untold riches yet delivering only ruin? Imagine a being that can unveil hidden treasures buried deep within the earth, only to ensnare your soul in eternal greed. Could such a malevolent force truly exist, weaving illusions that twist reality and corrupt the ambitious?

Enter the dark world of Magot, a demon whose name echoes through centuries of occult lore, embodying the perilous allure of forbidden knowledge and material excess. This infernal entity, known for its cunning manipulation and mastery over alchemical secrets, stands as a stark warning against the dangers of unchecked desire in the realm of demonology.

Far from any semblance of benevolence, Magot represents the epitome of demonic treachery, exploiting human weaknesses to foster corruption and spiritual decay. Its presence in medieval texts reveals a figure dedicated to undermining moral integrity, tempting mortals with visions of wealth and power that ultimately lead to downfall.

As we delve deeper into the lore surrounding this demon, questions arise: How does Magot‘s illusory prowess deceive even the most vigilant? What ancient origins tie this entity to biblical prophecies of apocalypse? And in the infernal hierarchy, where does this sub-prince command its legions of deceitful spirits?



Key Information

AttributeDetails
NameMagot, Magoth, Maguth, Magog (in biblical and variant contexts)
TitleInfernal Sub-Prince of Treasures, Master of Illusions and Alchemy, Demon of Hidden Secrets
GenderTypically male
RoleTempter through wealth and knowledge, hinderer of magical operations, provider of deceptive illusions
HierarchyInfernal Sub-Prince, one of eight under the four principal demons: Lucifer, Leviathan, Satan, Belial
ServitorsVast legions of unnamed spirits capable of illusions, treasure revelation, and alchemical manipulations
Superior DemonLucifer, Leviathan, Satan, Belial; in some texts, under Guth
PowersUnveiling hidden treasures, imparting forbidden alchemical knowledge, creating illusions to alter appearances, summoning lavish but ensnaring banquets, hindering rival sorcery and necromancy, producing deceptive spectacles like comedies and operas
AppearanceOften depicted as a grotesque, hybrid creature resembling a large cat with squid-like tentacles, symbolizing its deceptive and grasping nature; mutable form due to illusory powers
EtymologyRooted in Hebrew “MOVTh” (small stones), French “magot” (evil elf or dwarf), Greek “Magos” (magician); possibly linked to biblical Magog
Associated FiguresBiblical Magog, other sub-princes like Asmodeus and Beelzebub, figures in grimoires such as King Solomon
WeaknessesProtective rituals invoking divine names, holy relics, opposing angels like Michael, spiritual purity and humility
Opposing Angel/SaintArchangel Michael, Saint Benedict
Equipment/ToolsAlchemical symbols like the philosopher’s stone and ouroboros, illusory weapons, books of forbidden secrets
PantheonChristian Demonology, Medieval Occultism, Western Esoteric Traditions

Etymology

The name Magot harbors a labyrinth of linguistic origins, each layer revealing aspects of its malevolent character in demonology. Primarily, it draws from Hebrew roots, where “MOVTh” translates to “small stones” or “pebbles,” evoking imagery of buried gems and earthly treasures that Magot is infamous for revealing—often at the cost of the seeker’s soul.

This connection underscores the demon’s association with material greed, tempting mortals to dig into forbidden depths. Alternatively, the term may stem from “MG,” implying a “change of camp” or relocation, symbolizing Magot‘s ability to shift realities through illusion and deception.

In French folklore, “magot” refers to a mischievous elf or dwarf, often portrayed as ugly and malevolent, hoarding treasures in hidden lairs. This etymology aligns with Magot‘s diminutive yet cunning nature, portraying it as a twisted guardian of wealth that lures the unwary into traps of eternal servitude.

Occult scholars link it to the Greek “Magos,” meaning “magician” or “wizard,” highlighting Magot‘s mastery over sorcery and alchemy, where it imparts knowledge that corrupts rather than enlightens.

Further complexities arise from potential ties to biblical “Magog,” a figure in apocalyptic prophecies symbolizing chaos and invasion. This association infuses Magot with end-times connotations, suggesting a demon that heralds destruction through subtle temptations.

