Asmodeus is an influential demon that has proven to be formidable for a lot of people in time. See a statue to the demon painted in red at Rennes-la-Chateau in France. That is a testament to his legendary influence among people and his ability to captivate mortal races. Asmodeus commands a special place in Hell and for a good reason. He is affiliated with Lucifer and many other legions of demons in Hell. He is sometimes referred to as the King of the Nine Hells, which testifies to his true influence in the earthly world and the underworld.
Asmodeus and Lucifer
Lucifer has come to trust Asmodeus with a lot of tasks. As the King of many demons, he commands a lot of respects in that realm. That allows him to accomplish much of the goals set down by the leaders of the underworld. That realm has seen some tremendous growth lately as well. Asmodeus continues to carry some clout with humans above ground in time. He strikes deals and meets with mortals to conclude an incredible new treaty. Many regard him as the demon of lust and he is known for torturing the genitals of some people. That trait has given him newfound recognition as a perverse demon lord in time.
The Temptation of Asmodeus
Many people have fallen to the whims of that demon king. He proves to have an alluring draw over a lot of people in that realm. People from the mortal world often strike a deal with him to a significant degree. That could prove to be a turning point that everyone wants to follow over time. The demon has carried a lot of influence and will turn the tide for demons in the realm. People under his sway will be condemned to a lifetime in hell itself. That is a significant burden on the lives of a lot of people who have been affected. The underworld has become more influential since the rise of that demon king. His lordship is feared and respected at the same time in the realm.
Josephine Leonard
Josephine Leonard is an Indianapolis author, who is slated to release a mind-bending series entitled Whence They Came later this fall. Fortunately, a precursor to the full-length demonic tale, entitled, Tales from the Demon, will be released later this July.
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Vetis is like all fallen angels in that he was once one of the most beautiful and pristine of all the holies. He did not fall instantly, but his fall was so great that it would be hard to deny that he chose to be the evil thing that he is today. The tale of Vetis takes you from Lucifer and his own personal hell to the ways that demons work even in the modern day. What does it mean to know something about Vetis who is so much a part of the world of demonology? Vetis Was Not Always Evil Lucifer did not just suck all the demons right into hell automatically. These were fallen angels who were on the wrong side of the holies in a great battle that none of us ever saw. The story of Vetis is really about what happens when you realize you have been betrayed and have no way of getting back the position that you had. Vetis’ Transformation The transformation of Vetis is something that a lot of people can debate, but it seems to be something that happened when all the angels were battling. However, it does not seem like he just fell one day and all the other angels went with him. He had his own story which took him to the depths. This is where people often get confused because they do not see the choice that happens after the fact. He chose to have the evil powers in him increase by doing something with them that other demons would not do. In this way, Vetis is a leader that we cannot imagine because he is able to harness the power of other demons around him who were not as strong as he was when they were holy angels. Indianapolis Biblical Horror Author Josephine LeonardJosephine Leonard is a native of Indianapolis who has put a lot of work into the study of demonology and this demon in particular. She has done work that shows how much of an important role in history he plays along with all the other angels and demons whose names we know. She has written her most recent books, Tales of the Demon and Whence They Came: The Beginning, in Indianapolis to show that we must be aware of the forces around us because they are all different and all unique.
Her work is something that anyone who is interested in the holies or the demons should take a look at because she has given us all an in depth view of what it means to be face to face with one of the demons from antiquity. Forneus - Grand Marquis of HellThe demon Forneus reigns in Hell as a Grand Marquis. He commands 29 legions and happens to be well-respected. He is a close companion of Lucifer and has made a definite impression on the realm. He is known for being well educated, which is a rare trait for a demon. Learn a little about his background and typically appearance just in case you meet him in all his hellish glory. The Traits of ForneusForneus most often takes the appearance of a great sea monster, which is in direct conflict with his high level of education and intelligence. His name is derived from the Latin word 'fornus', which means an oven. That is perfect because Forneus reigns in a place where flames rage every day. He has the ability to take on a human form when meeting with others. In fact, he seems to prefer the human form over his demonic form and often wears red robes and the crown of the Marquis. Forneus has become one of the most well recognized demons in the underworld, which only adds to his infamy. Forneus the ProtectorMyths suggest that he causes men to have good reputations in other worlds and he is an influential force in many men’s lives. Forneus is an expert in communication, rhetoric and foreign languages, and when he chooses to teach men these arts, it results in the transformation of their lives. Many even see an improvement in their social standing. This has made Forneus an excellent placeholder for Lucifer himself, and hell has certainly grown tremendously since Forneus influence began. Forneus also has the great distinction of having worked for both angels and demons, which makes him somewhat unique in Hell. Indianapolis Biblical Horror Author Josephine LeonardJosephine Leonard’s latest book series, Whence They Came and her short story novel, Tales of the Demon,, will mention Forneus and many other theological demons. Josephine Leonard promises to unveil Whence They Came later this fall, and she hopes legions of fans are waiting to get the very first look.
