Balam

In the Lesser Key of Solomon, Balam is the 51st spirit listed in the Goetia. He is a powerful Great King of Hell with forty legions of demons under his command.

He is depicted with three heads; one of a man, one of a bull and one of a ram. He has the tail of a serpent, eyes of flame, rides nude upon a bear, carries a hawk on his fist and speaks in a hoarse voice.

When summoned he speaks of all things past, present and future, teaches man to be cunning and wise and can turn a person invisible.

Etymology
The demon Balam's name appears to be derived from Balaam, son of Beor, the human magician who is first found in the Hebrew Bible in the Book of Numbers, chapter twenty-two, and may be a demonized version of that character.

Balam in Christian and Occult Demonologies
Throughout history multiple formalized classifications of demons have been proposed. None of them however are considered canon by modern mainstream Christian denominations. Instead, lists of formalized demonologies tend to remain popular in occult traditions.

The Ars Goetia:
The Ars Goetia, or the Lesser Key of Solomon is an anonymous spellbook of demons from the mid-17th century. Seventy-two demons are listed. The demon Balam is listed as the fifty-first spirit:


 * Balam- the fiftey-fist spirit is Balam, or Balaam. He is a Terrible, Great, and Powerful King. He appeareth to thee 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 Tail of a Serpent, and Flaming Eyes.He rideth upon a furious Bear, and carrieth a Boshawk upon his Fist. He speaketh with a hoarse Voice, giving True Answers to Things Past, Present, and to Come. He maketh men to go Invisible, and also to be Witty. He governeth 40 Legions of Spirits. His Seal is this, etc .


 * (See Gallery for Seal)

Trivia

 * Balam served as a villain in the Hellboy Universe, notably in B.P.R.D.: Hell on Earth - the Exorcist and B.P.R.D.: the Devil You Know - Pandemonium.

Gallery
 balam seal.jpg|Seal of Balam SMT IF balaam b sprite.gif|Balam in Shin Megami Tensei 