Valefor: The Demon Duke of Theft and Betrayal
Valefor, also known as Malaphar or Malephar, is a Fallen Angel and the sixth of the 72 Spirits of Solomon.
Within the Goetic hierarchy, Valefor holds the rank of Duke and is said to command 10 legions of demons. He is closely associated with theft, criminal temptation and the betrayal of those who follow his influence.
The Appearance of Valefor
Valefor is traditionally described as appearing in one of two forms.
In some accounts, he manifests as a lion with many heads. In others, he appears as a lion bearing the head of a human thief.
Both forms combine physical power with deception. The lion suggests authority, strength and predatory instinct, while the thief’s head reveals Valefor’s connection with secrecy, dishonesty and unlawful gain.
Valefor and the Temptation to Steal
Valefor is said to encourage people to become thieves.
At first, his influence may appear useful or profitable. He may tempt a person with the promise of easy wealth, secret advantage or freedom from ordinary rules. Yet the outcome is rarely favourable.
According to traditional demonological descriptions, Valefor eventually abandons those he has led into thievery, leaving them to face imprisonment, execution or the gallows.
For this reason, Valefor represents more than theft alone. He embodies the false ally who encourages wrongdoing but disappears when punishment arrives.
The Deeper Meaning of Valefor
Symbolically, Valefor may be understood as a spirit of temptation followed by betrayal.
He represents the seductive belief that one can gain something without consequence. His influence may be recognised wherever greed overcomes judgement, where loyalty is used as a tool of manipulation, or where a person is persuaded to take risks for someone who has no intention of protecting them.
Valefor’s traditional office reflects themes such as:
The temptation of easy profit
The corruption of loyalty
The thrill of forbidden action
Criminal partnership
Betrayal by a trusted companion
Punishment after reckless choices
The collapse of false security
His legend warns that those who encourage destructive behaviour are often the first to disappear when the consequences become real.
Valefor in the Goetic Tradition
As the sixth spirit of the Ars Goetia, Valefor belongs to the complex hierarchy of spirits described in The Lesser Key of Solomon.
Each Goetic spirit possesses a particular rank, appearance, office and number of subordinate legions. Valefor’s rank as Duke places him among the ruling spirits of the infernal hierarchy, while his command of 10 legions reflects the authority attributed to him within the grimoire tradition.
Studying Valefor therefore requires more than memorising his name and powers. He must be understood within the wider structure of Solomonic magic, ceremonial practice and historical demonology.
Study Demonology Beyond the Surface
Demonology is not simply a catalogue of frightening names.
It is the study of spirit hierarchies, grimoires, religious beliefs, magical systems, protective traditions and the ways in which different cultures have understood dangerous or forbidden spiritual forces.
Inside the Demonology section of the Occult World Mystery School, you can explore subjects including:
The 72 Spirits of Solomon
The Ars Goetia and The Lesser Key of Solomon
Demonic ranks, seals and legions
Fallen Angels and infernal hierarchies
Historical grimoires and forbidden texts
Spirit evocation and ceremonial traditions
Protection, preparation and magical discipline
The symbolism and psychological meaning of demons
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From “The Goetia: The Lesser Key of Solomon the King” (1904) Written by S.L. MacGregor Mathers
The Sixth Spirit is Valefor. He is a mighty Duke, and appeareth in the shape of a Lion with an Ass’s Head, bellowing.
He is a good Familiar, but tempteth them he is a familiar of to steal. He governeth 10 Legions of Spirits. His Seal is this, which is to be worn, whether thou wilt have him for a Familiar, or not.
From the “Pseudomonarchia Daemonum” ( 1583 ) Written by Johann Weyer (Johann Wier)
Valefar, alias Malephar [Malaphar], is a strong duke, comming foorth in the shape of a lion, and the head of a theefe [or “barking”], he is verie familiar with them to whom he maketh himself acquainted, till he hath brought them to the gallowes, and ruleth ten legions.
Original Text :
Valefar, alias Malaphar, Dux est fortis, forma leonis prodiens and capite latronis. Familiaritatem parit suis, donec laqueo suspendantur. Decem præsidet legionibus.
From the “Dictionnaire Infernal” (edition of 1863 ) Written by Jacques Auguste Simon Collin de Plancy
Original Text :
Valafar ou Malafar, grand et puissant duc de l’empiré infernal. Il paraît sous la forme d’un ange, quelquefois sous celle d’un lion avec la têle et les pattes d’une oie et une queue de lièvre.Il connaît le passé et l’avenir, donne du génie et de l’audace aux hommes, et commande trente-six légions.
Note from Occult World : In the Dictionnaire Infernal Valafar commands 36 Legions of Demons instead of the 10 that Wier and S.L. MacGregor Mathers mention.
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