Adramelech is a deity that has been worshiped throughout history by various cultures and religions. In Hebrew, Adramelech means “king of fire,” and he was often associated with the sun and fire. According to the Bible, Adramelech was worshiped by the people of Sepharvaim, a possible Assyrian settlement in Samaria. He was the son of Sennacherib, king of Assyria, and the murderer of his father in the temple of Nisroch.
Adramelech was also associated with Moloch, another deity associated with child sacrifice. According to some sources, Adramelech was worshiped at Sepharvaim, where children were burned on his altar. In demonology, Adramelech is described as the Chancellor of the infernal regions, Keeper of the Wardrobe of the Demon King, and President of the High Council of the Devils. He is often depicted as a goat-headed demon or in the form of a mule or peacock.
The worship of Adramelech has been the subject of much controversy and criticism throughout history, particularly due to his association with child sacrifice. However, his influence and significance in various cultures cannot be denied. In this article, we will explore the history and mythology surrounding Adramelech, as well as his role in various religions and belief systems throughout history.
Adramelech in Mythology
Assyrian Origins
Adramelech is an ancient Semitic deity who was worshiped by the Assyrians. According to the Book of Kings, he was worshiped in the city of Sepharvaim, where children were burned on his altar. He is also mentioned in the Talmud and the Zohar as a demon who was worshiped by the Canaanites and the Phoenicians. The name Adramelech is believed to mean “The King of Fire” or “The Powerful King”.
Descriptions in Ancient Texts
In demonology, Adramelech is often depicted as the Grand Chancellor of Hell and is considered to be one of the most powerful demons. He is described as having a human torso and head, and the rest of the body of a mule or a peacock. According to Johan Weyer, Adramelech is Chancellor of the infernal regions, Keeper of the Wardrobe of the Demon King, and President of the High Council of the Devils.
Cultural Significance
Adramelech has been a significant figure in various Judeo-Christian traditions, including demonology and occultism. He has been associated with the concept of fire and has been linked to the sun god Shamash. Adramelech has also been mentioned in literature, such as John Milton’s Paradise Lost, where he is a fallen angel who is vanquished by Uriel and Raphael.
In conclusion, Adramelech is an ancient deity who has been worshiped by various cultures throughout history. He has been depicted in many different ways and has been associated with different concepts and figures. His significance in mythology and demonology continues to be studied and explored by scholars and enthusiasts alike.
Adramelech in Demonology
Adramelech is a demon that has been mentioned in various Judeo-Christian traditions. According to Gustav Davidson, Adramelech, which means “king of fire,” is one of two throne angels along with Asmadai. In demonology, he is the 8th of the 10 arch-demons and a great minister and chancellor of the Order of the Fly, founded by Beelzebub.
Occult References
Adramelech is often depicted as the Grand Chancellor of Hell and is considered to be one of the most powerful demons in these traditions. He is said to appear in the form of a mule or peacock. According to Collin de Plancy’s book on demonology, Adramelech became the President of the Senate of the demons.
Modern Depictions
In modern depictions, Adramelech is sometimes portrayed as a jinni, vanquished by Uriel and Raphael in Milton’s Paradise Lost. The demon Adramelech is also a chieftain of Hell and the governor of the Devil’s wardrobe. It is believed that Adramelech is of uncertain origin, possibly derived from a Samarian Sun god worshipped by the Sepharvites, who burned children as a sacrificial offering to him.
Overall, Adramelech’s portrayal in demonology has evolved over time, with various traditions and beliefs contributing to his image as a powerful demon.
Historical Context
Biblical Accounts
In the Bible, Adramelech is mentioned in 2 Kings 17:31 as one of the gods of Sepharvaim. The Sepharvites were a people deported by the Assyrians to Samaria, and they burned their children in the fire as sacrifices to Adramelech and Anammelech. The exact nature of Adramelech’s worship is not clear from the Bible, but it is believed to have involved human sacrifice.
Mythological Evolution
Adramelech later became associated with demons and the devil in Christian demonology. According to Johan Weyer, Adramelech is Chancellor of the infernal regions, Keeper of the Wardrobe of the Demon King, and President of the High Council of the Devils. He was worshiped at Sepharvaim, an Assyrian town, where children were burned on his altar.
In demonology, Adramelech is described as “The enemy of God, greater in ambition, guile and mischief than Satan. A fiend more curst — a deeper hypocrite”. Adramelech is generally depicted with a human torso and head, and the rest of the body of a mule (or sometimes as a peacock). He is considered the Grand Chancellor of the infernal empire.
Adramelech’s origins are not entirely clear, but he is believed to have been a deity worshiped by the people of Sepharvaim. No Assyrian or Babylonian deity is known by the name Adramelech.
Cultural Impact
Literature
Adramelech has been referenced in various works of literature, including the Bible. In the Book of Kings, he is mentioned as a god of Sepharvaim. He is also mentioned in Milton’s “Paradise Lost” as one of the fallen angels. Adramelech’s depiction as a demon in some traditions has led to his inclusion in various works of horror and dark fantasy.
Popular Media
Adramelech has made appearances in popular media, including video games, TV shows, and movies. In the video game “Castlevania: Symphony of the Night,” he is depicted as a boss character. In the TV show “Supernatural,” Adramelech is mentioned as a powerful demon. He has also made appearances in movies such as “The Exorcist III” and “The Ninth Gate.”
Art and Symbolism
Adramelech’s unique appearance has made him a popular subject in art and symbolism. He is often depicted with a human torso, a mule’s head, and a peacock tail. This imagery has been used in various forms of art, including paintings and sculptures. Adramelech’s association with the sun has also made him a popular symbol in astrology and other forms of mysticism.
Religious Interpretations
Christian Views
In Christian tradition, Adramelech is often associated with Satan and considered a demon. The name Adramelech is not mentioned in the Bible, but the god is referenced in the Book of Kings as a deity worshipped by the people of Sepharvaim. Some Christian scholars believe that Adramelech is a fallen angel who rebelled against God and was cast out of heaven along with Satan and other demons.
Comparative Mythology
Adramelech is also a figure in various other mythologies and religions. In Assyrian mythology, Adramelech was a sun god and one of the chief deities of the city of Sippar. In Phoenician mythology, Adramelech was a god of fire and the sun. Some scholars have suggested that Adramelech may have been influenced by the Mesopotamian god Marduk or the Canaanite god Moloch.
Overall, the interpretations of Adramelech vary widely depending on the culture and religion in question. While some view him as a powerful deity associated with the sun and fire, others see him as a malevolent demon who seeks to corrupt and deceive humanity.