Variations like Magoth or Maguth appear in grimoires, possibly due to scribal errors or regional adaptations, yet all reinforce its role as a deceiver. The interplay of these roots—Hebrew materiality, French mischief, Greek magic, and biblical doom—paints Magot as a multifaceted entity, whose name itself is a web of enticement leading to spiritual ruin.

Scholars debate additional influences, such as Latin derivations or connections to ancient Persian terms for spirits of the earth. Regardless, the etymology consistently emphasizes Magot‘s insidious nature, blending themes of hidden wealth, magical deception, and apocalyptic threat. This linguistic depth not only enriches its demonic profile but also warns of the perils in invoking such a name, where even utterance might invite corruption.


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What Does the Demon Magot Look Like?

Magot manifests in grimoires as a bizarre and unsettling hybrid, blending familiar and alien traits to instill fear and confusion. Descriptions portray it as a large, feline creature with a body resembling a monstrous cat, symbolizing stealth and cunning predation. Protruding from its front are squid-like tentacles, grasping and manipulative appendages that represent its ability to ensnare victims in webs of illusion and deceit.

This mutable appearance allows Magot to shift forms, often appearing as a dwarfish, ugly figure akin to folklore elves, with glowing eyes that pierce through deceptions. Its skin may shimmer with an otherworldly aura, enhancing the sense of unreality it projects. Such a visage serves to disorient, mirroring Magot‘s powers to alter perceptions and tempt with false promises.

Historical and Mythological Background

The origins of Magot trace back to medieval European demonology, emerging from a confluence of Jewish Kabbalistic traditions, Christian eschatology, and ancient Near Eastern influences. Likely evolving from biblical references to Magog—a land and figure in prophecies of Gog and Magog symbolizing barbaric invasions and apocalyptic wars—Magot embodies chaotic forces opposing divine order.

This biblical tie links it to end-times narratives in Ezekiel and Revelation, where Magog represents nations aligned against God, infusing the demon with themes of rebellion and destruction.

Potential connections extend to ancient deities worldwide. In Mesopotamian mythology, spirits like the earth-bound demons guarding treasures resemble Magot‘s role, perhaps echoing Lamashtu, a demoness of disease and chaos.

Greek influences via “Magos” connect it to Persian Magi, sorcerers wielding forbidden knowledge, while Norse dwarves—cunning hoarders of wealth—mirror its elfin etymology. Egyptian ties appear through grimoires’ settings, linking Magot to Set, god of disorder and foreign lands.

These global threads suggest Magot as a syncretic entity, absorbing traits from various cultures to form a universal symbol of temptation and hidden peril.

The Sacred Magic of Abramelin the Mage

In this 15th-century grimoire, Magot is detailed as one of eight infernal sub-princes serving under Lucifer, Leviathan, Satan, and Belial. The text, framed as Abraham of Worms’ autobiography, recounts his encounter with the Egyptian mage Abramelin, who imparts Kabbalistic secrets including demonic hierarchies.

Magot emerges as a keeper of hidden treasures, capable of revealing buried gold and gems, but only to those who perform exhaustive rituals lasting months or years.

One legend within describes a mage who, seeking lost family fortunes, invokes Magot through word-squares and purifications. The demon appears, unveiling a cache of ancient coins, yet the wealth brings paranoia and isolation, as Magot‘s illusions foster endless greed.

The mage, consumed by suspicion, accuses allies of theft, leading to his downfall in madness. This tale warns of Magot‘s corruption, where material gain erodes spiritual integrity, drawing from Kabbalistic themes of divine law versus human frailty.

Expanded details reveal the ritual’s demands: isolation, fasting, and invocations of divine names to bind Magot. Failure invites possession or deception, as seen in accounts of practitioners haunted by illusory banquets that vanish, leaving starvation. Abraham emphasizes Magot‘s role in hindering necromancy, disrupting rival mages’ workings to maintain infernal dominance.

The Sworn Book of Honorius

The 13th-century Liber Iuratus Honorii positions Magot as an infernal minister under Guth, associated with Jupiter and the north wind, most potent on Thursdays. Here, Magot guards earthly treasures, tying to its Hebrew etymology of “small stones.” A prominent legend involves a knight questing for a stolen heirloom sword, invoking Magot with planetary alignments and offerings.

