In the shadowed realms of demonology, where ancient grimoires whisper tales of infernal entities, Pruflas emerges as a figure of profound malice and deception. This demon, known as a Great Prince and Grand Duke of Hell, commands legions of spirits dedicated to sowing discord and falsehood among mortals. But who is this elusive being that lurks near the ruins of the Tower of Babel, and what dark secrets does he guard about humanity’s fractured past?
Pruflas, with his fiery form and predatory gaze, embodies the essence of strife and manipulation in Christian demonology. His ability to ignite wars and quarrels raises intriguing questions: How does a single demon wield such influence over human conflicts? Could his origins trace back to forgotten Babylonian deities, twisted into demonic form by later traditions?
Table of Contents
Key Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Pruflas, Bufas, Busas, Pruslas, Buhguul, Bagul |
| Title | Great Prince, Grand Duke of Hell |
| Gender | Male |
| Role | Instigator of discord, wars, quarrels, falsehoods; provider of truthful answers when summoned; generator of poverty and strife |
| Hierarchy | Great Prince and Duke, commands 26 legions of demons from the Orders of Thrones and Angels |
| Servitors | 26 legions, including spirits from fallen Thrones and Angels; no specific named subordinates in primary grimoires |
| Superior Demon | Agaliarept (one of the Six Great Officers); possibly Lucifer or Satan as ultimate overlord; assistants to Astaroth alongside Aamon and Barbatos in some hierarchies |
| Powers | Provokes discord, wars, quarrels, falsehoods; augments intelligence, strength, and warriorhood; enhances psychic abilities through chakra manipulation; powerful in death magick; generates poverty |
| Appearance | Fiery flame-like figure with the head of a nighthawk, owl, or hawk; sometimes depicted as a muscular incubus with bluish-gray skin and auburn hair in modern interpretations |
| Etymology | Potentially derived from Babylonian “Kulla” (brick-making deity); linked to terms for chaos, dispersal, or flame |
| Associated Figures | Johann Weyer, Jacques Collin de Plancy, Agaliarept, Aamon, Barbatos, Astaroth, King Solomon (attributed grimoires) |
| Weaknesses | Cannot enter places without being conjured; vulnerable to truth, divine invocations, and specific opposing angels |
| Opposing Angel/Saint | Potentially Michael (warrior against demons) or Raphael (healer of discord); no direct opponent specified in texts |
| Equipment/Tools | Associated with flames, trumpets in some depictions; no specific weapons noted, but symbolic of chaos instruments |
| Pantheon | Christian Demonology with possible Babylonian and Mesopotamian influences |
Etymology
The name Pruflas, shrouded in the mists of ancient linguistics, offers a tantalizing puzzle for scholars of demonology. One prominent theory connects it to the Babylonian deity Kulla, the god responsible for brick-making and construction in Mesopotamian mythology.
This association is particularly fitting given Pruflas‘s legendary residence near the Tower of Babel, a structure symbolizing human ambition and divine retribution through linguistic confusion. The transformation from a constructive deity to a demon of destruction may reflect the demonization of pagan gods during the rise of Christian traditions, where beneficial entities were recast as malevolent forces.
Alternative interpretations delve into phonetic and semantic roots across languages. The prefix “Pru-” might stem from proto-Semitic words implying scattering or dispersal, mirroring Pruflas‘s role in fostering division and strife among people.
The suffix “-flas” could evoke Latin or Greek terms related to flames or blasts of fire, aligning with his fiery appearance in grimoires. Variant spellings like Bufas or Busas suggest evolutions through French, Latin, and possibly Arabic influences, as demon names often adapted during translations of occult texts.
In some esoteric circles, Pruflas‘s name is linked to concepts of falsehood and illusion, perhaps deriving from ancient words for deception or mirage. This etymological fluidity underscores his elusive nature, a demon who thrives on confusion and misinterpretation.
While no single origin is definitive, the Babylonian connection provides the richest context, suggesting Pruflas as a corrupted echo of Kulla, now dedicated to unraveling the bonds of society rather than building them. Further speculation ties it to Sumerian or Akkadian terms for chaos, reinforcing his identity as an architect of infernal disorder.
