Barbas: The Lion Demon Who Spreads Disease

Barbas is known as the fifth spirit in the Lemegeton, especially in the Ars Goetia. He is ranked as a Great President in the infernal hierarchy.

Barbas usually appears first as a large lion, then changes into a human form when summoned by a conjurer. He commands 36 legions of spirits and is mainly associated with to mechanical arts and the sharing of hidden or stolen knowledge.

---

---

Key Takeaways

Attribute	Details
Names	Barbas, Marbas
Title	Great President
Gender	Male
Role	Architect of diseases, bringer of plagues, and master of transformations.
Rank	President
Hierarchy	Subordinate to the higher kings of the Goetia; commands 36 legions of lesser spirits.
Legions	36 Legions
Powers	Causes and spreads infectious diseases, transforms human appearances into hideous shapes, and reveals secrets of a malicious or stolen nature.
Associated Figures	Solomon (as the binder), other Goetic Presidents such as Buer.
Weaknesses	Bound by the secret seal of Solomon, constrained by the names of the Tetragrammaton.
Opposing Angel/Saint	The Angel Mahasiah.
Pantheon	Christian / Solomonic Occultism
Primary Sources	Ars Goetia, Pseudomonarchia Daemonum, Dictionnaire Infernal, The Discoverie of Witchcraft.

Who or What is Barbas?

Barbas, often called Marbas, is a high-ranking demon known as a President in the infernal world. In Christian demonology and Solomonic tradition, he is seen as a powerful spirit to be approached with great caution, as he can influence the body and the mechanical world.

Unlike some other demons, he is not described as a fallen angel from a specific angelic group. However, he is well established in 16th and 17th-century grimoires as one of the main seventy-two spirits that King Solomon is said to have trapped.

As a Great President, Barbas is known for his technical and sometimes harmful wisdom. He is skilled in the ‘mechanical arts,’ which historically refers to the making of tools and buildings. Still, he also uses this skill to create illnesses and physical changes. He first appears as a lion, showing his strength, and only takes on a human form when a ritualist with his sigil commands him.

“Barbas” Meaning

The name Barbas or Marbas likely comes from Latin or even older languages. One common theory is that it comes from the Latin word ‘barba,’ which means ‘beard.’ This could refer to the lion’s mane, which looks like a beard, or to the way philosophers and experts in mechanical arts were often shown with beards in medieval times.

In many occult texts, the name is used interchangeably with Marbas. Some scholars think this might be a variant of a pagan god’s name or a local spirit added to Christian demonology during the Middle Ages.

The names Barbas and Marbas appear in different translations of the Pseudomonarchia Daemonum and the Ars Goetia. Reginald Scot’s The Discoverie of Witchcraft (1584) uses ‘Barbas,’ while later English versions of the Lesser Key of Solomon use ‘Marbas.’

No matter how it is spelled, the name is still linked to ideas of authority, secret knowledge, and a predatory nature. It has been used for centuries to identify the fifth spirit among the 72, making sure it is not confused with other lion-like demons such as Buer or Purson.

How to Pronounce “Barbas” in English

Barbas is pronounced BAR-bas in English. The first part, ‘Bar,’ rhymes with ‘car’ and has a strong ‘a’ sound. The second part, ‘bas,’ sounds like ‘bus’ or the end of ‘canvas.’ For Marbas, say MAR-bas, keeping the same pattern.

What Does Barbas Look Like?

Descriptions of Barbas’s appearance are very consistent in demonology texts. When first summoned, he appears as a large, powerful lion. This form is meant to be intimidating and shows his predatory nature. The lion shape also stands for his rank and his links to the sun and fire.

Barbas does not stay in his lion form. When the conjurer commands him, he changes into a human. In this form, he is usually described as a serious or stoic man.

Unlike some demons who look like handsome soldiers or tricky women, Barbas’s human form is usually that of a scholar or craftsman, showing his link to mechanical arts. Even in human form, he still seems a bit animal-like or fierce, hinting at his lion nature.

Origins

Barbas’s history is closely tied to the rise of Solomonic magic, which became popular in Europe during the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

Origins in the Pseudomonarchia Daemonum

The earliest formal academic listing of Barbas appears in Johann Weyer’s Pseudomonarchia Daemonum (1577).

Weyer, who was a physician, listed Barbas as the third demon in his catalog. He described Barbas’s main traits: appearing as a lion, holding the title of President, and ruling over 36 legions. At that time, Barbas was seen as one of the spirits said to serve King Solomon, who supposedly used a magic ring to control them.