The Legends and Theology Surrounding LilithHell features more than just Lucifer and his demonic companions. Other demons have become equally as famous over the centuries. Lilith is a demon that has prominently featured in many myths. Judaism mentioned Lilith in several capacities during the time of the Hebrews. True believers came to fear Lilith and her great powers for corruption. She was once mentioned as a wife of Adam and perhaps a reason for his downfall. The Jewish tradition holds her as the most dangerous demon that was feared during that time as well. See what legends surround her and the influence that she carried from the dawn of mankind itself. Lilith - The First WomanShe is often conceived as the original woman, created before Eve during the Creation period. The Garden of Eden is an important setting for her development. She influenced mankind and hastened his demise in ways that few would have anticipate. Hell and Lucifer certainly saw a lot of potential in her right from the start. That explains why these demonic forces proved to be so formidable for a lot of people. Her name itself is derived from a Sumerian word that literally means 'demons' to them. The Babylonian Talmud (3rd to 5th centuries B.C.) makes mention of her in that time frame. That proves that her influence was recognized and perhaps even feared by these ancient peoples. Lilith in PaganismPagan religions have carried on her legacy in a lot of ways. She is considered to be the darkest of demons in the pagan religious framework. She perhaps is a leader for many similar demons in her class as of recently. That has an alluring appeal to many pagan worshipers all around the world. Incantation bowls are crafted to worship her and similar demons in the realm. Hell became a lot more interesting when she took the stage. Lucifer had some competition and proved to be a great match for her in time. Breakaway sects of Jews often worshiped her as well. That proved that the demon was an influential figure in a lot of ways. People wanted to know more about her and the influence that she has had as well. Author of Whence They Came - Josephine LeonardIndianapolis writer, Josephine Leonard is the author of the upcoming Whence They Came series and the soon to be released Tales From the Demon, both of which feature Lilith as a prominent character. Josephine Leonard is eager to release more books under the Whence They Came series, and she is hopeful that fans are thrilled with the books. Tales from the Demon is slated to be released later this July, and Whence They Came will be released this fall.
WHEN THE LIGHT CAME
Vetis inhaled and peered through the black sky. He could feel the discontent and hostility in the air. In the distance, the mountains spewed red, molten rock. It reminded Vetis of hell, but here on the rocky crust of the earth, he was not ruled by Lucifer. He ruled himself and fed from the discontent and hatred as he pleased. It was freedom. “Vetis,” a voice said from beside him. “Forneus,” Vetis said. “Speak.” “The sky does not look right,” Forneus said. “I have noticed,” Vetis said. “It is not as dark.” He could see gray in the black of the sky, and long fingers of light that appeared to be coming down from the heavens. “What do you make of it?” Forneus asked. Vetis shook his head. “I do not know.” “Should we be concerned?” Forneus asked. “Not yet,” Vetis said. “I have seen no harm come from the lightening of the sky.” “I have heard the finger lights kill,” Forneus said. “Rumors,” Vetis said. “Nothing more. We still own this planet.” He turned to face Forneus. “Why are you not in hell?” “Lucifer has demanded your presence,” Forneus said. “Did he say why?” Vetis asked. “He did not. He only said, bring Vetis to me,” Forneus said. Vetis scowled. “So be it.” Vetis spread his demonic wings and launched himself into the black sky. To spite his words to Forneus, he avoided the beams of light as he flew to the nearest cave. He landed on the rock floor and walked to the back wall. After muttering an incantation, the portal to hell opened with pops, cracks and flashes of light. Vetis walked through into hell, portal closing behind him. He inhaled the smell of brimstone and flame as he walked toward Lucifer’s throne room. It was across a rock bridge over a lava lake. Vetis did not trust the bridge. Rocks crumbled and fell into the boiling rock below with each footfall, but he had seen lesser demons try to fly across and watched as Lucifer pelted them with brimstone until they fell into the lake. While it wasn’t lethal for demons, you spent the better part of 1000 years healing from the burns. Vetis did not wish to look like a melted version of himself, so he walked across the narrow bridge to the