Barbatos: The Strange Demon Who Can Understand Every Animal

Barbatos is a well-known entity in Christian demonology and Western occult traditions. He appears as the 8th spirit in the Ars Goetia, the first part of the seventeenth-century grimoire The Lesser Key of Solomon. In this system, he is ranked as a Duke. He is known for understanding animal languages and revealing treasures hidden by magical spells.

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Key Takeaways

Attribute	Details
Names	Barbatos
Title	Great Duke, Earl
Gender	Male
Role	Revealer of secrets, reconciler of feuds, interpreter of animal tongues, and breaker of magical enchantments.
Rank	Duke and Earl
Hierarchy	Serves under the four Kings of the cardinal directions (often associated with the East); commands four noble kings as his subordinates.
Legions	30 Legions of Spirits
Powers	Forceful reconciliation of friends and rulers, the extraction of knowledge from animal vocalizations, and the neutralization of protective wards on hidden wealth.
Associated Figures	King Solomon (as the binder), the four kings of the directions.
Weaknesses	Subservience to the seal of Solomon, constraint by the divine names of the Goetic circle.
Opposing Angel/Saint	Cahetel
Pantheon	Christian / Solomonic Occultism
Primary Sources	Ars Goetia, Pseudomonarchia Daemonum, Dictionnaire Infernal, The Discoverie of Witchcraft.

Who or What is Barbatos?

Barbatos is described as both a Great Duke and an Earl of Hell. Traditional demonology says he was once part of the angelic Order of Virtues. However, some sources mention the Order of Powers instead. After the rebellion in Heaven, he was cast out and now leads thirty legions of spirits in the infernal ranks.

Barbatos is mainly known for sharing knowledge and helping with social situations. People seek him out to help with communication, both between people and between humans and animals. Unlike many demons who focus on destruction, he is more interested in uncovering secrets and repairing broken relationships. However, his influence is still considered demonic.

“Barbatos” Meaning

The name Barbatos comes from the Latin word’ barbatus,’ which means ‘bearded’ or ‘the bearded one.’ This fits with how he is usually shown in old images, often as an older man or a philosopher with a beard.

The name Barbatos does not show up in early Semitic or Hebrew demonology. It became more common in late medieval and Renaissance Latin grimoires, where it shifted from a Latin term for a physical trait to the name of a Duke of Hell as occultists organized the spirits of the Goetia.

Most major texts keep the spelling ‘Barbatos,’ including the Pseudomonarchia Daemonum (1577) and the Ars Goetia (1641). The name suggests maturity, wisdom, and an ‘elder’ status, setting him apart from more monstrous demons in the same group.

How to Pronounce “Barbatos” in English

In English, Barbatos is usually pronounced as bar-BAY-tohs or bar-BAH-tohs, with the main stress on the second syllable. The ‘bar’ sounds like ‘car,’ and ‘tos’ uses a hard ‘t’ and either a long or short ‘o,’ depending on the accent.

What Does Barbatos Look Like?

Barbatos is usually said to appear when the sun is in Sagittarius. He looks like a bearded man or an old philosopher and is rarely shown alone. The Ars Goetia and the Dictionnaire Infernal say he appears with four noble kings as his followers.

These kings are often introduced by troops or trumpeters, making Barbatos’s arrival feel like a royal parade rather than a lonely, ghostly visit. Some pictures, such as those in the Dictionnaire Infernal, show him in rustic woodland clothing, which highlights his link to nature and animal sounds.

Even though he has a high rank, Barbatos doesn’t have the obvious animal-human features seen in other Goetic spirits. He keeps a mostly human and dignified appearance.

Origins

Barbatos’s story is closely linked to the development of Western ceremonial magic and the growth of the Solomonic tradition.

Origins in the Celestial Hierarchy

Before his fall, Barbatos was part of the Order of Virtues. In Christian angelology, Virtues control the movement of stars and perform miracles on earth. This background explains why Barbatos still has power over things like animal voices and the earth’s hidden secrets.

Integration into Medieval Grimoires

Barbatos was first formally described in the late 1500s. Johann Weyer listed him in the Pseudomonarchia Daemonum, noting his rank and his command over thirty legions. This book became a key reference for later writers. By the 1600s, when The Lesser Key of Solomon was written, Barbatos was firmly set as the 8th spirit.

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Was Barbatos Ever Mentioned in the Bible?

Barbatos does not appear in the Bible. His name is not found in the Old Testament, New Testament, or the Apocrypha. He comes only from grimoire traditions and later occult writings.

Barbatos in Grimoires and Other Texts

Barbatos is a regular entity in the most important demon catalogs. His description stays mostly the same in different books, showing that occultists generally agree on his traits.

Source	Quote
Ars Goetia	The Eighth Spirit is Barbatos. He is a Great Duke, and appeareth when the Sun is in Sagittary, with four noble Kings and their companies of great troops. He giveth the understanding of the singing of Birds, and of the Voices of other creatures, such as the barking of Dogs. He breaketh the Hidden Treasures that have been laid by the Enchantments of Magicians.
Pseudomonarchia Daemonum	Barbatos, a great countie and a duke, he appeareth in Signo Sagittarii fari, with foure kings, which bring companies and great troopes. He understandeth the singing of birds, the barking of dogs, the lowing of bullocks, and the voice of all living creatures.
Dictionnaire Infernal	Barbatos, grand duc et comte des enfers, qui appartient à l’ordre des Vertus. On le voit dans le Signe du Sagittaire avec quatre rois qui forment son escorte. Il entend le chant des oiseaux, le jappement des chiens et le cri de tous les animaux.

