Who Is the Infernal King Balam? Origins, Powers, and Occult History

Balam is known as a powerful King of Hell who commands fifty-one legions of spirits. In the demonic hierarchy of the Lemegeton, especially the Ars Goetia, he is listed as the 51st spirit. He is said to give true answers about the past, present, and future. Still, his presence is often described as hoarse and intimidating.

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Key Takeaways

Attribute	Details
Names	Balam, Balan, Baalam
Title	King of Hell
Gender	Male
Role	Granting invisibility, providing forbidden knowledge of time, and inciting wit or cruelty in speech.
Rank	King
Hierarchy	Serves under the higher infernal administration; commands fifty-one legions of lesser spirits.
Legions	51 Legions
Powers	Bestows the ability to become invisible, grants perfect knowledge of the past and future, and makes men witty or provocative.
Associated Figures	King Solomon (who allegedly bound him), the prophet Balaam (linguistic association).
Weaknesses	The seal of Solomon, the names of the Tetragrammaton, and the intervention of opposing celestial entities.
Opposing Angel/Saint	Haziel
Pantheon	Christian / Abrahamic Occultism
Primary Sources	Ars Goetia, Pseudomonarchia Daemonum, Dictionnaire Infernal, The Discoverie of Witchcraft.

Who or What is Balam?

Balam is a high-ranking entity in Western demonology. As a King, he has significant authority in the infernal world. People in occult traditions often seek him out because he is believed to know about events from the distant past and the future.

Balam is seen as predatory and deceptive, linked to the darker side of human intelligence. He can give people ‘wit,’ but this often means a sharp or hurtful cleverness used against others. His ability to grant invisibility is used for hiding and spying, which makes him a symbol of secrecy and subversion in Christian occult beliefs.

“Balam” Meaning

The etymology of the name Balam is frequently linked to the biblical entity Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet mentioned in the Book of Numbers.

In Hebrew, the name Bileam (בִּלְעָם) is often thought to mean ‘glutton’ or ‘devourer of the people.’ Over time, medieval scholars turned figures like Balaam from human diviners into demons in the Goetia, grouping old ‘false prophets’ and foreign gods into the ranks of Hell.

The name has changed slightly in different languages. In Johann Weyer’s Pseudomonarchia Daemonum (1577), he is called Balan. The spelling Balam became standard in the 17th-century Ars Goetia. Some researchers think the name comes from the Semitic root Baal, meaning ‘Lord,’ a title used for many Levantine gods later turned into demons by Abrahamic religions.

However, Balam’s unique features, especially his three heads, show that he developed differently from other ‘Baal’ figures in the grimoire tradition. The name Baalam appears in some Spanish and French translations, but the pronunciation of the name remains the same in Western European occult texts.

How to Pronounce “Balam” in English

The name is usually pronounced as BAY-lam or BAH-lam, with the first syllable stressed. In English occult circles, the BAY-lam pronunciation is most common, following the pattern of biblical names like Balaam.

What Does Balam Look Like?

Balam is described as a monstrous demon composed of various parts. The Ars Goetia says he has three heads: one of a bull, showing strength and stubbornness; one of a man, showing intelligence and speech; and one of a ram, which stands for virility and mockery.

His body adds to his frightening image. He is said to have a serpent’s tail, linking him to the original tempter in Christian stories. His eyes are described as flaming, giving off a light that can scare or confuse those who see him.

He is often shown riding a fierce bear, which stands for strength and wild power. He has a goshawk, a bird of prey, symbolizing his speed and his role as a hunter of souls or secrets. His voice is very hoarse, which many see as a sign of his corrupted nature.

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Origins

Balam’s history comes from a mix of biblical stories and medieval magic traditions.

Ancient Roots and Biblical Association

The idea of Balam starts with the Old Testament figure Balaam. Although Balaam was a man, his links to divination and leading the Israelites into sin made him a target for later demonization. By the early medieval period, names of ‘enemies of God’ were often turned into names for demons or fallen angels.

Medieval Codification

Balam became officially known as a King of Hell during the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Johann Weyer listed him in the Pseudomonarchia Daemonum. Weyer made this list to show the dangers of black magic, but it ended up creating a lasting ‘biography’ for Balam.