The demon reveals the sword’s location in a rival’s vault, but the retrieval sparks a feud, escalating to war and the knight’s demise. Expanded narrative details the knight’s preparations: constructing a magic circle under Jupiter’s influence, chanting invocations amid north winds. Magot‘s appearance brings deceptive spectacles—operas of victory—that blind the knight to consequences. This story illustrates Magot‘s exploitation of ambition, transforming quests for justice into cycles of violence and loss.

Connections to ancient Roman deities like Jupiter amplify Magot‘s symbolism of expansion turned destructive, where abundance leads to overreach and ruin.


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The Book of Oberon

This 16th-century grimoire portrays Magot as a master alchemist, granting knowledge of metals, stones, and the philosopher’s stone—a symbol of ultimate corruption. A central myth narrates a sorcerer summoning Magot to transmute lead into gold, performing rituals with mercury and amethysts.

The demon imparts formulas, yielding initial success, but the gold proves illusory, dissolving and cursing the sorcerer with eternal poverty. Detailed accounts describe the alchemical process: heating crucibles under Thursday’s stars, invoking Magot‘s name amid incense. The sorcerer’s hubris leads to binding servitors for more power, only for Magot to hinder his operations, causing explosions and visions of failure.

Links to Hermes Trismegistus tie Magot to hermetic traditions, where alchemy represents spiritual decay rather than ascension, emphasizing the demon’s role in perverting enlightenment.

Historical Mentions

Text/GrimoireYearDescriptionExcerpt
The Sacred Magic of Abramelin the Mage1458Infernal sub-prince skilled in revealing treasures, teaching magic, creating illusions, and hindering necromancy.“Magoth, who hath the power to reveal all hidden treasures and to grant knowledge of the magical arts…”
Liber Iuratus Honorii (The Sworn Book of Honorius)13th centuryMinister under Guth, guardian of treasures, associated with Jupiter and Thursdays.“Magot, the demon of small stones, guardeth treasures hidden and hath dominion over Jupiter…”
The Book of Oberon1577Master of alchemical secrets, transformer of metals, provider of illusory wealth.“Magoth, master of secrets, doth reveal the mysteries of metals and stones to those who call upon him…”

Magot’s Powers and Abilities

Magot wields a specialized arsenal of demonic powers, focused on deception, material temptation, and esoteric corruption, distinguishing it from generic infernal abilities. Its core strength lies in revealing hidden treasures—locating buried gold, gems, or artifacts with uncanny precision, often luring seekers into obsessive pursuits that erode their morality.

Unlike common demons offering broad destruction, Magot targets ambition, using these revelations to foster greed that leads to betrayal and isolation.

Teaching forbidden alchemy and sorcery forms another pillar, where Magot imparts knowledge of transmuting substances, creating the philosopher’s stone, or manipulating natural forces. This corrupts by promising godlike power, yet binding recipients to infernal pacts, as seen in tales of alchemists driven mad by elusive perfection. Illusory transformations allow Magot to alter appearances, disguising horrors as beauty or vice versa, tempting through vanity and deceit.

Summoning lavish banquets exemplifies excess, providing feasts that ensnare with gluttony, diverting from spiritual paths. Hindering magical operations uniquely disrupts rivals’ rituals, sowing chaos in occult circles. In rarer mentions, Magot produces spectacles like comedies or operas, using entertainment to lower guards before striking.

Though obscure in modern pop culture, some esoteric interpretations link Magot to digital illusions or cryptocurrency “treasures,” adapting its powers to contemporary temptations like virtual wealth scams. These extensions maintain its core: exploiting desire for quick gains, leading to real-world ruin.

