Briathos is an angelic name appearing in scholarly translations of the pseudepigraphal Testament of Solomon, an early composite work describing King Solomon’s legendary interactions with demonic spirits.
The encounter in chapter 10
In chapter 10 of Philip A. Harland’s translation—adapted from F. C. Conybeare’s text in consultation with editions by D. C. Duling and C. C. McCown—a hound-shaped spirit named Staff (Rabdos) is brought before King Solomon. When questioned about the heavenly power capable of checking him, the spirit identifies Briathos as the angel who frustrates his activity. Within the narrative, Briathos is named solely in connection with this specific confrontation, rather than as a universal ruler over all demonic forces or all of Solomon’s bindings.
Translation traditions
In Conybeare’s earlier 1898 translation (section 50, printed page 28), the thwarting angel is rendered as Brieus, accompanied by a translator’s note referencing Bornemann’s conjecture connecting the name to Briareus. Gustav Davidson’s 1967 angel dictionary similarly catalogues the entry under Brieus (printed page 76), using the form found in Conybeare’s translation. These variations reflect differences between modern English editions rather than separate mythological figures.
Explore related entries
Read about Bazazath, browse the angel directory, or explore the guide to source traditions.
Sources and further reading
- Philip A. Harland, Testament of Solomon, chapter 10 (2023); adapted translation based on Conybeare, Duling, and McCown.
- F. C. Conybeare, The Testament of Solomon, section 50 (1898), printed p. 28; digital edition by Joseph H. Peterson.
- Gustav Davidson, A Dictionary of Angels (1967), printed p. 76, Brieus.