black archway that signaled the entrance into Lucifer’s throne room. “What?” Vetis questioned. “Have you seen the light?” Lucifer asked as Vetis stopped and stood before him. “I have seen it,” Vetis said. “Does it concern you?” Lucifer asked. “It does not,” Vetis said. “It should,” Lucifer said and stood. “It should concern you greatly.” “Why?” Vetis asked. “Because it will kill you and any demon who touches it,” Lucifer said. Vetis narrowed his gaze. “I have seen no such thing.” “Just because you have not seen it does not make it untrue,” Lucifer said. “Hades, Set and Beelzebub were caught in the light last night. Lesser demons have been getting caught for the past lunar month.” “Have you heard from the new god?” Vetis asked. “Michael has told me the light is his doing,” Lucifer said. “And it is growing.” “Can we stop it?” Vetis asked. “I have not found a way yet,” Lucifer said. “But I am looking.” “Are you commanding the demons to return?” Vetis asked. “I am not,” Lucifer said. “Every time the light hits one, the light seems to slow.” Vetis contemplated. “Then, as we devour from the darkness…” “The light grows,” Lucifer said. “I will not be sending any demons back that succumb to the light. We must maintain the darkness.” “Then, command the demons to return to hell,” Vetis said. Lucifer shook his head. “No. I want only my strongest on the surface. Those who would become caught in the light are not the strongest.” Vetis nodded. He understood the reasoning. “What do you want me to do?” “Watch the light,” Lucifer said. “And report back to me. There is also a rumor coming from the archangels. There will be other creatures on the planet soon. We may be able to use them.” “To get our darkness back?” Vetis asked. Lucifer nodded. “I will watch for them and report to you,” Vetis said. “You may go,” Lucifer said. Vetis found himself on his hands and knees back in the cave as the rock behind him cracked closed. Snarling, Vetis stood and walked out of the cave. The world seemed no different than when he had left, but he could not be certain if it was the same night or the next or some time further into the future. Hell’s time-frame was less than reliable. The only thing that Vetis was certain of was that he no longer saw Forneus. Whether that meant Formeus was called back to hell, burned in a beam of light or somewhere else, Vetis did not know. It was perplexing. However, Vetis was certain there was more light. He was not pleased, and as he looked across the landscape, he could tell the other demons were not as well fed. This would be a problem. If there was less food, they would wither and become weak. It was something he knew Lucifer would want to know, but Vetis could not risk leaving now. Not if the conditions were changing this rapidly. “What did Lucifer say?’ Forneus asked as he landed next to Vetis. “Stay out of the light,” Vetis said as they walked across a large grassy field. The blades withered and turned brown under their footfalls. “Things have changed,” Forneus said. “I noticed. How long was I gone?” Vetis asked. “Almost two lunar months,” Forneus said. “And it changed this much?” “It did,” Forneus said. “I watched several demons burn in the light.” “Lucifer said they were being cast down into hell,” Vetis said. “I am not sure they are,” Forneus said. “They seem to be burning to dust.” “What of Beezlebub, Set and Hades?” Vetis questioned. “They lost hands and feet to the light,” Forneus said. “They returned to hell to regenerate.” Vetis raised an eyebrow. “And the younger demons are burning to dust?” Forneus nodded. “Show me,” Vetis said. Forneus led them through the field and across an area of rocky terrain. “Here.” He motioned. Vetis leaned down and brushed a hand through the oddly colored dust. It did not match the dirt of the ground. It was too fine and the wrong color. “It is demon.” He stood. “As I said before. Stay out of the light. It appears to be more dangerous than we originally thought.” “Lethal,” Forneus said. “Is there a warning before a new beam appears?” Vetis asked. “Very little,” Forneus said. “Though, they seem to be more frequent when every demon is feeding.” Vetis nodded. “Lucifer said as much.” “What should we do?” Forneus asked. “When we are resting, we should take cover in the caves,” Vetis said just as something fell from the sky and touched his skin. Whatever it was, it had steamed off his skin. “What was that?” Forneus contemplated for a moment. “I believe the other demons are calling it water.” “Water?” “It falls from the sky,” Forneus said just as a crack of thunder sounded in the near distance. It was quickly followed by a flash of sharp light. Vetis winced. “And that?” “That was not the beams of light. We are not sure what it