---

---

The Ars Goetia and Modern Occultism

In the 17th century, the Lemegeton (The Lesser Key of Solomon) listed Barbas as the fifth spirit. This book highlighted his power to change people’s forms and his knowledge of secrets.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, Barbas appeared in many grimoires and books, such as Collin de Plancy’s Dictionnaire Infernal (1818). In these works, he was usually shown as a lion, which helped fix this image in the minds of occultists.

Was Barbas Ever Mentioned in the Bible?

Barbas is not found in the Bible. He does not appear in the Old or New Testaments or in the Deuterocanonical books. Everything about him comes from grimoires and medieval or Renaissance demonology. The Bible does mention lions as symbols of the devil (like in 1 Peter 5:8), but it never names a demon called Barbas or Marbas.

Barbas in Grimoires and Other Texts

Barbas is a common figure in Goetic literature. Here are his main appearances and descriptions from historical texts.

Source	Quote
Pseudomonarchia Daemonum	Marbas, alias Barbas, is a great president, and appeareth in the forme of a mightie lion; but at the commandement of a conjuror cometh up in the likenes of a man, and answereth fullie as touching things hidden or secreet. He buildeth mansions, he bringeth diseases and cureth them, he promoteth wisedome, and the knowledge of mechanical arts, or handicrafts; he changeth men into other shapes, and being the author of thirtie six legions of divels.
Ars Goetia	The Fifth Spirit is Marbas. He is a Great President, and appeareth at first in the form of a Great Lion, but afterwards, at the request of the Master, he putteth on Human Shape. He answereth truly of things Hidden or Secret. He causeth Diseases and cureth them. Again, he giveth great Wisdom and Knowledge in Mechanical Arts; and can change men into other shapes. He governeth 36 Legions of Spirits.
The Discoverie of Witchcraft	Barbas is a great president, and appeareth in the forme of a mightie lion; but at the commandement of a conjuror cometh up in the liknes of a man, and answereth fullie as touching things hidden or secreet. He buildeth mansions, he bringeth diseases and cureth them, he promoteth wisedome, and the knowledge of mechanicall arts, or handicrafts; he changeth men into other shapes.

Powers and Abilities

Barbas’s powers focus on changing the physical world and gaining secret knowledge. As a Great President, he is not just influential—he is said to be transformative and structural.

Manipulation of Physical Form

One of Barbas’s main powers is the ability to change people into other shapes. This is seen as a kind of ‘demonic glamour’ or a curse that makes someone look like an animal or a twisted version of themselves. This power is usually harmful and can cause people to feel isolated or tormented.

Distribution of Disease

Barbas is known for causing and spreading diseases. Some texts say he does this by releasing harmful spirits or corrupting the body’s humors. While he is sometimes said to ‘cure’ these illnesses, it is usually just stopping a curse he started, not true healing.

Mastery of the Mechanical Arts

Barbas’s control over mechanical arts means he can share forbidden technical knowledge. This includes building complex structures and making tools. In the infernal world, he helps build ‘mansions’ or fortresses for other spirits and gives humans the skills to make weapons or devices that can cause harm or pride.

He also reveals secrets, especially those involving theft or deception, helping people discover what others have hidden.

---

---

Barbas Myths, Legends, and Stories

Since Barbas comes from grimoires and not from stories in scripture, his ‘stories’ are found in accounts of King Solomon’s dealings with the 72 spirits.

The Binding of Barbas by King Solomon

According to legends about the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem, King Solomon used a magic ring to summon and control demons for labor. Barbas was said to be one of the spirits forced to use his skills in mechanical arts to help plan and build the temple.

The story goes that Barbas tried to hide his true nature by appearing as a lion to scare King Solomon. However, the power of the ring and the divine name forced him to obey.

He was then ordered to share secrets about building and working with metals, making sure the temple was built perfectly. At the same time, he stayed under the King’s control.

The 36 Legions and the Infernal Siege

Occult folklore holds that Barbas plays a key role in the workings of the infernal hierarchy. As the leader of 36 legions, he is said to be in charge of building the ‘fortifications of the abyss.’

In these stories, Barbas is like an engineer and commander, leading his legions to build huge barriers or create plagues to send to the world during times of great sin.

Unlike warrior demons, who fight directly, Barbas is seen as the planner who prepares the battlefield and gives demons a technical advantage.

