Who Is Bael (Baal) and Why Is He the First King of Hell?

Bael is known in classical demonology as a powerful and ancient demon. He is often listed as the first main spirit in the Ars Goetia. He is said to grant invisibility and wisdom to those who can control him.

His nature is deeply ingrained in the transition of ancient Canaanite deities into the demonic figures of Western occultism. As a King of the East, Bael is associated with a complex and grotesque physical appearance, reflecting his high status and the complex layers of his historical evolution.

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Key Takeaways

Attribute	Details
Name	Bael, Baël, Baell, Baal.
Title	First King of Hell, King of the East.
Gender	Male.
Origin	Derived from the West Semitic deity Baal; first formally categorized as a demon in 16th-century grimoires like the Pseudomonarchia Daemonum.
Appearance	Commonly depicted with three heads: a toad, a man, and a cat; has a hoarse voice and spindly legs or the lower body of a spider.
Hierarchy	Ranked as a King; the first spirit listed in the Lemegeton’s Ars Goetia.
Superior Demon	Subject to the higher infernal powers of the East; often associated with the direction of the Orient.
Servitors	Commands sixty-six legions of inferior spirits.
Associated Figures	Often confused or linked with Beelzebub; associated with King Solomon, who supposedly bound him.
Powers	Grants the power of invisibility, imparts wisdom, and provides knowledge of various sciences.
Weaknesses	Submission to the seal or lamens of Solomon; specific planetary alignments (Sun in Aries).
Opposing Angel/Saint	Often cited as the Archangel Raphael or the virtue of Humility.
Equipment/Tools	Has a royal scepter; represented by a specific sigil required for his manifestation.
Pantheon	Abrahamic Demonology / Solomonic tradition.
Notable Myths	The categorization of the 72 Goetic spirits by King Solomon.

Etymology

The name Bael comes from the Northwest Semitic word Ba’al. In Canaanite languages such as Ugaritic and Phoenician, Ba’al denotes “Lord,” “Master,” or “Owner.” It was once a common title for many gods in the Levant, especially the storm god Baal Hadad.

As monotheistic religions developed, especially in Hebrew culture, the word Baal became a negative term for false idols or foreign gods. Over time, it changed from a title for gods to the name of a specific demon.

In the Lesser Key of Solomon, Bael became a unique entity, no longer just a general title for “lord.” He is shown as the first king of the infernal legions. Different spellings, such as Baël, derive from French and Latin translations in early demonological texts.

What Does the Demon Bael Look Like?

Descriptions of Bael focus on his mixed and strange appearance. Old grimoires state that he does not have a single form but usually appears with three heads.

Bael’s first head is a toad, which is often linked to witchcraft. His second head is a human, usually with a serious or royal look. The third head is a cat, an animal connected to stealth and the night. All three heads share one body, which stands on spider legs or, in some stories, a crab’s body or thin, insect-like limbs.

Bael’s voice is hoarse and low, which makes him seem more intimidating. He appears in a way that shows his kingly status, but his mixed form is meant to unsettle people. The toad and cat heads show his control over change and the hidden, nighttime parts of nature.

Historical and Mythological Background

The Combat of Baal and the Tyranny of Yam

In the ancient tablets of the Baal Cycle from Ugarit, Baal (Hadad) is a heroic storm god who must defend the divine assembly from the arrogance of Yam, the god of the primordial sea. The story begins with Yam demanding that the council of gods surrender Baal to him as a slave. While the other gods cower, Baal stands defiant.

The divine smith, Kothar-wa-Khasis, fashions two enchanted clubs for Baal, naming them Yagrush (“Chaser”) and Aymur (“Driver”). He tells Baal that these weapons will dance in his hands like living things. During the battle, Baal strikes Yam on the shoulders with the first club, but the sea god remains standing.

It is only when Baal strikes Yam between the eyes with the second club that the sea god collapses. Baal then “scatters” Yam, signifying the taming of the chaotic waters and his ascension as the rightful king of the gods on Mount Zaphon.

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The Descent of Baal and the Vengeance of Anat

Following his victory over the sea, Baal faces a more terrifying foe: Mot, the personification of Death and Sterility. Mot sends word to Baal that his appetite is that of a lion in the wilderness, and he intends to swallow the storm god whole. To save the world from destruction, Baal must succumb to the power of the grave. He travels to the entrance of the underworld at the base of the mountains and enters the throat of Mot.

With Baal dead, the rain ceases, and the earth withers. The goddess Anat, Baal’s sister and consort, wanders the earth in mourning until she confronts Mot.

In a display of divine rage, she seizes Death, splits him with a sword, winnows him in a sieve, burns him with fire, grinds him with millstones, and sows his remains in the fields. Following the destruction of Death, Baal is miraculously resurrected, returning to his throne and restoring the life-giving rains to the scorched earth.

The Ordeal of Fire on Mount Carmel

In the narrative of the First Book of Kings, the title Baal is used to refer to the primary rival of the Hebrew God. The prophet Elijah challenges 450 prophets of Baal to a spiritual duel on Mount Carmel to end a long drought. Two altars are built, and two bulls are prepared for sacrifice, but no fire is lit. Elijah declares that the god who answers by fire is the true God.

