Database of Demons, Evil Spirits, and Monsters
Virtually all religions & cultures have various supernatural spirits that are considered malevolent or even evil.
- In ancient cultures, demons were thought to be the cause of illness, epilepsy, and other diseases.
- A chaos monster might attempt to overthrow the general order of the gods and upset the balance of the cosmos.
- Underworld and fertility deities can be vengeful if certain rites and rituals aren’t followed and may cause the next year’s harvest to be meager.
- In some cultures, demons may be forces of nature like hurricanes that can kill people and livestock and destroy villages and crops.
- And in some belief systems, they are evil spirits that can cause misfortune, destruction, illness, and death because of a chance encounter.
This page was created as a study of how different religions of the world personify “evil.” Throughout this section, you’ll find lists of demon names and descriptions of different demons, devils, monsters, and evil spirits.
Note: What is “evil” is often defined by a specific belief system. One religion’s gods become another religion’s demons – especially as Christianity became dominant and demonized pagan or foreign gods and goddesses.
What Demons and Monsters Are Included?
Below, you will find some criteria I used to decide whether to include an a demon or monster on this list:
The Devil, Fallen Angels and Demons
Demons and Fallen Angels associated with the Judeo-Christian Devil (either with biblical writings, non-canonical writings, or Christian fictional works like Dante’s Inferno, John Milton’s Paradise Lost, or the many Faust Myths)
Included in a Demonologist’s Catalog
The spirit is considered a demon because it is included in a list of demons by a demonologist of the 14th -19th centuries (such as the Pseudomonarchia daemonum (1583) or Dictionnaire Infernal (1863)) or is included in a magickal text (e.g. the Goetia)
Gods and Goddesses of the Underworld
If a god or goddess is associated with death, involved in the annual fertility rituals of the harvest, or is a caretaker of the underworld, I have included them.
God of Chaos and Destruction
Some gods and goddesses are known for having a destructive side when angered. They may kill, drink blood, or cause havoc for entertainment.
The Personification of Natural Evil
Some belief systems like the Mayans and Native Americans thought that the destructive elements of nature were gods that needed to be appeased or sacrificed to.
Tricksters
The trickster is a supernatural entity who is mischievous and often causes trouble. A trickster might be a god or associated with animals like Ravens and Coyotes.
Sample Demonology Lessons
Want to learn more about demons within Ancient Judaism and Christianity? Browse sample lessons from the course Fallen Angels, Demons & Satan in Judeo-Christian Traditions or click the button to enroll in the course.
List of Demons, Evil Spirits, and Monsters
Abaddon
Abaddon, the "place of destruction" is synonymous with Sheol in Proverbs and Job. In later writings, Abaddon is personified as the king of the abyss who can command an army of locusts to torment men.
Abraxas
The name Abraxas was taken from abra-cadabra. He is presented on amulets with the head of a cock, dragon's feet and a whip in his hand.
Adramelech
According to Collin de Plancy, Adramelech is a high chancellor of hell who tends to Satan's wardrobe. He was also the god in 2 Kings 19:36-38 to whom the Sepharvites worshiped through human sacrifice.
Ahriman
In ancient Persian religion (Zoroastrianism), Ahriman (aka Arimanius or Angra Mainya) stood high in the ranks of the enemies who opposed Ahura Mazda.
Aim/Haborym
Aim, the 23rd spirit, is a duke who appears as a handsome man with three heads.
Alloces
Alocer, the 52nd spirit, is a great duke who appears as a soldier riding a horse.