Leonard (demon)

Demon, imagined as a three-horned goat

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Illustration of Leonard in the Infernal Dictionary of Jacques Auguste Simon Collin of Plancy by Louis Le Breton, 6th edition, 1863

Leonard or Master Leonard is a demon or spirit in the Dictionnaire Infernal, grand-master of the nocturnal orgies of demons. He is represented as a three-horned goat, with a black human face. He marks his initiates with one of his horns. Infernal powers obtained from the worship of Master Leonard range from metamorphosis into monstrous animals or men to flight as an incubus.[1]

It may be possible that the goat-like figure is related to the ritual described in Leviticus 16:8 concerning Azazel:

> Leviticus 16:8 And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the LORD, and the other lot for the scapegoat.

> 9 And Aaron shall bring the goat upon which the LORD'S lot fell, and offer him for a sin offering.

> 10 But the goat, on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat, shall be presented alive before the LORD, to make an atonement with him, and to let him go for a scapegoat into the wilderness.

Leonard has been known to take other forms, and there is some connection to the legend of the werewolf; he has been known to appear as a handsome soldier, a favourite of many demons. In this form he will seduce a young lady and take her to the wilderness where he will lie with her and ejaculate cold semen. Any child resulting from this union will be stillborn, an offering for sin, again echoing loosely the story of Aaron.

Leonard is said to protect Lucifer’s strongest soldiers. He may appear in a time of possible death to insure that the soldier doesn’t lose his strength before he is needed.

## References

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1. ^ Plancy, Jacques-Albin-Simon Collin de (1863). Dictionnaire infernal: répertoire universel des êtres, des personnages, des livres, des faits et des choses qui tiennent aux esprits ... (in French). H. Plon. p. 404.

## Resources

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* A Field Guide to Demons, Fairies, Fallen Angels and Other Subversive Spirits, Carol K. Mack