Powers and Abilities Breakdown

Power/AbilityDescriptionSourceHow It Tempts/Corrupts HumansCountermeasure
Revealing Hidden TreasuresUncovers specific buried or lost items like gold and artifacts.The Sacred Magic of Abramelin the MageIgnites greed, leading to obsession and moral decay.Archangel Michael invocations, humility practices.
Teaching Alchemy and SorceryImparts transmutation knowledge and magical arts.The Book of OberonPromises power, binding souls to pacts and ethical erosion.Saint Benedict medals, purification rituals.
Illusory TransformationsChanges appearances of beings or objects via deception.The Sacred Magic of Abramelin the MageEncourages vanity and manipulation, destroying trust.Holy water, divine name chants.
Summoning Lavish BanquetsManifests abundant, illusory feasts.The Sacred Magic of Abramelin the MagePromotes gluttony and materialism, fostering addiction.Fasting, spiritual discipline.
Hindering Magical OperationsSabotages rival sorcery and necromancy.The Sacred Magic of Abramelin the MageBreeds frustration and doubt, weakening occult practitioners.Protective circles, angel summonings.
Producing Deceptive SpectaclesCreates illusions of entertainment like operas.Liber Iuratus HonoriiDistracts with pleasure, lowering defenses for deeper corruption.Vigilance prayers, relic use.

How to Counter Magot’s Powers

Resisting Magot demands multifaceted defenses, blending spiritual fortitude, ritualistic barriers, and psychological awareness. Its temptations thrive on greed and illusion, so cultivating humility counters treasure revelations, preventing obsession through daily reflections on contentment.

Invoking Archangel Michael disrupts illusions, as his sword of truth pierces deceptions; rituals with his name and holy swords create protective auras. Saint Benedict‘s medals repel alchemical corruptions, their blessings neutralizing pacts.

Protective sigils, drawn in salt or consecrated ink, hinder Magot‘s operations, forming barriers against banquets or spectacles. Fasting bolsters resistance to excess, while meditation exposes illusory transformations.

For advanced countermeasures, Kabbalistic word-squares from opposing grimoires bind Magot, reversing its hindrances. Divine names like Adonai invoke higher powers, banishing the demon. Overall, purity of intent—avoiding ambition—remains the strongest shield against its insidious influence.


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Magot’s Role in the Hierarchy of Hell

Within hell’s rigid structure, Magot occupies the exalted yet subordinate rank of infernal sub-prince, one of eight commanding vast domains under the four principal demons: Lucifer (light-bearer of rebellion), Leviathan (serpent of chaos), Satan (adversary), and Belial (wicked one). This position grants Magot authority over earthly treasures and illusions, ruling a shadowy realm in hell’s lower strata where hoarded secrets and deceptive mirages abound. Its domain, a labyrinth of illusory caverns filled with false riches, serves as a trap for damned souls seeking escape.

Magot commands legions of servitors—thousands of lesser spirits mimicking its powers, forming armies that execute temptations on earth. Notable subordinates include unnamed entities specializing in alchemical forgeries or illusionary warfare, amplifying Magot‘s reach. Superiors like Lucifer demand obedience, using Magot for subtle corruptions aligning with broader infernal strategies.

Allied demons include fellow sub-princes Asmodeus (lust and gambling, sharing treasure temptations) and Astaroth (knowledge revealer, collaborating on esoteric deceptions). Adversaries emerge among rivals like Beelzebub (lord of flies, clashing over dominance in chaos) or higher princes viewing Magot‘s niche as insignificant.

Relationships involve pacts for mutual gain, yet betrayals abound, reflecting hell’s treacherous politics. Magot‘s role enforces infernal order through deception, ensuring human souls fall via personalized lures.

Astrological Associations and Symbolism

Magot‘s astrological ties deepen its enigmatic profile, linking to Jupiter for themes of expansion and abundance twisted into excess and downfall. This planetary association amplifies its treasure-revealing powers, making Thursdays—Jupiter’s day—prime for its influence, when invocations risk heightened deception. The element Air governs Magot, symbolizing intellect and adaptability, yet perverted into manipulative winds carrying illusions.

Zodiacally, Gemini aligns with its dual nature, fostering curiosity that leads to corruption. Numbers like 4 (stability subverted) and 8 (infinity of traps) hold significance. Metals include tin (Jupiter’s metal, malleable for transformations) and mercury (fluidity in alchemy). Precious stones feature amethyst (spiritual protection ironically used for temptation) and lapis lazuli (hidden wisdom).

Colors such as purple (royalty and mystery) and indigo (intuition deceived) dominate its symbolism. Additional elements encompass earth for buried treasures, with crystals like quartz amplifying illusions. Symbolically, the ouroboros represents endless cycles of greed, while the north wind ties to biblical Magog, bringing cold destruction.

