
Hollywood is reintroducing the demon Buer. Known as the great president of hell, he only appears when the sun is in Sagittarius. Buer goes about teaching natural and moral philosophy, herbology, and is good at healing men of their illnesses. He seems almost good, but what does he want in return?
Buer might be one of the strangest demons ever described in occult literature. In the Ars Goetia, part of The Lesser Key of Solomon, Buer is identified as the Great President of Hell and said to command 50 legions of spirits. But unlike demons associated primarily with destruction or temptation, Buer supposedly possesses knowledge that sounds almost helpful.
The grimoire claims Buer teaches natural and moral philosophy, logic, and the properties of herbs and plants. Even stranger, he is said to have the ability to heal illnesses and provide people with familiar spirits. According to the text, Buer appears when the Sun is in Sagittarius, although exactly what his original appearance was supposed to be is complicated.
One of the most famous later illustrations depicts Buer as a bizarre lionlike head surrounded by five goat legs arranged almost like a wheel, allowing the creature to supposedly move in any direction. That image became so iconic that today it is practically inseparable from Buer's legend.
Why would a supposed President of Hell spend his time teaching philosophy, explaining medicinal herbs, and healing the sick and now appearing in Hollywood movies? What is Buer receiving in return?