Demonic hierarchy
At various points in history, different groups of Christians have constructed various systems of classification, or hierarchies of demons. Perhaps the single most influential of these classifications is that put forward by Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite in the Fourth or Fifth century in his book The Celestial Hierarchy.
In this work, the author drew on passages from the New Testament, specifically Ephesians 6:12 and Colossians 1:16. From these, he constructed a schema of three hierarchies of angels and demons, with each hierarchy containing three orders, thus (in descending level of power):
- First Hierarchy
- Second Hierarchy
- Third Hierarchy
During the Middle Ages, many other schema were proposed, some drawing on and expanding on Pseudo-Dionysius, others suggesting completely different classifications. Many constructed demonic courts along the lines of then-current European royal courts, populated by princes, dukes, and counts. Sometimes military titles were used instead or as well as these aristocratic ones.
Some significant examples include:
Literary works that utilised these classifications include:
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