Valak

Valak is a demon that appears in Christian demonology. It is described in various grimoires, most notably in the Pseudomonarchia Daemonum and the Lesser Key of Solomon. In these texts, Valak is typically depicted as a child with the wings of an angel, riding a two-headed dragon. Its purported abilities include finding treasures, compelling snakes to appear, and revealing secret things. Valak is often considered a marquis or president of hell, commanding a large number of legions of demons.

The origin of Valak can be traced back to older demonological texts. Its description and attributes have remained relatively consistent across different interpretations, though some variations exist. The name itself might derive from "valax," a Latin word, or have other etymological roots debated by scholars.

In popular culture, Valak gained significant recognition through its portrayal in horror films, particularly "The Conjuring 2" and its spin-off "The Nun." In these cinematic adaptations, Valak is depicted as a monstrous nun and is a primary antagonist. This portrayal has heavily influenced the modern perception of the entity, often overshadowing its traditional demonological descriptions. Despite these modern interpretations, the historical and theological understanding of Valak remains rooted in its medieval demonological context.