You May Also Like: Who Is Oriens? The Forgotten Infernal King
What Does the Demon Pruflas Look Like?
Pruflas manifests in a form that evokes terror and awe, typically as a blazing flame emanating from the vicinity of the Tower of Babel. His head resembles that of a nighthawk or owl, with piercing eyes that symbolize predatory cunning and nocturnal malice. This avian feature, often depicted with sharp, hooked beaks and feathers blending into fiery tendrils, underscores his role as a harbinger of discord.
In certain illustrations, such as those aligning him with similar demons, Pruflas appears with a hawk-like head, emphasizing speed and aggression in his destructive pursuits. Modern depictions expand this imagery, portraying him as a muscular incubus with bluish-gray skin, flowing auburn hair, and an aura of seductive danger.
These variations highlight his shape-shifting deceit, allowing him to adapt his terrifying visage to exploit human fears and weaknesses.
Historical and Mythological Background
The origins of Pruflas delve deep into ancient Mesopotamian lore, where he may have begun as a benevolent entity before being twisted into a symbol of infernal chaos. His ties to the Tower of Babel suggest a narrative of fallen ambition, positioning him as a guardian of humanity’s greatest folly.
The Tower of Babel and the Confusion of Tongues
Central to Pruflas‘s mythology is his association with the Tower of Babel, a biblical edifice representing mankind’s hubris in attempting to reach the heavens. According to legends in demonological texts, Pruflas dwells amid its ruins, eternally striving to unravel the divine curse of linguistic division imposed by God.
This myth portrays him as a relentless force, manipulating words and meanings to perpetuate misunderstandings and conflicts. His presence there is said to amplify quarrels, turning simple disagreements into catastrophic divisions that echo the tower’s collapse.
In expanded narratives, Pruflas is depicted as whispering falsehoods to the builders, accelerating the tower’s downfall. This act of sabotage not only scattered humanity but also entrenched his power over communication, allowing him to corrupt alliances and incite wars. The story emphasizes his malevolent ingenuity, using the remnants of the tower as a base to launch campaigns of discord across the world.
Babylonian Roots and the Deity Kulla
Scholars speculate that Pruflas originated as Kulla, the Babylonian god of bricks and construction in ancient Mesopotamian pantheons. Kulla was revered for aiding in building projects, including possibly the ziggurats that inspired the Tower of Babel myth.
However, with the advent of monotheistic religions, such deities were often demonized, transforming creators into destroyers. In this view, Pruflas represents the inversion of Kulla‘s constructive essence, now dedicated to dismantling societies through strife and lies.
This connection extends to broader Near Eastern mythologies, where similar figures in Sumerian and Akkadian lore governed craftsmanship but could wield destructive forces. Pruflas‘s evolution illustrates cultural syncretism, blending Babylonian reverence with Christian condemnation, resulting in a demon who exploits human endeavors for chaotic ends.
You May Also Like: Pan: From Forest God to Christian Demon
Connections to Other Ancient Deities and Demons
Pruflas shares thematic links with deities from various global mythologies, such as the Egyptian god Seth, who embodies chaos and discord in opposition to order. Similarly, in Norse lore, Loki‘s trickery and promotion of strife parallel Pruflas‘s deceptive nature. In Hindu traditions, demons like Ravana from the Ramayana incite wars through falsehoods, mirroring Pruflas‘s tactics.
Within demonology, Pruflas aligns with entities like Agares, who teaches languages but can sow division, or Astaroth, under whom he may serve. These connections suggest a network of infernal influences, where Pruflas contributes to a larger web of corruption drawing from diverse ancient sources.
The Conjurer’s Deceptive Ally
In occult legends, Pruflas is portrayed as a reluctant but truthful respondent when summoned by skilled magicians. This duality—fostering lies among mortals yet providing honest answers—highlights his complex malice. Conjurers risk invoking him for knowledge, but his presence often sparks unintended conflicts, underscoring the peril of dealing with such a demon.
