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Demons are supernatural entities who live in Hell. They are tormentors and manipulators who enjoy causing chaos and destruction on Earth. In order to exist outside of Hell, they need to possess a host body. Originating in Hell, it's very possible that they have existed since before witches and mortals. Lilith, the first woman, refers to herself as the Mother of Demons, and this provides a good case for them existing as long as the world has been around.

Demons are usually found in Hell, but they can also possess people in order to cause trouble on Earth. There is a Hierarchy among them. The Plague Kings Purson, Asmodeus, and Beelzebub are under the command of the Dark Lord.

Species of Demons

There are many known types of demons. Demons can be serpents or parasites. One example of a Demon Serpent is the Rusalka or Melusine. This dwells in rivers and kills with a kiss. The Apophis is a parasitic demon that is a Devouring Worm. Sex Demons or incubi can only be contained with chains forged from Damascus steel. Sleep demons control the dreams of people and feed on their nightmares. Water Demons often look like aquatic creatures and can drown their victims. Yule Demons, such as Bartel, come around during the Yule season. He captured children and turned them into wax figures.

Skills and Weaknesses

Depending on the type of demon, they may have different abilities. Those who possess witches can engage in spell casting. Demons sometimes possess mortals as well. When this is the case, they don't have the power to do magic. Some demons can shapeshift. They can use telekinesis to move objects and people with their mind. Teleportation allows some demons to teleport from one location to another, and glamour lets some disguise their physical appearance. Certain demons can dream walk to enter a dream, can levitate, or are able to generate and manipulate fire through pyrokinesis. Hellfire summoning is also a skill that some have, as well as soul consumption and animal control.

Demons are weak to exorcisms and can be removed from the possessed host bodies. They can be sealed away or bound through witchcraft in order to prevent them from harming others. Some examples of witchcraft that can be used against a demon include the Demon Banishment Spell, Witch-whistle, and Blinding Powder. Since Angels are the polar opposite of demons, as demons are subservient to the fallen angel Lucifer, angels have been known to attack and kill demons.

"Another prison? No, no, no! Edward Spellman imprisoned me in the Acheron puzzle for 70 years. I'll not be caged again!"
— Batibat

Demon Appearances in the Archieverse

There are many instances where demons, Hell, or demonic forces take center stage in The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. They are a prominent part of the story throughout parts 1-4 of the series.

Here are a few significant instances in the series. In Chapter Two: The Dark Baptism, demonic forces gather as Sabrina prepares to sign the Book of the Beast. In Chapter Twelve: The Epiphany, The Plague Kings attempt to kill Sabrina during her ascension. Caliban and the Plague Kings challenge Sabrina's rule in Chapter Twenty-One: The Hellbound Heart. Lazarus, acting as an avatar of death, raises the dead in Greendale during Chapter Thirty-Four: The Returned. And, in Chapter Thirty-Six: At the Mountains of Madness, the Void, a cosmic terror, threatens reality itself. 
 

Demons in the Archiverse draw from multiple traditions. In Christian demonology, Lucifer, Beelzebub, and Asmodeus are mentioned. Pan, Cernunnos, and other horned gods blur the line between deity and demon in pagan mythology. The Eldritch Terrors are reminiscent of Lovecraftian terrors. There's even a nod to Egyptian mythology with the serpent Apophis.

Throughout the show, demons are a clever plot device to explore many themes, such as power and corruption, free will vs. destiny, the cost of magic, and the fragile mortal soul. Alternate timelines and realities often change the way demons are dealt with and what destruction they are able to cause on the Earth.

Fun Facts

• The Plague Kings can be compared to the Biblical Three Wise Men but bring death instead of gifts.
• All demons supposedly are descendants of Lilith.
• Witches in the Church of Night are forbidden from practicing exorcisms.
• According to Zelda Spellman, demons are the most powerful during the Winter Solstice.

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Written by Abigail Payne
Code by Hugo Prendergast