Codex Hypernaturalae 162 by avancna on DeviantArt (original) (raw)

Name: Behemoth, "Wine Steward of Hell," "Greatest of All Beasts"
Type: Divine beast/ Demon prince
Magnitude: 9
Appearance: A horned, cloven-hoofed animal as big as a sauropod dinosaur. Behemoth dwarfs virtually all other land animals, except the Re'em, "The Mountain Auroch That Is A Mountain." Has a long tail, sometimes reminiscent of a cedar. Illustrations of Behemoth's demonic aspect as a humanoid elephant may actually be depictions of his honor guards.
Notes: Behemoth is the greatest of all land animals, and one of the greatest creations of God-as-Jehovah. Legend has it that the World will end when Behemoth allows God-as-Jehovah to slay him in order to feed the gathered Chosen People.
In the meantime, Behemoth is free to do whatever his heart desires. At the time being, that is apparently dabbling in demonic politics as a social dilettante, and hosting parties as the supreme Infernal sommelier.
Although Behemoth's sheer physical power easily matches the various fallen angels and demon princes who make up the foundation of the Inner Infernal Hierarchy, Behemoth largely abstains from plots and intrigue, mostly eavesdropping on courtesan bickering to satisfy his craving for gossip. Likewise, almost all other demons of the Inner Infernal Hierarchy avoid entangling Behemoth in their plots, save as a caterer for their social events. This is done mostly out of respect for Behemoth's standing, and out of the very real fear that Behemoth will literally eat the offending party. The only demons who do actively plot against Behemoth are his sibling, Leviathan, and Beelzebub, Prince of Gluttony (his biggest rival, metaphorically speaking).