is, but when it lands on the ground, the rocks and dirt are scorched,” Forneus said. “Then, we should assume that will also kill demons,” Vetis said. Forneus nodded. “I agree.” His words were punctuated by an even louder explosion of thunder and more hot, flashing light. Seconds later, the water Forneus spoke of started flooding from the sky, landing in large drops on the parched earth. Vetis watched as the drop of water steamed from his hot skin. What did not fall on his skin quickly formed puddles around them. “We should get into the caves.” Vetis took flight, soaring into the sky toward the nearest rocky outcrop. He landed in the entrance of a cave that was 10 cubits up the side of a cliff and walked inside. He was quickly joined by Forneus. “At least the water does not burn,” Forneus said. “It is one small victory,” Vetis said. “However, it does not look good for us if we do not stop the light.” Forneus inhaled the wet air as he looked outside the cave entrance. “The storm is getting worse.” Vetis watched the rain fall. He could hear the thunder. It sounded as though it were right on top of them. The flashes of burning light shattered the darkness faster than Vetis could count. He scowled. Vetis had never seen such a thing. The water was pooling on the ground and running down the paths forged by thousands of demons. It irritated Vetis. He stepped to the edge of the rock ledge, red eyes peering through the darkness. He could barely see through the rain and fog. “The only good thing to come of this is that the storm is hostile.” Vetis inhaled the hostility from the storm before walking to the back of the cave. He sat with his back against the rock wall and closed his eyes to rest. Sometime later, he opened his eyes to view Forneus nudging him. “What?” “You need to see this,” Forneus said. Chapter 2 – The Garden ManLiving alone in a walled garden that was too slick and tall to climb was a man, but he was not only separated from the rest of humanity by a wall, he was also separated by barren, rocky terrain and vast desert. The only source of fresh water was a river that was two furlongs wide and six cubits deep during the dry season. It wound through the garden and under the walls, watering the plants and animals within.
Asmodeus could understand why this interested Vetis. The man was completely secluded by both the walls and the surrounding terrain. No other humans lived within 16 furlongs of this area due to its extreme uninhabitability, and it was obvious to Asmodeus that no other demons lived within this area. There was no food. This man emitted neither discontent nor fear. Asmodeus started to land on the wall then thought better of it. It was probably infused with pure light, and if that were the case, Asmodeus understood why they needed his human’s help. If this were truly a place of god, neither Asmodeus nor Vetis would be able to enter. Instead of landing, Asmodeus circled the garden to observe the man within. Adam walked alone in the garden surrounded by beasts of all types – sheep, goats, cows, bulls, chickens, rabbits, cats, horses, zebras… While they were entertaining and he enjoyed caring for them, none offered him satisfaction or companionship beyond a nuzzle and a warm place to sleep. He could spill his seed into them as many times as he wished, yet nothing happened. They were not of his breed, and Adam only grew more frustrated to spite the beauty of the garden and ample food. One night, as the moon hung low in the sky, Adam thanked god for the beauty and abundance in the garden, and he prayed for a woman he could spend his days with and continue his lineage just as the rabbits and horses. As he prayed, his eyes drifted shut and a deep sleep befell him. First Chapter Preview
It was the beginning when a single star offered its dim light to the vastness of space, but there was already a war brewing, tormented by its own existence. Rock exploded, fragmented and catapulted super heated chunks of molten hardness. Suddenly, there was matter where there had been none, planets where they did not exist before and tiny almost imperceptible lights in the sky. The lights were not close enough or warm enough to penetrate the rocky, barren crust of the Earth, and nothing existed beyond deep valleys and jagged cliffs. The years passed slowly on this dark, uninhabitable planet. The darkness bred discontent. The desolation bred hostility, and out of this irritation came the first life form. Demons. They covered the planet, feeding off its hatred and hostility. It was an overabundant food source but not unlimited. As the demons devoured the darkness, beams of purifying light emerged. At first, they were no more than a man’s finger piercing through the black