Belfagor
/ˈbɛl.fə.ɡɔːr/noun
A name used in European demonological tradition for a demon or infernal spirit, later appearing in literature as a character or symbol of crafty evil.
Did you know?Belfagor is best known from Renaissance demonology and literature, especially Niccolò Machiavelli’s tale *Belfagor arcidiavolo*, where the name became a vehicle for satire and infernal mischief.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Near Eastern / Biblical tradition
Semitic
Baal Zebub
“A title/name associated with a Philistine deity, later reinterpreted in Jewish and Christian tradition as a demonic figure.”
Late Antiquity
Greek
Βεελζεβούλ
“A transliterated form of the demon name used in religious texts and commentary.”
Latin Middle Ages
Latin
Belphegor / Belfagor
“A learned European form of the demon name, circulating in demonological and literary texts.”
16th Century
Italian
Belfagor
“A demon name popularized in Italian literature, especially in Machiavelli's satirical tale.”
Modern English
English
Belfagor
“A literary or occult name for a demon, often used as a proper noun rather than a common word.”
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