The Seventy-Two Spirits · 30

Forneus

Forneus is a sea-monster whose gifts concern human speech and reputation. He teaches rhetoric and languages, gives a good name, and promises the affection of enemies as well as friends. [1]

Goetia 1904

Spirit profile

Rank: Marquis [1]
Attributed Office: Teaching rhetoric and languages, giving a good reputation, and securing affection from enemies as well as friends. [1]
Legion Count: 29 legions. [1]
Description of the Entity: A great sea-monster, without a more precise body description. [1]

Moonlight falls on a dark sea; an indistinct immense shape is visible beneath the water. — **Artistic interpretation** Forneus

Three rounded columns hold short bars and flared marks, with crosses above and ring-ended supports at the sides. — **Source reproduction** Forneus's printed character, figure 35. Goetia, 1904.

Eloquence and a good name

The great marquis Forneus makes people highly skilled in rhetoric and gives knowledge and understanding of languages. His social office goes beyond persuasive speech: he gives a good reputation and makes a person beloved by foes as well as friends. [1]

He appears as a great sea-monster. Twenty-nine legions are beneath him, drawn partly from the Thrones and partly from the Angels. [1]

Sources and editions

The Book of the Goetia of Solomon the King — entry 30: Forneus
S. L. MacGregor Mathers, translated; Aleister Crowley, edited, The Book of the Goetia of Solomon the King (1904), first-edition facsimile supplied by Keep Silence. Shemhamphorash, entry 30; printed p. 20, PDF p. 17
The Discoverie of Witchcraft · Forneus
Reginald Scot, The Discoverie of Witchcraft (1584); Brinsley Nicholson’s reprint of the first edition (1886), Project Gutenberg transcription. Book XV, chapter II, Forneus; 1886 reprint page 319

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