sky. The demons paid them no mind. They had no concern for the lights. They were slow moving creatures. Eons passed. The fingers became hands. The hands dropped water onto the barren soil, moistening the long hibernating seeds. Rain flooded the deepest valleys and craters, creating running streams and oceans of life giving water. Imperceptible green spouts emerged from the soil and new seeds lingered on fragile stems. Tumultuous winds tore those seeds from their stems and spread them wide and far, and they grew. First, those tiny fragile seeds surrounded the oceans and rivers, thriving off the handfuls of light. As they grew and multiplied, they spread to the edges of the darkness where they produced a warming mixture of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and oxygen. The expansion of light hastened, but what was this light? The answer would prove fatal. Any demon caught in the light singed and burned to nothingness. The demons scrambled into caves where only a handful would survive to witness the beginning of mankind – homo-habilis, homo-erectus, and finally homo-sapien. As the humans grew and spread and the existence of darkness both in the caves and at night brought carnivorous creatures, and strange illnesses began to plague the human race. Infants died. Mothers screamed in agony. Fathers became weak and withered, and the demons became objects of rituals. They were dark angry gods to be appeased lest the rains did not fall, firstborn males died and disease and pestilence ravaged the dwellings. With the rituals came learning, and one demon stood alone when he realized he could feed off the ceremonies and human fear, discontent and anger. Vetis inhaled their fear and anger, becoming powerful from within the darkness of his cave. Unfortunately, the light still burned, which prevented him and every other demon who survived the onslaught from entering into the world of the humans. However, with every period of light came darkness. It was only a matter of time before the demons would learn to use the darkness to their advantage. Vetis was the first. When the moon rose high in the sky, Vetis took one cautious step through the mouth of his cave. When there was no pain, he took another and another until he was strolling amongst the world’s new population. They had solid bodies and could walk and communicate with each other in ways that Vetis could only dream. There had to be a way to walk among them in the light, and Vetis would find it. In the meantime, he infiltrated their temples and fed from their rituals, growing stronger until he was joined by another. His name was Asmodeus. Angered at the intrusion into his night, Vetis sought to destroy Asmodeus, pushing him out of the temples with demonic fire and brimstone and fighting him on open land. Their battles raged far and wide, destroying villages and decimating the landscape, and as the human population dwindled, Vetis found himself pinned against a sharp rock hundreds of cubits in the air. “Soon there will be no humans, and then what will you do, Vetis?” Asmodeus snarled, breathing his brimstone breath in Vetis’ face. “Grow weak and wither until you are called to Hell under Lucifer’s rule.” Vetis launched himself off the rocks with his powerful wings, hurling them toward the ground as he wrapped his dark gray hands around Asmodeus’ black neck. “You will be the one cast back into Hell.” Asmodeus slammed one demonic foot into Vetis’ chest, shattering his bones and freeing himself before they impacted the jagged, barren rocks below. He soared into the black sky just as the first rays of deadly light crested upon the horizon. With Vetis injured but in pursuit, Asmodeus fled into the nearest cave. They fought through the day. Neither gaining nor giving ground until their black blood coated the rocks and the mountain above them trembled. From opposite sides of the cave, they snarled and gnashed their teeth. “If we continue, the mountain will fall upon us,” Asmodeus said as he watched a large gash on his arm heal. “Then we shall declare an uneasy truce,” Vetis said. “You will not enter my temples, and I will not enter yours.” Asmodeus frowned in contemplation. “If you cross into my territory, I will slaughter you.” “Then, you agree to my truce,” Vetis said. “I agree,” Asmodeus said. For more than a mega-millennium, Vetis and Asmodeus honored the invisible line they had drawn across the earth. It was not until 4,000B.C. that Vetis dared to cross the line, landing in front of Asmodeus as he walked across a field to a new temple. “Vetis.” Asmodeus snarled and narrowed his gaze. “I am not here to fight you,” Vetis said. “I am here to inform you.” “Of what?” Asmodeus asked. “Have you seen the garden between