Asmodeus

Asmodeus: "A favor?! After coming into my home and insulting me like this?! What kind of fool do you take me for?"

Magnus Bane: "The kind whose love for his chosen son might outweigh his pride."

―Asmodeus and Magnus, Erchomai

Asmodeus is a Greater Demon and is considered to be the most powerful Prince of Hell.

History

Magnus

At one point, Asmodeus slept with an Indonesian woman, with whom he had a warlock son, Magnus Bane. After the woman's death, Magnus became orphaned and wandered the streets. Asmodeus found him and took him in, teaching him how to properly handle his magic.

After some time, Magnus saw what kind of being Asmodeus truly was and banished him back to Hell, where Asmodeus ruled Edom.^[1]

Centuries after,^[2] Magnus sent himself to Edom to ask for Asmodeus's help in conjuring up enough power to free a Shadowhunter trapped by Lilith. Asmodeus wasn't inclined to want Lilith back in the realm with him, but when Magnus offered something in exchange, Asmodeus was quick to tell him to stay and rule beside him. Magnus refused and asked him if there was anything else he may have interest in. Asmodeus agreed to give him the power he required in exchange for his own magic, rendering Magnus powerless after saving Jace.^[1] After Lilith was banished back to Edom, Asmodeus usurped her as ruler of the realm and confined her to a room in her palace with magic he had taken from Magnus.^[3]

Magnus has been unable to contain his contempt over losing his magic and immortality and began to feel depressed, so in response, Alec personally speaks with Asmodeus through a warlock conduit, demanding that he return what he took from Magnus. Asmodeus agrees, but once again with a price: Alec will have to break up with Magnus. Alec is against the idea, but soon relents when Asmodeus warns him not to tell Magnus or the deal will be called off. Feeling he has no other choice, Alec reluctantly breaks up with Magnus, fulfilling the deal and prompting Asmodeus to arrive on Earth and search for his son.^[4]

Asmodeus eventually finds Magnus, leaving him shocked that his father was able to escape Edom. He then stays true to his word and gives Magnus his magic and immortality back. Asmodeus tells Magnus that he wants another chance to be a better father for him, arguing that not a day had passed since he haven't felt the pain of losing him. Magnus refuses and leaves his father behind, with the latter expressing his frustration for rejecting him. Asmodeus later returns to Magnus, who demands that he leave him alone since he did not and will never care about him, with Asmodeus pointing out that he'd let him make the mistake of erasing his memories of Alec instead of trying to stop him if it were true what Magnus said. Encouraged to fight through his heartache, Magnus collapses into his father's arms, crying. ^[5]

Abilities

• Demonic magic: Asmodeus's magic is unique and very powerful. He is one of the few demons capable of corrupting the ley lines. When he uses his magic, he leaves behind an energy signature that is recognizable by some demons and is slightly similar to that of Lilith's, both being from Edom.^[2]

Appearances

References