Adramelech

from Collin de Plancy's Dictionnaire Infernal

Adramelech, also called Adrammelech, Adramelek or Adar-malik, (Hebrew: אַדְרַמֶּלֶךְ, Modern [Adrammelekh] , Tiberian ʼAḏramméleḵ; Greek: Αδραμελεχ Adramelekh; Latin: Adramelech) was a form of sun god related to Moloch. The centre of his worship was the Mesopotamian town of Sippar (Sepharvaim). According to (II Kings 17:31) the cult was brought by the Sepharvite colonists into Samaria: "the Sepharvites burnt their children in the fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim". - like Moloch. The melech element means "King" in Hebrew.

A person with the name of Adramelech is described in Hebrew writings as a son and murderer of Sennacherib, king of Assyria in II Kings 19:37) and Isaiah 37:38, however this name is a likely corruption of the Akkadian language name Arda-Mulissi, the rebellious son of Sennacherib. In later times, he is associated with the Moloch of Phoenicia and Carthage.

Milton, demonology

Main article: Moloch in popular culture

Like many pagan gods, Adramelech is considered a demon in some Judeo-Christian traditions. So he appears in Milton's Paradise Lost, where Adramelech is a fallen angel who, along with Asmodeus, is vanquished by Uriel and Raphael. According to Collin de Plancy's book on demonology, Adramelech became the President of the Senate of the demons. He is also the Chancellor of Hell and supervisor of Satan's wardrobe. Adramelech is generally depicted with a human torso and head, and the limbs of a mule or peacock.

A poet's description of Adramelech can be found in Robert Silverberg's short story "Basileus". Adramelech is described as "The enemy of God, greater in ambition, guile and mischief than Satan. A fiend more curst — a deeper hypocrite".

See also

• Christian demons in popular culture

References

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