Expanded tales describe rituals where Pruflas appears in smoke, demanding respect to avoid unleashing poverty upon the summoner. These stories warn of his treacherous aid, blending utility with inevitable betrayal.
Historical Mentions
| Text/Grimoire | Year | Description | Excerpt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Livre Des Espritz | 15th–16th Century | An early manuscript listing demons, serving as a precursor to later grimoires; mentions Pruflas among infernal princes. | Not available due to limited access to original text. |
| Pseudomonarchia Daemonum | 1577 | Details Pruflas as a Great Prince and Duke near the Tower of Babel, promoting discord and war. | “Pruflas otherwise found as Bufas, is a great prince and duke, whose abode is around the Tower of Babylon, and there he is seen like a flame outside. His head however is like that of a great night hawk. He is the author and promoter of discord, war, quarrels, and falsehood.” |
| Dictionnaire Infernal | 1818 | Illustrates Pruflas with an owl’s head, commanding 26 legions and inciting strife. | “A demon high prince and grand duke of hell, Pruflas/Busas commands 26 legions. In Babylon, where he shall reign, he has the head of an owl.” |
| The Choice of Life: Middle Ages (Game) | 2021 | Modern portrayal as a muscular incubus involved in medieval fantasy narratives. | No direct excerpt; narrative depicts him influencing player choices through deception. |
Pruflas’s Powers and Abilities
Pruflas possesses a arsenal of malevolent abilities tailored to unraveling human harmony, distinguishing him from lesser demons who rely on brute possession or generic temptation. His core powers revolve around inciting discord, wars, and quarrels, where he manipulates emotions to escalate minor disputes into widespread chaos.
Unlike common demonic traits such as shape-shifting or illusion-casting shared by many, Pruflas specializes in psychological warfare, fostering falsehoods that erode trust and lead to societal collapse.
He corrupts by amplifying insecurities, whispering lies that turn allies into enemies and communities into battlegrounds. For instance, Pruflas might inspire false accusations in political arenas, sparking revolutions or genocides. His ability to generate poverty stems from this, as sustained conflict depletes resources and morale.
In newer interpretations, including pop culture depictions like the entity Bagul in horror narratives, Pruflas extends his influence to soul consumption, particularly of the innocent, adding a layer of eternal damnation to his temptations.
Additionally, Pruflas augments warriorhood and strength, empowering those who summon him for battle prowess, but at the cost of moral decay. His manipulation of the second heart chakra enhances vengeful compassion and psychic aptitude, tempting seekers of power into darker paths. In death magick, he aids in necromantic rituals, binding spirits to further his chaotic agenda.
You May Also Like: Who Is Pazuzu? The Terrifying Demon of Mesopotamia
Powers and Abilities Breakdown
| Power/Ability | Description | Source | How It Tempts/Corrupts Humans | Countermeasure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Instigating Discord | Sparks arguments and divisions, turning harmony into hostility. | Pseudomonarchia Daemonum | Exploits personal grievances to fracture relationships and societies. | Honest communication, invocation of Michael. |
| Provoking Wars | Fuels large-scale conflicts through deception and provocation. | Dictionnaire Infernal | Manipulates leaders with false intelligence, leading to bloodshed. | Peace rituals, diplomatic truth-seeking. |
| Spreading Falsehoods | Promotes lies and misinformation, undermining reality. | Pseudomonarchia Daemonum | Encourages deceit in daily interactions, eroding trust. | Critical analysis, Raphael’s healing light. |
| Generating Poverty | Creates economic ruin through sustained strife. | Modern occult interpretations | Tempts with short-term gains that lead to long-term destitution. | Charity, grounding meditations. |
| Truthful Answers | Provides accurate responses when conjured, luring occultists. | Pseudomonarchia Daemonum | Offers knowledge that invites further infernal dealings. | Protective circles, divine safeguards. |
| Warriorhood Augmentation | Enhances physical strength and combat skills. | Esoteric blogs | Attracts warriors seeking power, binding them to violence. | Self-discipline, pacifist vows. |
| Chakra Manipulation | Demonizes the second heart chakra for vengeful psychic enhancement. | Modern demonology sources | Deepens emotional turmoil, fostering rage and obsession. | Chakra cleansing, spiritual purity. |
| Death Magick Proficiency | Aids in necromancy and spirit binding. | Occult forums | Tempts with control over the dead, leading to soul corruption. | Banishing rituals, holy water. |
| Soul Consumption | Devours souls, especially of children, in pop culture extensions. | Horror media interpretations | Lures with promises of immortality, resulting in eternal loss. | Exorcism, angelic intervention. |
How to Counter Pruflas’s Powers
Resisting Pruflas demands a multifaceted approach rooted in truth and spiritual fortitude. His discord-inducing abilities can be neutralized through transparent dialogue and community mediation, as lies crumble under scrutiny. Invoking Archangel Michael, the celestial warrior, provides a powerful shield, his sword severing infernal ties.