Astrological/Symbolic ElementAssociationMeaning
PlanetJupiterExpansion turned to excess, abundance leading to ruin
ElementAir (primary), Earth (secondary)Intellect manipulated, material treasures hidden
Astrological SignGeminiDuality, curiosity corrupted into deceit
MetalTin, MercuryMalleability for illusions, fluidity in alchemical deceptions
Precious StoneAmethyst, Lapis LazuliFalse spiritual wisdom, hidden knowledge tempting downfall
ColorPurple, IndigoMystery and royalty masking treachery
DayThursdayPeak potency for temptations and invocations
Number4, 8False stability, infinite cycles of corruption

Magot’s Sigil

Magot‘s sigil, a intricate geometric emblem from medieval grimoires, serves as a gateway for its summoning, featuring interlocking curves and lines symbolizing locked treasures and twisted illusions. Inscribed on parchment or metal under Jupiter’s influence, it focuses invocations, but misuse invites backlash like hallucinatory madness.

The sigil’s design incorporates alchemical motifs, such as spirals for transformation, requiring purple ink or amethyst embeddings for potency. Rituals demand caution, as the sigil binds Magot temporarily, yet its deceptive nature can invert the bond.

Associated Symbols and Offerings

Symbol/ItemAssociation/MeaningUse in Rituals
Philosopher’s StoneAlchemical corruption, false transcendenceAltar focal point for invoking deceptive knowledge
OuroborosEndless greed cycles, self-destructionCarved in circles to bind illusions
AmethystTwisted spiritual insightOfferings to amplify temptations
Incense (Frankincense)Air element, deceptive communicationBurned for summoning, enhancing illusory spectacles
Books of SecretsForbidden lore, ensnaring wisdomPresented to honor Magot‘s teaching role
Purple ClothJupiter’s mystery, royal deceitWraps sigils or covers altars for potency
Tin ObjectsMalleable reality, Jupiter’s influenceCrafted into tools for alchemical rituals
North Wind SymbolsChaos and invasion, biblical tiesInvoked in windy conditions for heightened power

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Comparison with Other Demons

DemonRole and HierarchyPowers and AbilitiesKey Differences from Magot
AstarothDuke, teacher of sciencesGrants invisibility, reveals truths, knowledgeBroader sciences vs. Magot’s alchemical focus; less illusionary
AsmodeusKing, inciter of lustProvokes gambling, reveals treasures, shapeshiftingLust-driven vs. greed; shares treasure but adds sexual corruption
BeelzebubPrince, lord of chaosInspires pride, commands spirits, diseaseWide destruction vs. niche temptations; higher rank
VapulaDuke, teacher of craftsImparts handicraft skills, philosophyPractical arts vs. sorcery; no illusions
BuerPresident, healer and philosopherCures diseases, teaches ethicsHealing vs. hindering; opposes Magot’s deception
MarbasPresident, revealer of secretsShapeshifting, cures illnessesMedical focus vs. alchemical; similar revelations
ValeforDuke, tempter of theftEncourages stealing, grants cunningTheft vs. treasure revelation; direct crime
AmonMarquis, divinerForetells future, reconciles foesProphecy vs. illusions; relational manipulations
BarbatosDuke, harmony disruptorFinds treasures, communicates with animalsAnimal ties vs. alchemical; similar treasure role
PaimonKing, knowledge revealerGrants arts knowledge, controls spiritsObedient to Solomon vs. Magot’s hindrance; musical

Conclusion

Magot endures as a chilling archetype in demonology, a sub-prince whose temptations of wealth and knowledge mask profound corruption. Its powers, from illusory feasts to alchemical secrets, exploit human frailties, leading seekers to spiritual desolation. Through grimoires and myths, Magot warns of the infernal hierarchy’s insidious order, where ambition invites eternal chains.

This demon’s legacy, woven from biblical roots and occult traditions, highlights the peril of forbidden pursuits. As a force of deception, Magot embodies hell’s strategy: subtle lures over overt terror. Reflecting on its lore urges vigilance against inner demons, where true treasure lies in moral resilience, not illusory gains.

In exploring Magot, we confront the darkness within, questioning desires that summon such entities. Its story, rich with etymological depth and astrological ties, serves as a cautionary tale in esoteric studies, reminding that some secrets are best left buried.