In Irish folklore, a changeling is a fairy child that was left in place of a human child stolen by the fae. Changelings often appear exactly like a human children but with strange differences such as long teeth, a full beard, uncanny intelligence and odd behavior. Jinn from Arabic folklore are also known to steal human children and replace them with changelings. Image: Titania and the Changeling Child (detail) by John Anster Fitzgerald, 1832-1906
The Björketorp runestone in Sweden is famous for being among the tallest in the world—and the ancient curse inscribed on it. The monument’s purpose is unknown, but the curse is clear: destroy the stone and be doomed, like the farmer who was burned alive trying to remove it. Image: Sveriges Montelius, 1877
Man being persecuted by goblins and other spirits. From “Le serpent de la Genèse” (The Serpent of Genesis) Volume 1, by Stanislas de Guaita, 1920. Source: Embassy of the Free Mind
In an Indian folktale, a Bodhisatta, known as the Prince of the Five Weapons, meets a demon, known as The Demon with Matted Hair, in a forest. Before it could devour him, the prince defeats the demon with discourse and reason, and turns him benevolent. Image: John Batten, 1892
The Dance of Death or (Danse Macabre) is an allegory used in art and literature, popular in the Late Middle Ages, that uses the personification of death to remind us that death unites us all, regardless of one’s station in life. Sources: The Dance of Death (1493) by Michael Wolgemut and “The dance of death in painting and in print” (1887) by T. Tindall Wildridge
Bookplate from Holbein’s Dance of death, 1858. Source: Wellcome Library
Marchosias is 35th of the 72 Spirits of Solomon, and a marquis who rules over 30 legions of lesser demons. He usually appears as a she-wolf with wings, but can take the form of a man. He’s said to be one of the several spirits who hopes to return to heaven. From Dictionnaire Infernal, 1863⠀
Foras is a great president who commands twenty-nine legions of spirits. He can grant magicians wit, eloquence, and longevity. He’s known for teaching logic, ethics, and magical uses of herbs and precious stones. He also finds treasure and lost items. From Dictionnaire Infernal, 1863. ⠀
Azazel is the co-leader of the fallen angels group the Watchers, who he led astray. He’s credited for teaching humankind about earth’s metals, and how to make them into weapons and armor. He also taught the secrets of cosmetics, and encouraged women to paint their eyelids. From Dictionnaire Infernal, 1863.⠀
Orobas is a fallen angel and was one of the spirits of Solomon. He can divine knowledge of the past, present, and future—and can tell you of the creation of the world. He is faithful to magicians, and jealous when they summon other demons. Upon first meeting, he appears as a horse, and changes into a man. From Dictionnaire Infernal, 1863. ⠀