The Goetic Era

In the 17th century, the Lemegeton (The Lesser Key of Solomon) clarified Balam’s rank, his fifty-one legions, and the details of his seal. At this time, he became part of the ‘Solomonic’ stories, which said King Solomon trapped these spirits in a brass vessel.

Was Balam Ever Mentioned in the Bible?

The demon Balam does not appear in the Bible. However, his name sounds like the prophet Balaam from the Book of Numbers, who is criticized in the New Testament (2 Peter 2:15, Jude 1:11, Revelation 2:14) for leading others into sin. The demon Balam was created in later grimoires as a kind of spiritual descendant of the biblical Balaam.

Balam in Grimoires and Other Texts

Balam is featured in many important occult texts. These books consistently call him a King, describe his three heads, and mention his command over many legions.

Source	Quote
Ars Goetia (The Lesser Key of Solomon)	The Fifty-first Spirit is Balam or Balaam. He is a Terrible, Great, and Powerful King. He appeareth with three Heads: the first is like that of a Bull; the second is like that of a Man; the third is like that of a Ram. He hath the Taile of a Serpent, and Flaming Eyes. He rideth upon a furious Beare, and carrieth a Boshawk upon his Fist. He speaketh with a hoarse Voyce, giving True Answers of Things Past, Present, and to Come. He maketh men to goe Invisible, and also to be Wittie.
Pseudomonarchia Daemonum (Johann Weyer)	Balan is a great and a terrible king, he commeth foorth with three heads, the first of a bull, the second of a man, the third of a ram, he hath a serpents taile, and eies flaming; he rideth on a beare, and carrieth a hawke on his fist, he speaketh with a hoarse voice, answering perfectly of things past, present, and to come, he maketh men invisible and wise: he governeth fortie (some say 51) legions of devils.
Dictionnaire Infernal (Collin de Plancy)	Balan, grand et puissant roi de l’empire infernal. On le voit paraître avec trois têtes, l’une de taureau, l’autre d’homme, la troisième de bélier; il a une queue de serpent et des yeux qui jettent des flammes; il monte un ours et porte un épervier sur le poing. Sa voix est rauque; il répond sur le passé, le présent et l’avenir, rend les hommes invisibles et leur donne de l’esprit. Cinquante et une légions lui obéissent.

Powers and Abilities

Balam is said to have powers that let him manipulate how people see things and gain hidden knowledge. His main ability is called Temporal Omniscience, which means he can see all of human history and the future at once.

When he gives ‘True Answers,’ he is believed to reveal real facts from the past or future, not just make guesses. People often seek this power to gain an advantage or avoid consequences.

Balam is also known for granting invisibility. This does not always mean becoming physically invisible, but rather making someone go unnoticed by others. This power lets people move around without being seen, which can help with theft, spying, and other clandestine activities.

Balam is also said to give people’ wit’ or ‘wisdom.’ In this context, the wisdom is often negative, making someone clever in a way that can hurt others. It helps people use words to insult, break someone’s confidence, or cause arguments. This power sharpens the mind for selfish or harmful purposes.

Balam Myths, Legends, and Stories

The Binding of Balam by King Solomon

In the stories of the Ars Goetia, Balam is one of the seventy-two spirits that King Solomon trapped in a brass vessel. The legend says Solomon used his magic ring to summon Balam. Even though Balam had a hoarse, scary voice and several heads while riding a bear, Solomon made him obey.

Solomon ordered Balam to reveal secrets about the past and future to help build the Temple and rule the kingdom. Later, Balam was sealed in the brass vessel and thrown into a deep lake in Babylon.

Later, the Babylonians found the vessel and broke it open, hoping to find gold. Instead, they released Balam and his legions, but he was still controlled by the seals Solomon had made.

