So Many Satans!

“Satan” has become a name of its own, but originally, it was more of a title for an adversary of some sort, even a human one. So the idea of there being several satans is biblically sound. But as demons moved into the Middle Ages, there tended to be one supreme lord of hell. Sometimes the name changed based on the artistic sensibilities of an author (the creation of Apollyon may fit here). Sometimes there was an actual regime change (as when Satan lost control of hell to Beelzebub). Sometimes some particular image of Satan takes centers stage (the fictional creation Mephistopheles from Faust becoming synonymous with the king of hell). 

Demons have very fluid identities, but this is particularly the case with demons who have been promoted to “King of Hell.” Beelzebub and Mephistopheles, for example, are unique spirits: the story in which Beelzebub becomes the regent of Hell has him arguing with Satan as a separate character. But it seems that the spirits in this category become aspects of each other: Samael, Lucifer, Azazel all tempted Eve in the garden of Eden. Lucifer’s name is nearly synonymous with Satan’s name. Lucifer, Satan, Azazel are all the serpent that will be cast into the inferno at the end of the world. Once a spirit becomes a satan, it seems that they also become Satan, losing themselves in the myth of that figure.

Anyway, below please find a list of the the reigning king(s) of hell, at least from a particular window of time.

Abaddon / Apollyon

Abaddon / Apollyon

The Angel of the Abyss and the great destroyer
Asmodeus

Asmodeus

I would like the Prince of Lust to look a little less...you know...horrifying
Azazel

Azazel

An ancient spirit of the wilderness,, and perhaps the first Satan.
Bael

Bael

#1 in the Goetia, and in our hearts.
Baphomet

Baphomet

Icon of Satanism as a rebellious movement
Beelzebub

Beelzebub

Lord of the flies and the divinely-appointed regent of Hell
Belial

Belial

How can one demon be "worthless" and "#2 in Hell, second only to Luucifer?"
Lucifer

Lucifer

First of the Fallen and Emperor of Hell
Mephistopheles

Mephistopheles

Reasonably young and incredibly famous, the newest face of the devil
Nergal

Nergal

Mesopotamian all-purpose god of fire, famine, and death
Samael

Samael

Sometimes demon prince, sometimes Angel of Death, a powerful, complex spirit.