Abalam

Abalam (also spelled Abalim) is a demon who accompanies the Goetic demon Paimon.

Biblical origin

In the original Latin texts mentioning Abalam, his name is spelled as Abalim.

According to author Brian Pivik, the demon's name should be rendered in Hebrew as אבלימ.

The spirit's name may originate from the Book of Ecclesiastes in the Old Testament of the Bible. Verse 2 states:

Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity.

"Vanity", the key term of this book, translates the Hebrew term הבל, hebel, meaning "vanity" or "vain," concretely referring to a "mist," "vapor," or "mere breath." It can also be translated as "Absurdity, Frustration, Futility, Nonsense."

"Vanity of vanities" reflects the Hebrew: הבל הבלים (habel habalim).

Textual history

The demon is only mentioned in grimoires in conjunction with Paimon and was never written about as an individual.

It first appears in Johann Weyer's Pseudomonarchia Daemonum (1577). The same passage explaining Paimon's abilities in the Lesser Key of Solomon subsequently referenced the same demon.

Abilities

In the hierarchy of Hell, Abalam is a Great Prince or a King. He accompanies Paimon, but only comes when an offering is made specifically to Paimon with no other demons included.

Abalam is part of Paimon's 25 legions and presumably leads one of those legions, along with his partner Labal.

Like Paimon, he was of the order of Powers in the Hierarchy of angels before becoming a fallen angel.