For war and quarrels, diplomatic rituals and peace invocations disrupt his influence, while grounding exercises prevent emotional escalation. Falsehoods are countered by cultivating critical thinking and seeking verifiable truths, perhaps through meditative clarity. Against poverty generation, acts of charity and economic solidarity weaken his grip.
Chakra manipulation requires purification practices, such as yoga or crystal healing with amethyst, to restore balance. In death magick, banishing spells and holy symbols repel his necromantic aid. Overall, Pruflas‘s summons must include ironclad protective circles, and his truthful answers should be weighed against the risk of ensuing chaos. Divine faith acts as the ultimate barrier, rendering his temptations impotent.
Pruflas’s Role in the Hierarchy of Hell
Within the intricate hierarchy of Hell, Pruflas occupies a prominent position as a Great Prince and Grand Duke, overseeing 26 legions composed of fallen spirits from the Orders of Thrones and Angels. This dual composition reflects his complex origins, blending high celestial authority with rebellious malice. He rules over domains tied to deception and conflict, possibly a shadowed realm near the metaphorical Tower of Babel in infernal geography, where chaos reigns supreme.
His superiors include Agaliarept, one of the Six Great Officers managing Hell’s affairs, under whom Pruflas serves alongside Aamon, Barbatos, and Astaroth. Ultimately, he answers to Lucifer or Satan, the apex of the infernal pyramid. Notable subordinates remain unnamed in primary texts, but his legions execute his commands in promoting strife.
Allied demons like Astaroth share synergistic roles, assisting in broader temptations. Adversaries might include demons of order, though specifics are scarce. Compared to peers like Agares (Duke with 31 legions) or Aim (Great Duke with fire powers), Pruflas‘s rank emphasizes his specialized dominion over psychological ruin, making him a key player in Hell’s orchestrated corruption.
You May Also Like: Phenex: The Fiery Demon Marquis of Hell
Astrological Associations and Symbolism
Pruflas‘s esoteric profile brims with symbolic elements drawn from astrology and occult traditions, reflecting his chaotic essence. Tied to the element of fire, he symbolizes destructive transformation and passionate conflict, his flame-like form evoking purification through ruin. Planetary associations include Jupiter for expansion of discord and Mercury for deceptive communication, amplifying his influence during their transits.
Zodiacally, speculative links to Scorpio highlight intensity and manipulation, while his magickal numbers—such as 97, 111, and 57—represent spiritual disruption.
Colors like purple (mysticism), green (envious growth), and orange (energetic chaos) dominate his palette. Metals such as iron (for warrior strength) and copper (conductive deception) align with him, alongside crystals like pyrite (fool’s gold for falsehoods), amethyst (psychic enhancement), and citrine (energy amplification).
