ASMODIARASMODIAR
Real Name: Asmodiar
Identity/Class: Demon (Class Two)
Occupation: Lord of Hell; agent of darkness
Affiliations: Beliar (son and agent)
Enemies: Queen Guinevere, Merlin, King Arthur Pendragon, the Knights of the Round Table
Known Relatives: Beliar (son)
Aliases: Prince of Evil
Base of Operations: A branch of Hell
First Appearance: Marvel Preview#22 (Summer, 1980)
Powers/Abilities: Beliar, as a demon, is immune to
the effects of aging and conventional disease, and he has some
ability to resist and recover from conventional injury. He was
once overcome by decapitation with a magical sword of his own
creation, but this only weakened him for a time. Even while
decapitated, he was still aware of everything around him, and
could even speak.
He can open portals to other realms, although there are
apparently limits which prevent him from directly accessing Earth
at will. In addition, his powers are likely much greater within
his own realm.
He can entrap others within his realm, enhance the powers of
others, and alter his own appearance. He has great psychic
powers, enabling him to overpower others, even powerful
sorcerers, such as Merlin.
History: Asmodiar is a Class Two Demon, meaning that he is apparently of terrestrial origin, but arises from a time period much later than the Elder Gods. He is/was one of the lords of Hell.
(Marvel Preview#22) - In the sixth century,
Asmodiar had a problem with King Arthur Pendragon:
"...more
than a force for good, you are one of the most noble and selfless
kings who had ever lived. sent Beliar to infiltrate Camelot and
hopefully slay Arthur Pendragon. Simply by being, you are a
supreme leader to other men! You are the living inspiration for
the good of others--for gallantry, nobility, chivalry, justice!
And, quite innocently, you will spread this force of good
throughout the entire world if you are not checked now! Thus, you
are my born enemy, King Arthur, my greatest enemy..."
To this end, Asmodiar dispatched his son, Beliar, to infiltrate
Camelot and slay King Arthur. Belial, in the guise of a handsome
young knight, initially used his charismatic nature to worm his
way deep into the hearts of virtually the entire population of
Camelot. Eventually, however, Beliar's dark nature revealed
itself, and Arthur banished Beliar from Camelot. However, Beliar
abducted Queen Guinevere and brought her to his father's realm,
knowing that Merlin would be able to follow his trail.
Arthur and Merlin did indeed follow Beliar's
trail, eventually entering a portal that brought them into a
branch of Hell. Asmodiar revealed himself, and then summoned
Beliar, revealing his true nature as well. Asmodiar had Beliar
challenge Arthur to a duel, both to the death, and for the soul
of Guinevere. Arthur began to overpower the demonspawn, but
Asmodiar then amplified Beliar's powers. Beliar quickly turned
the tide of the fight, until Merlin channeled his own energies
into Arthur. The battle continued evenly for a short time, but
Asmodiar's power proved superior to Merlin's, and Beliar
eventually triumphed. Asmodiar sent Beliar to bring Guinevere to
him, so that they he could torture her in front of Arthur.
However, realizing he was no match for Asmodiar's power, Merlin
sought to outwit the Prince of Evil. Merlin swiftly struck down
Beliar, then took up his sword and replaced him. As Merlin/Beliar
and Guinevere approached Asmodiar, the demon lord realized that
Merlin was missing. As Asmodiar turned to search for Merlin,
"Beliar" pulled out his sword and beheaded Asmodiar.
Arthur claimed victory, but the head of Asmodiar laughed at him,
telling him it was just a single victory. Asmodiar told them that
while he was powerless for the nonce, he would return later in a
far more subtle guise.
With the demons defeated for a time, Arthur, Merlin, and
Guinevere returned to Camelot.
(Journey Into Mystery I#627 (fb)) - Asmodiar attended the Devil's Advocacy to talk about the Serpent (Cul)'s actions on Earth.
Comments: Created by Doug Moench and John Buscema.
Once could presume that Asmodiar's threat could mean that he may have influenced Lancelot and Guinevere to betray Arthur in an affair, contributing heavily to the fall of Camelot. This, however, is unconfirmed.
It is completely possible that Beliar (and Asmodiar) were both aliases, and that they may represent demons whom we have seen by other names. Asmodiar's claims may mean he is one of the demons who has claimed to be Satan. However, there is no evidence to support this.
This story may not have been 100% intended to be Marvel canon, but there's no reason why it can't be. It would seem to take place relatively early in the established history of the MU's Camelot, prior to the arrival of Sir Percy, the Black Knight.
CLARIFICATIONS:
No KNOWN/Definite connection to:
Asmodeus, the demon from Hell,
@ Ghost Rider II#53
Asmodeus, Dr. Charles Benton,
former leader of the Sons of Satannish, @ Dr. Strange I#169, 175
Asmodeus, a green, bat-winged Inhuman, @
Fantastic Four I#117
Asmodeus, a demon-worshipping ally of
Morningstar, @ Moon Knight I#29
Asmodeus, a demonic, amorphous blob worshipped
by a cult known as the Enclave, @ Tomb of Dracula Magazine#2
Asmodeus Jones, a rock singer and pawn of the
demon Fashima, of the Six Fingered Hand, @ Defenders I#96
Azmodeus, the bird-like demon-servant of Master
Pandemonium, @ West Coast Avengers II#4
Appearances:
Marvel Preview#22 (Summer, 1980) - Doug Moench (writer), John Buscema (plot/pencils), Tom Palmer & John Tartaglione (inks), Lynn Graeme (editor)
Journey Into Mystery I#627 (November, 2011) - Kieron Gillen (writer), Richard Elson (art), Ralph Macchio (senior editor)
Last updated: 08/16/12
Any Additions/Corrections? please let me know.
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