Naberius

Naberius is the twenty-fourth spirit in the Ars Goetia, a marquis with nineteen legions. The 1904 edition describes a black crane moving around the circle and speaking hoarsely. His principal intellectual office is rhetoric, though the catalogue also credits him with knowledge of arts and sciences.^[2]

Speech and reputation#

Rhetoric concerns persuasive speech, a subject with an established place among the liberal arts. Naberius's office connects that learning with the restoration of lost dignity and honor. The entry therefore addresses public standing as well as technical skill in argument.^[1][2]

Ronove and Forneus also teach rhetoric. Ronove's description includes languages and favor, while Forneus's includes a good reputation. Naberius's particular concern with recovery makes his office more specific: something that has already been lost is to be restored.

Different appearances#

The figure is less stable across sources than a single modern portrait suggests. Peterson's edition records different readings of the creature, and earlier demonological accounts connect the name with the Cerberus tradition. The black crane in the 1904 edition is therefore one textual witness, not a physical description agreed upon by every source.^[1]

This variation is useful when comparing an engraving with a grimoire. An artist who depicts a multi-headed dog may be following a different account from the edition that describes a bird. The source of each representation explains the difference more clearly than merging both into one invented anatomy.

See also#

• Ronove
• Forneus
• Dictionnaire infernal

This encyclopedia covers traditions beyond the High Satanic Church. Church doctrine is identified as such when it appears.