The prophets of Baal call on his name from morning until noon, crying out, “O Baal, answer us!” They leap around the altar and, according to the custom of the time, cut themselves with swords and lances until blood gushes out. Elijah mocks them, saying, “Cry louder! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or busy, or traveling. Maybe he is sleeping and must be awakened.”

Despite their frantic rituals until evening, the text records that there was no voice, and no one paid attention. When Elijah prays, a fire falls from Heaven that consumes the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and even the water in the trench, leading to the total rejection of Baal in that tradition.

The Subjugation of Bael by the Ring of Solomon

In the later folklore of the Testament of Solomon, the transition to the demon Bael is completed through the narrative of the King’s magical authority. Solomon is struggling to build the Temple because to interference from a “vampire spirit.” The Archangel Michael gives him a ring engraved with the Seal of God, which grants him power over all demons.

Solomon summons the spirits one by one to interrogate them and put them to work. Bael (appearing under the guise of the first Goetic king) is brought before the King. Solomon demands to know his office and his celestial counterpart. Bael reveals his power to make men invisible and his command over vast legions.

Using the ring, Solomon binds Bael, compelling the proud king of the East to use his supernatural strength and legions to haul the heavy stones of the Temple and to guard the king’s secret treasures. This story establishes the “legal” precedent in demonology that even a king of Hell must obey the divine seal.

Historical Mentions

Pseudomonarchia Daemonum (1577, original Latin):

“Baël. Primus rex, qui est de parte orientis, dicitur Baël. Apparet tribus capitibus: primum simile est bufoni: alterum homini: tertium feli. Rauca loquitur voce: reddit hominem invisibilem & sapientem. Huic obediunt sexaginta sex legiones spirituum.”

Pseudomonarchia Daemonum (1577, English translation):

“Baël. The first King, which is of the power of the East, is called Baël. He appeareth with three heads: the first is like a toad: the second like a man: the third like a cat. He speaketh with a hoarse voice: he maketh a man go invisible and wise. To him obey sixty and six legions of spirits.”

The Lesser Key of Solomon (17th Century, English):

“The First Principal Spirit is a King ruling in the East, called Bael. He maketh thee to go Invisible. He ruleth over 66 Legions of Infernal Spirits. He appeareth in diverse shapes, sometimes like a Cat, sometimes like a Toad, and sometimes like a Man, and sometimes all these forms at once. He speaketh hoarsely.”

Livre des Esperitz (15th-16th Century, original French):

“Le premier roy de l’orient a nom Beal. Il a sous luy VI legions d’esperitz. Il donne invisibilité et fait que l’on est aymé de tous.”

Livre des Esperitz (15th-16th Century, English translation):

“The first king of the East is named Beal. He has under him 6 legions of spirits. He gives invisibility and causes one to be loved by all.”

The Discoverie of Witchcraft (1584, Reginald Scot):

“The first and principall king (which is of the power of the east) is called Baell; who when he is conjured up, appeareth with three heads; the first, like a tode; the second, like a man; the third, like a cat. He speaketh with a hoarse voice, he maketh a man go invisible and wise.”

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Sloane MS 3824 (17th Century, English):

Of the Demon Rulers: Baal is a king ruled by Oriens, attributed with teaching science, granting invisibility, and controlling 250 legions of spirits.

The Grimoire of Pope Honorius (Later Editions, English):

Under Astaroth: Bael is a prince whose powers include invisibility and popularity.

Liber Officiorum Spirituum (The Book of the Office of Spirits, 16th Century):

“Baal, Baall, Boal, or Boall, is a hoarsely-voiced king (or sometimes a soldier), with not only the powers of invisibility but also of the sciences and love.”

Bael’s Powers and Abilities

Bael’s primary supernatural ability is the ability to procure invisibility. Unlike mere physical concealment, this power is often interpreted in occult philosophy as the ability to move through the world unnoticed or to hide one’s intentions from others. This power is used to corrupt by encouraging stealth, deceit, and the avoidance of accountability for one’s actions.

Beyond invisibility, Bael is a provider of cunning and wisdom. However, this wisdom is often “dark,” focusing on manipulating the physical world and acquiring secret knowledge that may lead to pride or spiritual decay. He is also said to govern the understanding of all sciences. However, he imparts this in a way that prioritizes worldly gain over moral clarity.

Powers and Abilities Breakdown

Power/Ability	Description	Source	How It Tempts/Corrupts
Invisibility	The ability to render the practitioner unseen.	Ars Goetia	Encourages theft, espionage, and lack of accountability.
Imparting Wisdom	Granting sharp intellect and cunning.	Pseudomonarchia Daemonum	Fosters intellectual pride and superiority over others.
Linguistic Knowledge	The ability to understand and speak diverse tongues.	Various Grimoires	Used to facilitate deceitful communication and manipulation.

How to Counter Bael’s Powers

To protect against Bael, people use sacred barriers and purifying items. Since Bael is linked to the East and the elements of Fire or Air, grounding things like salt and holy water are important. Lining doorways with salt is thought to keep invisible beings out.

