Paymon

Lore

In ancient texts the demon’s name appears as Paimonia, Paimon, Paymon, Poymon, Bayemon, Païmon, and Bayemont, pointing to the broad geographic and cultural reach of this entity’s cult in medieval and Renaissance Europe. The name is taken from the Hebrew word paamon or POMN (פַּעֲמֹן), which literally means “ringing sound” or “little bell.” Within Hell’s rigid hierarchy Paymon bears the title of Duke and rules the north-western provinces of the underworld.

Paymon is most often described, upon materialization, as a majestic, athletic man whose face is strikingly beautiful and almost feminine. A radiant jeweled crown always gleams on his head—sometimes, in certain visions, the crown rests on his mount as well. He never sets foot on the ground but rides a single-humped camel, symbol of survival in the desert’s harsh extremes. The duke’s arrival is accompanied by a retinue of minor spirits who blast an ear-splitting cacophony on trumpets and cymbals. The demon’s voice is unnaturally loud and hoarse, at first speaking an infernal tongue and remaining unintelligible until the sorcerer orders him to speak clearly; once control is established, Paymon can become an affable conversationalist.

Before Lucifer’s rebellion Paymon belonged to the highest angelic orders. Legend says he was seduced by the music of Lucifer; after being defeated by the angel Haziel he was cast into the Abyss and has remained fanatically loyal to Lucifer ever since.

On demonological maps his personal citadel lies in the northwest. Ecologically, Paymon is tied to scorched deserts, hidden oases, and mirages of palaces, yet he also possesses absolute command over fish and can remain underwater indefinitely, extending his domain to submerged caves and sunken temples.