berith

Berith, also spelled Barith, Barath, or Berath, is a demon in Western occult tradition, commonly described as a duke of Hell. He is best known from the Ars Goetia, the first section of The Lesser Key of Solomon, where he appears among other spirits. The figure also appears under variant spellings in later grimoires, including Johann Weyer’s Pseudomonarchia Daemonum and Collin de Plancy’s Dictionnaire Infernal.

In traditional demonology, Berith is described as a duke who commands many legions. He is said to appear as a man dressed in red, often crowned, and sometimes depicted on horseback. He speaks with a calm, courteous voice. The chief powers attributed to him include revealing secrets about the past, present, and future; granting dignities and favors from rulers; and aiding negotiations or covenants. He may assist in securing agreements or contracts favorable to the conjurer and can influence relationships among people.

Etymology and interpretation vary. The name Berith is sometimes linked to the Hebrew berith, meaning covenant, which aligns with reports of his role in mediating or confirming pacts. The exact rank, number of legions, and characteristics attributed to Berith differ across sources, reflecting the broader variability in goetic texts compiled over centuries.

In modern culture, Berith appears in works inspired by demonology, including fiction, games, and online grimoires. As with many figures from occult traditions, depictions of Berith differ by author and tradition, and no single, universally accepted profile exists.