Powers and Abilities

Barbatos’s powers focus on revealing knowledge and influencing social situations. One of his main abilities is helping people understand the sounds of animals, such as birds, dogs, and cattle. This is not just about language—it is a way to gather information, since animals are seen as witnesses to secrets and changes in nature.

Barbatos can also break magical protections. If treasures are hidden by spells, he can remove these barriers so seekers can find what was meant to stay hidden. This makes him a spirit who reveals secrets, especially those guarded by other magicians.

Barbatos also helps repair relationships between people. He can heal rifts between friends and even between leaders. This power is sometimes used to influence politics or create alliances that benefit the person who summoned him, while hiding the demonic influence behind the appearance of peace.

Barbatos Myths, Legends, and Stories

The Falling of the Order of Virtues

Stories about the Great Rebellion in Heaven say Barbatos was once an angel in the Order of Virtues. When Lucifer rebelled, Barbatos joined him. After their defeat, they were all cast out.

The story points out that even after his fall, Barbatos kept his special knowledge of nature from his time as a Virtue. This explains why he understands things like the ‘singing of birds’ and the ‘voice of all living creatures,’ suggesting his demonic powers are twisted versions of his old angelic role.

The Hidden Treasures of the Magicians

In many folk tales about searching for hidden treasure, Barbatos is the main spirit who can outwit the tricks of wise magicians. Legends say old sorcerers would hide gold and artifacts with curses and illusions that could drive most people mad or even kill them. Barbatos is the one who can get past these magical traps.

As a Duke of Hell, Barbatos can order magical seals to break. This story shows him as a ‘thief of secrets’—he does not create wealth but takes it from where others tried to keep it hidden.

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Barbatos vs Other Christian Demons

Demon Name	Associated Sin/Temptation	Rank/Origin	Key Traits/Powers
Lucifer	Pride	Emperor / Fallen Seraph	Ruler of Hell; light-bearer.
Beelzebub	Gluttony	Prince / Order of Cherubim	Lord of the Flies; false gods.
Asmodeus	Lust	King / Ars Goetia	Destroyer of marriages; gambling.
Belphegor	Sloth	Prince / Moabite Origin	Invention of gadgets to ease labor.
Mammon	Greed	Prince / Biblical personification	Wealth and material obsession.
Leviathan	Envy	Prince / Order of Seraphim	Monstrous sea serpent; chaos.
Paimon	Subservience	King / Ars Goetia	Teaches all arts and sciences.
Astaroth	Vanity	Grand Duke / Order of Thrones	Knows past, present, and future.
Belial	Lawlessness	King / Ars Goetia	Grants senatorships and favors.
Bael	Deception	King / Ars Goetia	Power of invisibility.
Gusion	Curiosity	Duke / Ars Goetia	Reconciles friendships; honors.
Valac	Greed	President / Ars Goetia	Locates hidden serpents and gold.
Leraje	Conflict	Marquis / Ars Goetia	Causes gangrene in arrow wounds.
Andras	Violence	Marquis / Ars Goetia	Sows discord to kill the master.
Balam	Indiscretion	King / Ars Goetia	Gives perfect answers on the past.

Rank in the Hierarchy of Hell

Barbatos has the titles of both Great Duke and Earl, showing he has a lot of power in the infernal hierarchy. He serves under the four Kings who rule the cardinal directions, especially the King of the East in many Solomonic traditions.

Barbatos commands four noble kings who rank below him. This shows a layered hierarchy, with Barbatos acting as a middle manager between the top rulers of Hell and the lesser kings who carry out orders.

Unlike demons such as Andras or Flauros, who focus on destruction, Barbatos works with spirits like Gusion or Astaroth, who value information and social influence. His rivalry is often seen as a challenge to the divine order, since he represents the fallen Virtues who were supposed to keep the universe in balance.

Mystical Correspondences

Attribute	Details
Planet	Venus (or sometimes the Sun)
Zodiac Sign	Sagittarius
Element	Fire
Direction	East
Color	Green or Copper
Number	8
Crystal/Mineral	Turquoise or Malachite
Metal	Copper
Herb/Plant	Sage or Burdock
Animal	Robin, Hound, or Bullock

Barbatos is strongly connected to the zodiac sign Sagittarius, the Archer. This link fits his role as someone who ‘aims’ for hidden knowledge and bridges the gap between humans and animals.

Since Sagittarius is a fire sign, Barbatos is said to have an active, transformative energy that can break through magical barriers. He is also linked to Venus, the planet connected with copper, which shows his role in helping with reconciliation and easing social tensions, though for demonic purposes.

In elemental terms, Barbatos is linked to the East and the element of Fire. The East is connected to dawn and to revealing what is hidden by night. The number 8, his place in the Ars Goetia, stands for a bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds.

Barbatos’s Sigil

Barbatos’s sigil is a complex geometric design used to focus on him during rituals. In the past, people would engrave the sigil on a copper ‘Lamen’ and wear it during ceremonies.

The sigil is mainly used as a contract. The Lesser Key of Solomon says a spirit will not appear or obey unless its seal is shown. In the past, the sigil also protected the magician, letting them control Barbatos and ask for his help without being harmed.

Summoning and Rituals

In the past, people would summon Barbatos when the Sun was in Sagittarius, which was thought to be his strongest time. Occultists, sometimes called necromancers or warlocks, performed these rituals inside a special circle to protect themselves from the thirty legions Barbatos commands.

These rituals were usually practical. Witches and those interested in the ‘black arts’ called on Barbatos to help with court disputes or to find treasure hidden by magic during wars or by dead sorcerers. The rituals used certain perfumes and chants from books like the Ars Goetia.

These books stress that Barbatos should be summoned with respect for his high rank. He is said to arrive with a royal escort of trumpeters and kings, showing his great power in the infernal world.

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Frequently Asked Questions