Amulets with the Seal of Solomon are said to be the best way to bind or drive away Bael. The herb St. John’s Wort has also long been used to ward off evil spirits. If someone feels spiritually troubled, a priest’s blessing or burning frankincense can help clear out Bael’s heavy presence.

Bael’s Role in the Hierarchy of Hell

In the strict order of Hell, Bael is ranked as a King and is the First Principal Spirit in the Ars Goetia. Being first in the list shows his importance and power among the seventy-two spirits. As a King, he is linked to the Sun, which stands for leadership, light, and authority over others.

Bael rules over the East, which in occult traditions is seen as the source of light and spiritual power. Although he is a king, he is not the paramount ruler of the East. Old grimoires state that he serves under the main monarch, Amaymon (or Oriens), as a loyal vassal, managing extensive territories for the Emperor of the East.

Bael’s connections with other top demons involve both shared traits and rivalry. He is often linked to Beelzebub, since both names come from the Canaanite “Baal.” In some demon lists, such as Sebastien Michaelis’s, Bael is said to have once been a Cherubim, along with other fallen beings such as Paimon and Lerin.

Many kings in Hell are seen as independent. Still, Bael is known for being strict yet willing to work with other spirits from the East, like Duke Agares, who comes right after him in the list and has a similar influence in the region.

The Legions and Servitors of Bael

Bael leads sixty-six legions of spirits, making up a large and varied army. These spirits range from simple demon soldiers to complex aerial beings who help him grant invisibility. While most grimoires do not list all sixty-six thousand spirits by name, they do mention certain types of helpers who serve him:

• The Invisibility Weavers: Spirits that specialize in manipulating light and perception, allowing Bael to fulfill his promise of making men unseen.
• The Hoarse Whisperers: Entities that assist in the transmission of the dark wisdom and “cunning” Bael provides, often manifesting through auditory hallucinations or intrusive thoughts.
• Sub-Spirits of the Cat and Toad: Mentioned in some deeper occult commentaries, these are lesser familiars that take the form of the animals Bael represents, serving as scouts and observers in the physical world.
• Agares (As a Peer-Subordinate): While Agares is a Duke in his own right, his position as the second spirit suggests a close operational link to Bael’s court, often acting as the “voice” or negotiator for the King’s more reclusive manifestations.

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Astrological Associations and Symbolism

Bael is closely tied to the Sun, which reflects his rank as a King (as Kings in the Goetia are traditionally associated with Solar energy). His influence is strongest when the Sun is in the sign of Aries, the first sign of the zodiac, mirroring his position as the first spirit of the list.

Association	Symbol/Value
Element	Fire
Planet	Sun
Metal	Gold
Color	Yellow / Gold
Zodiac Sign	Aries (1-10 degrees)
Number	1

Bael’s Sigil

The Sigil of Bael is a specific geometric design used to identify and command the entity. It consists of interconnected lines and circles, typical of Solomonic seals, which act as a psychic “signature.”

According to the Ars Goetia, this sigil must be worn as a Lamen—a protective metal plate—on the practitioner’s chest. Without this symbol, Bael is said to be disobedient and dangerous.

Associated Symbols and Offerings

Symbol/Item	Association/Meaning	Use in Rituals
Spider	Cunning and the weaving of webs.	Symbol of his physical form and reach.
Frankincense	Solar purification and royalty.	Used to create a space fit for a King.
Gold	The metal of the Sun and Kings.	Material for engraving his sigil.

Similar Demonic Entities

Demon Name	Gender	Primary Religion	Type / Class	Sphere of Influence	Weaknesses
Beelzebub	Male	Abrahamic	Prince of Devils	Gluttony, decay, flies	Holy names, Archangel Gabriel
Astaroth	Male	Christian	Grand Duke	Laziness, vanity, secrets	St. Bartholomew, iron
Paimon	Male	Abrahamic	King	Arts, sciences, mind control	Consecrated host, water
Asmodeus	Male	Jewish/Christian	King of Lust	Wrath, lust, gambling	Fish heart/liver smoke
Belial	Male	Jewish	Prince of Darkness	Lawlessness, worthlessness	Archangel Michael, salt
Moloch	Male	Canaanite/Abrahamic	Arch-Demon	Sacrifice, fire, war	Silver, cleansing rituals
Pazuzu	Male	Mesopotamian	Wind Demon	Famine, locusts, storms	Amulets of himself
Nergal	Male	Mesopotamian	God of Underworld	Plague, war, death	Sacred oils, prayers to Enlil
Lilith	Female	Jewish Folklore	Night Demon	Infant mortality, nightmares	Amulets with three angels
Agares	Male	Abrahamic	Duke	Earthquakes, foul language	Copper, religious symbols

Conclusion

Bael remains one of the most significant figures in classical demonology, serving as the gateway to the Goetic hierarchy. His evolution from a regional “Lord” to a three-headed king of the infernal legions illustrates the shifting nature of religious and mythological interpretation over millennia.

Although Bael is mainly known for giving invisibility and cunning, his story is shaped by his deep historical roots. To understand Bael, it is important to look at both his ancient beginnings and his place in the Renaissance books that shaped today’s Western view of demons.