Who Is Alloces, The Lion-Faced Duke of Hell?

Picture a demon with the face of a lion, eyes ablaze, riding a mighty horse into battle. This is Alloces, a Duke of Hell whose commanding presence and intellectual gifts make him a standout in Goetic demonology.

Known for teaching astronomy and liberal sciences, Alloces wields knowledge as powerfully as he does his 36 legions of spirits. With a hoarse, booming voice and a fiery demeanor, he embodies both warrior and scholar.

So, who is Alloces? What secrets does this lion-faced demon hold?

Key Information About Alloces

What Is the Meaning of Alloces’ Name?

The name Alloces, pronounced “AL-oh-sees,” carries a rich tapestry of linguistic origins that illuminate his role as a Duke of Hell.

Its etymology likely stems from Latin “alloco,” meaning to place or arrange, suggesting Alloces’ ability to organize knowledge or command legions with precision.

Alternatively, a Greek derivation from “allos” (other) and “keras” (horn) could evoke his lion-like, warlike nature, as horns symbolize strength in ancient iconography.

Some scholars propose a Hebrew influence, combining “al” (upon) and “kos” (cup or vessel), portraying Alloces as a vessel of celestial wisdom or infernal power.

This multifaceted etymology aligns with Alloces’ dual roles as a teacher of astronomy and a martial leader. The name’s martial undertones resonate with his knightly appearance, while its organizational connotations reflect his intellectual gifts.

In medieval demonology, names were carefully crafted to encapsulate a demon’s essence, and Alloces’ title suggests both authority and enlightenment.

Alternate spellings like Allocer or Alocer arise from scribal variations, but they preserve the name’s commanding tone.

Alloces Historical and Mythological Background

Alloces emerges from the celestial rebellion that shaped Goetic demonology. According to the Ars Goetia, he was once an angel of the Order of Powers, a choir tasked with maintaining cosmic order, before joining Lucifer’s revolt.

Cast into Hell, he rose as a Duke, commanding 36 legions and wielding knowledge as his weapon. This fallen angel narrative, common in Christian demonology, underscores Alloces’ transformation from divine servant to infernal scholar, blending intellect with rebellion.

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Beyond Christian tradition, Alloces’ attributes suggest influences from older mythologies. His lion-faced appearance and martial form evoke war deities like Ares (Greek) or Nergal (Mesopotamian), both associated with battle and fiery destruction.

The lion, a symbol of strength and royalty, aligns with Near Eastern iconography, such as the lion-headed demons of Assyrian art, hinting at a syncretic evolution. His horse-riding form recalls cavalry gods or heroic figures like Horus or Mithras, who embodied mobility and conquest.

These parallels suggest Alloces absorbed traits from ancient warrior archetypes, reimagined as a demon in medieval grimoires.

In medieval Europe, Alloces gained prominence during the witch trials (15th–17th centuries), where demons were invoked for knowledge or power.

The Livre des Esperitz and Pseudomonarchia Daemonum describe him as a teacher of astronomy, appealing to alchemists and scholars seeking celestial insights. His role in Hell’s eastern region, per some interpretations, ties him to the dawn and enlightenment, aligning with medieval cosmology’s view of the East as a source of wisdom.

Alloces’ martial aspect also made him a patron for those navigating political or military conflicts, reflecting his dual nature as scholar and warrior.

The Ars Goetia positions Alloces alongside demons like Agares and Vassago, who share his intellectual focus. His connection to Satanachia, a high-ranking demon, suggests a strategic role in Hell’s hierarchy, balancing knowledge with combat readiness.

What Does Alloces Look Like?

Alloces’ appearance is as striking as it is formidable, as described in the Ars Goetia:

“The Fifty-second Spirit is Alloces, or Alocas. He is a Duke, Great, Mighty, and Strong, appearing in the Form of a Soldier riding upon a Great Horse. His Face is like that of a Lion, very Red, and having Flaming Eyes. His Speech is hoarse and very big.”

This vivid imagery paints Alloces as a knight or soldier clad in red armor, astride a powerful horse, with a lion’s face, fiery eyes, and a booming voice.

The lion face, flushed with a vivid red hue, symbolizes strength, royalty, and ferocity, while his flaming eyes convey an otherworldly intensity. His hoarse, loud speech amplifies his commanding presence, evoking fear and respect.

