Molech

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Molech, devourer of children, has proven a popular mainstay in occult circles.
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Molech, devourer of children, has proven a popular mainstay in occult circles.

In Jewish traditions, Molech (מלך) has been interpreted as a god, perhaps referred to as "the king," since biblical times. In 1921, German archeologist proposed that the word referred to a type of human sacrifice in certain Carthaginian cities.

Molech, or Moloch, appears in medieval demonology as a Prince of Hell. This medieval Molech specialises in stealing children. It is likely that this was inspired by the ancient beleif that babies were sacrificed to him.

In the 20th century, Molech has served as a popular metaphor in the arts. He features prominently in Allen Ginsberg's Howl and in Fritz Lang's Metropolis.


Extrapolation

"Molech is a horrible beast, a soul-eater and a right bastard."

So began Stimso Adid's exhaustive psychoanalytic study of Molech, The Oral God.

See Also