Days of power might include Wednesdays (Mercury-ruled) for lies or Thursdays (Jupiter) for wars. Precious stones like onyx ward against him, while ruby fuels his fire. These associations aid in rituals but warn of his perilous nature.
| Astrological/Symbolic Element | Association | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Element | Fire, Water (speculative duality) | Destruction, emotional turbulence |
| Planet | Jupiter, Mercury | Expansion of chaos, deceptive intellect |
| Zodiac | Scorpio, Aries (aggression) | Intensity, warfare |
| Colors | Purple, Green, Orange, Red | Mysticism, envy, energy, passion |
| Metals | Iron, Copper, Tin | Strength, conductivity, expansion |
| Crystals | Pyrite, Amethyst, Citrine, Onyx | Deception, psychic power, energy, protection |
| Magickal Numbers | 97, 111, 899, 57, 94, 91 | Disruption, transformation, chaos |
| Days | Wednesday, Thursday | Communication, growth of strife |
Pruflas’s Sigil
Unlike many demons in the Ars Goetia, Pruflas lacks a documented sigil in foundational grimoires, possibly due to his omission from that text.
This absence enhances his mysterious aura, compelling occultists to rely on chants for invocation, such as “Liftoach Pandemonium, et germinet Pruslas” or “Timgalla Rimtorra Pruflas Rimkathorra”. These vocal symbols manifest his presence in ritual smoke or reflective surfaces, serving as auditory equivalents to visual seals.
| Symbol/Item | Association/Meaning | Use in Rituals |
|---|---|---|
| Owl/Nighthawk | Predatory wisdom, deception | Focal point for summoning visions |
| Flame | Chaos, destruction, transformation | Lit during invocations for manifestation |
| Incense (Nutmeg) | Psychic enhancement, attraction | Burned to draw Pruflas‘s essence |
| Crystal (Pyrite) | Falsehood, protection from truth | Held to channel deceptive energies |
| Scrying Water | Divination, illusory revelations | Used for gazing into his truthful answers |
| Trumpet | Announcement of strife, call to war | Symbolic in rituals to amplify discord |
| Brick | Babylonian origins, construction of chaos | Offered as tribute to his Kulla roots |
You May Also Like: Proserpina: Queen of the Underworld’s Dark Secrets
Comparison with Other Demons
| Demon | Rank | Powers | Appearance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agares | Duke | Teaches languages, causes earthquakes, returns runaways | Old man riding a crocodile |
| Aim | Great Duke | Sets cities on fire, grants cunning wit | Three-headed figure (serpent, man, calf) |
| Paimon | King | Teaches arts and sciences, binds subjects | Effeminate man on a dromedary |
| Beleth | King | Induces love, commands musical phenomena | Terrifying king on a pale horse |
| Amdusias | Great Duke | Causes trees to bend, provides musical concerts | Unicorn, transforms into human with trumpet |
| Buné | Great Duke | Grants eloquence, riches, moves corpses | Three-headed dragon |
| Purson | King | Reveals hidden treasures, predicts future | Lion-faced man riding a bear |
| Astaroth | Great Duke | Teaches sciences, reveals past and future | Foul angel on an infernal dragon |
| Belial | King | Distributes dignities, causes favors | Two beautiful angels in a fiery chariot |
| Asmodeus | King | Teaches geometry, incites lust, destroys marriages | Three-headed (bull, man, ram) on dragon |
| Vassago | Prince | Discovers hidden things, declares past and future | Good-natured, reveals truths |
| Andras | Marquis | Sows discord, teaches to kill enemies | Angel with a raven’s head on a wolf |
Conclusion
Pruflas, the enigmatic demon of discord and falsehood, stands as a testament to the enduring allure of infernal lore in demonology.
His powers to provoke wars, quarrels, and poverty, combined with his paradoxical truth-telling, mark him as a uniquely dangerous entity, forever tied to the ruins of human ambition at the Tower of Babel. Through ancient grimoires and modern interpretations, Pruflas continues to embody the shadows of deception that plague society.
As we reflect on his Babylonian origins and place in Hell’s hierarchy, the questions linger: How much of our world’s strife bears his invisible hand? This malevolent Great Prince serves as a cautionary figure, reminding us of the fragility of truth and unity in the face of chaos.