our two lands?” Vetis asked. “I have,” Asmodeus said. “There is a man inside,” Vetis said. “An insignificant man,” Asmodeus said. “He is of no concern to me.” He stretched his wings as if to take flight. “He talks to god,” Vetis said. Asmodeus raised an eyebrow and lowered his wings. “Does he?” “And I have heard his lineage is the key to our unhuman immortality,” Vetis said. “Explain yourself,” Asmodeus said. “I have seen a lesser demon posses a human,” Vetis said. “We are far more powerful. By corrupting this man, we could possess his lineage and free ourselves of the caves and the darkness.” “You do not need my help,” Asmodeus said. “Simply corrupt the man and possess him.” “I cannot do it alone,” Vetis said as he circled Asmodeus. “I have heard you have a human who practices sorcery.” “What of her?” Asmodeus asked as he followed Vetis with his red eyes. “With her help, we could gain human bodies and live infinitely in the human world,” Vetis said. “And what of her?” Asmodeus asked as he narrowed his gaze. “Once we have our human bodies, we can change her, allowing her to live infinitely alongside us,” Vetis said. “How are you so certain?” Asmodeus asked. “I have heard it whispered in the darkest caverns,” Vetis said. “You could have your human for all time.” Asmodeus weighed Vetis’ proposition. “This one thing. Then, we go our separate ways.” “Agreed,” Vetis said. Asmodeus watched him take to the sky before continuing his trek to the temple. He would need to observe this garden man. Asmodeus had thus far ignored him, deeming him useless. However, the odds of corrupting a man who speaks with god were so low that it piqued Asmodeus’ interest. How long did it take you to write Whence They Came: The Beginning?
A long time. I initially started writing the book in 2012. I wrote down about 30,000 words before I realized that it was too convoluted and the settings moved around too much to be a viable book. At that point, I put it away to think about it some more. I also realized in 2014 that I did not have the skill as a writer to write such a novel. I mean, I’m trying to interpret the bible from the devil’s side while sticking to the same language you might find inside the bible. It’s extremely difficult. When did you start writing Whence They Came again? I opened the book again in late 2017 and reread it. My initial thoughts on the text were the same. It was too convoluted and scattered, and it moved too far forward. I ended up cutting all but about 10,000 words and basically starting over. From that point, it took me perhaps three or four months to finish it. What were some of the words you could not use in order to stay true to the source? There were a lot of words I couldn’t use. We’re talking about 4,000BC. There’s a lot of things that simply don’t exist in that time-frame. They didn’t call houses, houses, and tools and things like that were extremely limited. To complicate matters, the bible uses a lot of euphemisms to describe things, specifically sex, and the bible actually contains a ton of sex. Every time you see the word – Begat – it means sex. They also use terms like flower and ocean and river. It’s never cock or penis, pussy or vagina, it’s always something else. What was the concept for the book? The concept of the book was to tell the story from the side of evil, which it does. Everything in the book is told from either Lilith or Asmodeus’ point of view. It’s not really told from Adam and Eve’s point of view. And obviously, it'll be a series. You can't cover all the bible in one book. It'd be hundreds of thousands of pages long. What kind of research did you have to do for the book? Quite a bit. Obviously, I had to read the bible again. I also had to look up early Mesopotamia and early cultures to try and figure out the setting, clothing, tools. Everything we take for granted every day, I had to look up. I also had to remind myself of Lilith’s history and find a good demon that could travel with her. How far in time does the book travel? The book travels from the beginning of the world to the point where Caine establishes Enoch and has his son. Was there any set time during the day when you wrote Whence They Came? Usually, really late at night from about 1:AM until 3 or 4:AM, and I usually had to be in a really bad mood to write it. It's evil and dark and you have to be in that mindset. What will the next book cover? The next book will move forward from the City of Enoch to probably the flood. I’m not sure if it will include the flood, or it that will be in the third book. It depends on what the overall length looks like. |
AuthorJosephine Leonard is a biblical horror author. Archives
May 2020
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