The Dictionnaire Infernal reinforces this depiction, emphasizing his warrior aesthetic, while modern art, such as in Shin Megami Tensei, may add glowing armor or a blazing mane to heighten his mystique.

Symbolically, the lion represents Alloces’ authority and courage, the horse his mobility and martial prowess, and the red armor his fiery, warlike nature.

This combination distinguishes him from demons like Agares (crocodile-mounted) or Paimon (camel-riding), grounding Alloces in a warrior archetype that resonates across cultures.

Alloces’ Powers and Abilities

Alloces wields a potent array of powers, as outlined in the Pseudomonarchia Daemonum:

“Allocer is a great and mightie duke, appearing in the shape of a knight, riding on a great horsse; his face is like a lions, verie red, with flaming eies, his voice is hoarse and loud; he teacheth astronomie, and the liberall sciences, and giveth good familiars; he ruleth thirtie six legions.”

His abilities include:

• Teaching Astronomy: Imparts knowledge of stars, planets, and celestial mechanics, aiding scholars and navigators.
• Teaching Liberal Sciences: Covers philosophy, logic, rhetoric, and other disciplines, fostering intellectual growth.
• Providing Good Familiars: Grants spiritual assistants for guidance, protection, or tasks.
• Military Influence: His knightly form suggests strategic or combative support, possibly aiding in conflicts.

These powers make Alloces a versatile demon, blending intellectual gifts with martial strength, ideal for summoners seeking wisdom or power.

Alloces’ Role in the Hierarchy of Hell

As a Duke of Hell, Alloces commands 36 legions, a significant force within the infernal hierarchy. He operates under Lucifer’s ultimate authority, possibly aligned with Satanachia, a high-ranking demon overseeing dukes like Agares and Barbatos.

His eastern Hell association, per some occult interpretations, positions him alongside Amaimon or Oriens, rulers of the dawn’s domain.

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Alloces’ intellectual focus links him to demons like Vassago, who reveals hidden knowledge, while his martial aspect aligns with Eligos, a war-focused duke. This balance of scholar and warrior defines his role, making him a strategic asset in Hell’s governance.

What Is Alloces’ Zodiac Sign?

Alloces is closely tied to Leo (July 23–August 22), a fire sign ruled by the Sun. Leo’s qualities—leadership, courage, and charisma—mirror Alloces’ lion-faced appearance and commanding presence.

The Sun enhances his role as a teacher of astronomy, symbolizing enlightenment and authority, while a secondary Mars influence reflects his martial nature. His power peaks in summer, particularly August, when Leo’s fiery energy is strongest, and during daylight hours, aligning with solar potency.

How to Summon the Demon Alloces?

Summoning Alloces, as detailed in the Ars Goetia, requires precision and respect. Practitioners draw his sigil in gold or red ink, prepare offerings like gold candles or frankincense, and create a protective circle of salt or chalk.

Invocations, often in Latin, call Alloces forth, demanding focus to manage his fiery temperament. Historically, scholars sought his astronomy knowledge, while warriors invoked him for strategic aid.

Modern occultists may use his sigil in meditation, though ethical concerns limit practical summoning. The Ars Goetia warns of Alloces’ intensity, urging summoners to approach with caution.

Alloces Sigil

Alloces’ sigil, a geometric design with curves and intersecting lines, is a key ritual tool from the Ars Goetia.

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Drawn in gold or red, it symbolizes his authority and intellectual gifts, serving as a conduit to his infernal realm. Placed on an altar or worn as a talisman, the sigil focuses the summoner’s intent, bridging the mortal and demonic planes with precision.

Alloces in Modern Media and Pop Culture

Alloces enjoys a niche presence in modern media, primarily in video games.

In Shin Megami Tensei, he appears as a summonable demon with fire-based attacks, reflecting his lion-faced, fiery nature. Castlevania features him as a soul or ally, emphasizing his martial prowess.

Occult literature, such as The Black Pullet, references Alloces as a knowledge-granting spirit, influencing niche fiction. In chaos magic, practitioners invoke him for astronomy or strategic insights, though he remains less prominent than Paimon or Bael.

Comparison of Alloces with Other Demons

Conclusion

Alloces, the lion-faced Duke of Hell, blends intellectual brilliance with martial might. His astronomy teachings, fiery presence, and 36 legions cement his place in Goetic demonology, from ancient grimoires to modern games.

Whether you seek his celestial wisdom or warrior’s strength, Alloces captivates as a demon of knowledge and power.