Demonology
Demonology
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Lix Tetrax is a jinn and the demon of the wind. In the Testament of Solomon, Lix Tetrax is summoned to the presence of King Solomon by Beelzebub, at the king’s orders. The demon appears with his face high in the air and his body crawling like a small snail. He raises up clouds of dust and wind and hurls them at Solomon, who watches, unharmed and in amazement at this display. At last, the king spits on the ground and seals the demon with his magical ring.

Lix Tetrax claims he is “the direct offspring of the Great One,” perhaps a reference to Beelzebub, the Prince of Demons. He lives in the constellation near the tip of the horn of the Moon when it is in the south. He says he divides men, creates whirlwinds, starts fires, sets fields on fire, and renders households nonfunctional. He is especially busy during the summertime. He slithers into houses at the corners night and day.

He has the power to heal the “day-and-a-half fever” if invoked to do so with the three names of Baltala, Thallal, and Melchal. He is thwarted by the jinni Azael. Solomon sentences Lix Tetrax to throw stones up to the workmen at the heights of the Temple of Jerusalem, under construction.

Etymology[]

Lix is a Greek term relating to the earth, while Tetrax refers to a four-season year. The name has been identified with the Ephesian name connected to the wind found on a tablet from Crete. It is the Howling Whirlwind Demon born of the Great One — causes fever and burning, but if it feels kindly toward you, will refresh you with cool breezes and lead you to refuge.

Quotes[]

I create divisions among men, I make whirlwinds, I start fires, I set fields on fire, and I make households non-functional. Usually, I carry on my activity in the summertime. If I get the chance, I slither in under the corners of houses during the night or day. I am the direct offspring of the Great One.' - The Testament of Solomon 7:5It is not known who the Great One is. It is speculated to be a reference to Beelzeboul or even to the goddess Artemis, who was known as "The Great" and referenced by TSol in a later passage.

When asked in which constellation the demon resides, he replied: Toward the very tip of the horn of the moon when it is found in the South - There is my star. Therefore, I was assigned to draw out the fever, which strikes for a day and a half. As a result, many men, when they see (this), pray about the day-and-a-half fever, (invoking) these three names, 'Baltala, Thallal, Melchal,' and I heal them. - The Testament of Solomon 7:6Lix Tetrax is thwarted by the jinn Azael.

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