Belphegor

Belphegor is considered an evolution of the biblical Baal-Peor from the Book of Numbers, where he seduced the Israelites in Moab with debauchery, linked to fertility and sexual excess. In the Middle Ages, he transforms into a demonic prince of sloth in texts like Lanterne of Light (1409), classified as one of the princes of Hell responsible for the deadly sin of sloth. His role is consolidated in Johann Weyer's Pseudomonarchia Daemonum (1577), described as the twenty-fifth demon who promises wealth and inventions without labor, responding to invocations in grotesque forms to tempt the lazy.

Belphegor is depicted in grimoires in terrifying forms like an elephant or distorted goat head, seated on a toilet throne symbolizing physical and spiritual sloth, surrounded by vapors of easy wealth. He lords over mines where idleness lurks, and is credited with discovering artillery as a symbol of power without effort. His symbols include the north tower of Notre-Dame in Paris as his abode, demanding sacrifices of wine and tobacco; the stagnant earth element; the number 13 for the seven sins doubled; and dark purple for melancholy and luxury.

Belphegor is invoked in the Dictionnaire Infernal for wealth and inventions, responding with a mechanic title, tempting with promises of instant success in exchange for the soul. Rituals involve offerings of red wine and tobacco at Notre-Dame's north tower or abandoned mines, chanting his secret names to stir sloth. In Western tantric traditions, he represents passive creativity, granting genius ideas without labor, but cursing with eternal poverty if loyalty fails. His worship attracts lazy inventors and capitalists seeking quick riches, warning against the trap of demonic promises.