Agares

Lore

Agares is also known as Aguares, Agarus, or Agreas. The demon’s name shifted over time: in the Livre des Esperitz (a French magical grimoire from the late 15th century) it appears as Agarat, while in Johann Weyer’s 16th-century Pseudomonarchia Daemonum the form Agarus is used. One theory links the root of the name to the Greek agora, hinting at the spirit’s social functions—guiding crowds, distributing titles, and influencing public honor.

In the infernal hierarchy he bears the title Grand Duke of the East, ranks second in the Goetia, and serves under Oriens. The Grand Grimoire makes him the prime minister of Lucifuge Rofocale, effectively placing him in charge of foreign affairs and protocol in the Underworld.

Old grimoires describe Agares in nearly identical terms: a well-mannered elderly man whose calm demeanor inspires trust—an appearance that lets the summoner manipulate others without causing panic. Yet he rides a crocodile, symbol of earth-and-water fury, patience, and latent threat, underscoring his command over the depths and his power to trigger earthquakes. In his right hand he carries a hunting bird—sources call it a hawk, goshawk, or peregrine falcon—signifying mastery of space, sharp intellect, and quick reflexes for catching fugitives, while also confirming Agares’s aristocratic role as dispenser of prelacies and honors.

Agares’s origin traces back to the fallen angels of the Virtues choir. Enticed by the beauty of mortal women, he took part in fathering the Nephilim—supernatural offspring of angels and humans—thereby breaking the boundary between the divine and the earthly.