1 / 1

Belphegor

Belphegor · Prince of Sloth — He Who Ruins Humanity Through Laziness

Demon of Jewish and Christian tradition, prince of Sloth among the Seven Deadly Sins. Derived from the Moabite god Baal-Peor mentioned in the Old Testament Psalms and Hosea. He tempts humans into the laziness of discovery, the stagnation of creativity, and pleasure without effort. One satirical legend tells that, hearing humans boasting of happy marriages, he descended to verify and returned disillusioned to Hell.

Origin

Originating in Numbers 25 from Baal-Peor, the Moabite idol Israel fell into worshipping. Later Christian theology personified him as the demon casting humanity into laziness and the stagnation of discovery. In the 16th century the Italian writer Machiavelli wrote the satirical short story 'Belfagor Arcidiavolo,' making him a recurring subject of satire.

Features

Gloomy bearded old man, or an obscene figure seated on a toilet
Black hood and rags
Magical dust that halts discovery
Long nails and an idle posture

Usage

Symbol of sloth, procrastination, and stagnation of discovery. Theologically linked with the sin of burying God-given talents through laziness (parable of the talents). In Renaissance and Baroque satire, often appears as a character disillusioned by human marriage and society.