Balam vs Other Christian Demons

Demon Name	Associated Sin/Temptation	Rank/Origin	Key Traits/Powers
Asmodeus	Lust	King (Ars Goetia)	Three heads (bull, man, ram); destroys marriages.
Belial	Lawlessness / Worthlessness	King (Bible/Dead Sea Scrolls)	Created next after Lucifer; grants high titles.
Paimon	False Science / Vain Glory	King (Ars Goetia)	Rides a dromedary; teaches all arts and sciences.
Beelzebub	Gluttony	Prince (Hierarchy of Hell)	Lord of the Flies; causes decay and filth.
Mammon	Greed / Avarice	Prince (Middle Ages)	Influences the pursuit of material wealth.
Astaroth	Sloth	Grand Duke (Ars Goetia)	Rides a dragon; knows all secrets of creation.
Behemoth	Gluttony / Bestiality	Beast (Book of Job)	Unstoppable physical strength; lord of the land.
Leviathan	Envy	Prince (Book of Isaiah)	Serpent of the sea; represents chaos.
Bael	Deception	King (Ars Goetia)	First principal spirit; makes men invisible.
Zagan	Mockery / Deceit	King (Ars Goetia)	Turns water into wine and fools into wise men.
Purson	Curiosity of Secrets	King (Ars Goetia)	Man with a lion’s face; finds hidden treasures.
Vine	Witchcraft / Malice	King (Ars Goetia)	Lion riding a black horse; builds towers.
Beleth	Arrogance	King (Ars Goetia)	Rides a pale horse; causes love/obsession.
Lucifer	Pride	Emperor (Christian Lore)	The morning star; the original rebel.

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Rank in the Hierarchy of Hell

Balam is ranked as a King, one of the highest titles in the Goetic system. As a King, he commands fifty-one legions and has more authority than Dukes, Marquises, or Earls.

Balam is often compared to other demons with similar traits. For example, he is linked to Asmodeus because both are shown with three heads (bull, man, and ram). This may mean they work together or share influence, especially in corrupting human intellect and senses.

Even as a King, Balam serves under the Infernal Emperor. He is in charge of time-related secrets and the hidden movement of spirits. He is said to be the rival of the angel Haziel, who stands for mercy and God’s truth, the opposite of Balam’s deceptions and secret knowledge.

Mystical Correspondences

Balam is linked to the Sun and the metal gold, showing his royal status. In hermetic traditions, solar demons are the highest rank and have powerful, sometimes dangerous energy.

The Sun’s influence gives Balam his ‘flaming eyes’ and his ability to see through time, like the sun lighting up the world. But as a demon, this energy is twisted, giving him a hoarse voice and a frightening appearance instead of warmth.

Balam is also connected to the sign Sagittarius and the element of Fire, which match his speed (shown by the goshawk) and his gift of ‘wit.’ Sagittarius is linked to philosophy, travel, and higher thinking, but Balam twists these into forbidden knowledge and harsh words.

The fire element makes Balam unpredictable and gives him the power to ‘burn through’ time. Unlike earth-based demons, his evil is active, aggressive, and tied to a sharp intellect.

Balam’s Sigil

Attribute	Details
Planet	Sun (Gold)
Zodiac Sign	Sagittarius
Element	Fire
Direction	North
Color	Yellow / Gold
Number	51
Crystal/Mineral	Topaz
Metal	Gold
Herb/Plant	Sage / Sunflower
Animal	Bear / Goshawk / Serpent

Balam’s sigil is a complex geometric symbol used in Goetic magic as his unique ‘signature.’ In old occult practices, the sigil was seen as more than just a symbol—it was thought to connect directly to Balam. It was usually engraved on a gold plate, showing his royal status.

The sigil served two main purposes: protection and control. Practitioners in medieval and Renaissance times used it to make sure they were dealing with Balam and not another spirit. The sigil acted like a contract, forcing Balam to answer truthfully and stopping him from using his invisibility to escape or harm the summoner.

Summoning and Rituals

In old grimoires like the Ars Goetia, only the most skilled practitioners tried to summon Balam. Rituals focused on the right astrological timing, often when the Sun was in a good position or during certain hours linked to solar spirits. Witches and warlocks wanted his power of invisibility, which helped them avoid authorities during times of danger.

These rituals used a magic circle, burned solar incense such as frankincense, and required the wearing of the golden seal. The main goal was to obtain information that would otherwise be impossible to know, such as future events or hidden secrets from the past.

Since Balam speaks with a hoarse voice, practitioners were told to stay calm and not show fear. His appearance—riding a bear with flaming eyes—was meant to scare and weaken the summoner. These rituals were never considered safe; they were risky encounters with a being known for deception and mental power.

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Frequently Asked Questions