Barbas vs Other Christian Demons

Demon Name	Associated Sin/Temptation	Rank/Origin	Key Traits/Powers
Asmodeus	Lust	King (Ars Goetia)	Breaks marriages, teaches geometry and astronomy.
Belial	Lawlessness	King (Ars Goetia / Dead Sea Scrolls)	Grants high titles, commands 80 legions.
Buer	Philosophy/Healing	President (Ars Goetia)	Teaches moral philosophy, appears as a centaur.
Astaroth	Sloth/Pride	Duke (Ars Goetia)	Answers truly of the past and future, foul breath.
Paimon	Obedience/Pride	King (Ars Goetia)	Teaches all arts and sciences, rides a dromedary.
Beelzebub	Gluttony	Prince (Various)	Lord of the Flies, incites false worship.
Valac	Greed/Envy	President (Ars Goetia)	Locates hidden treasures and serpents.
Balam	Incitement to Lust	King (Ars Goetia)	Gives true answers to things past and to come.
Foras	Theft/Discovery	President (Ars Goetia)	Makes men invisible and teaches logic.
Gaap	Malice/Ignorance	President/Prince (Ars Goetia)	Causes love or hatred, delivers familiar spirits.
Zagan	Deceit	King/President (Ars Goetia)	Turns wine into water and blood into wine.
Botis	Discord	President/Earl (Ars Goetia)	Causes and reconciles friendships/foes.
Caim	False Logic	President (Ars Goetia)	Speaks in the voices of burning coals.

Rank in the Hierarchy of Hell

In the infernal hierarchy, Barbas holds a mid-to-high rank as a Great President. He does not have the full authority of the Kings, such as Bael or Paimon, but he is an important administrator. He commands 36 legions, which means he leads thousands of lesser spirits who are experts in crafts and diseases.

Barbas mainly practically works with other demons. He is often linked to other Presidents, such as Buer and Foras. While Buer teaches and deals with healing or causing disease, Barbas is more focused on building and mechanical matters.

Among the 72 spirits, Barbas is under the four great Kings of the cardinal directions (Amaymon, Corson, Ziminiar, and Gaap), who supervise the Presidents. His job is like a ‘technical director’ in the abyss, giving other demons the tools they need to carry out their plans against humans.

Mystical Correspondences

Attribute	Details
Planet	Mercury
Zodiac Sign	Aries (10° – 20°)
Element	Fire
Direction	East
Color	Orange or Yellow
Number	5 (His spirit number)
Crystal/Mineral	Carnelian or Fire Opal
Metal	Mercury (Quicksilver)
Herb/Plant	Chicory or Storax
Animal	Lion

Barbas is closely linked to the planet Mercury, which fits his role as a master of information and mechanics. Mercury represents communication, intelligence, and the movement of information. Under Barbas, these qualities are twisted into the revelation of secrets and the creation of complex diseases.

Barbas is also connected to the zodiac sign Aries, which matches his lion form and gives him a fiery, aggressive energy. Historical grimoires say he is best summoned on Wednesday, Mercury’s day, to use this quick and changing power.

The element of Fire is also important for Barbas. It matches the heat of a lion and the fire needed for the crafts he teaches. This fire is not for life, but for building his ‘mansions’ and causing the fevers of the diseases he spreads.

Talismans for Barbas often use the metal mercury, showing his ability to change from lion to man and back. These symbols help anchor him in the physical world and connect his power to the East, where the sun rises, and his lion strength is strongest.

Barbas’s Sigil

The Sigil of Barbas (or Marbas) is a complex geometric symbol found in the Ars Goetia. It is seen as the demon’s ‘signature’ and is needed to bind him. In the past, people would draw the sigil on a lamen or a metal plate, often made of tin or mercury-coated lead, and wear it during rituals.

The sigil works as a spiritual tether. Without it, Barbas’s lion form was thought to be uncontrollable and dangerous for the summoner. The sigil was used to compel him to take human form and to force him to answer questions honestly rather than lie.

Summoning and Rituals

In Solomonic magic, people summoned Barbas to gain hidden knowledge or control over health. These rituals were performed by magicians, occultists, or ‘cunning folk’ who used books such as the Lesser Key of Solomon. The process included drawing a protective circle and chanting long prayers in Latin or Hebrew, calling on God’s names to control the spirit.

These rituals were rarely done for good reasons. Even if someone said they wanted to ‘cure’ a disease, the Church saw summoning a Great President of Hell as a serious sin. Usually, people called on Barbas to find out who had stolen something or to learn mechanical skills to gain an advantage in trade or war.

Witches and warlocks were often accused of using Barbas’s power to do harm, like changing the shape of cattle or causing strange illnesses in their communities.

These rituals had to be done at specific times, usually during Mercury’s hours at night. They involved burning special incense, such as storax, to attract Barbas.

---

---

Frequently Asked Questions