The Conjuring: The History of Malthus (The Annabelle Demon) | Horror History

In the chilling world of horror, few entities are as notorious as the demon Malthus, intricately linked to the infamous Annabelle doll. This blog post delves into the dark history of Malthus, exploring its origins, its sinister influence in the Conjuring Universe, and the terrifying events that have unfolded around it.

Key Takeaways

• Malthus is an Earl of Hell, often associated with manipulation and possession.
• The demon’s lore is rooted in ancient texts, including the Dead Sea Scrolls and The Lesser Key of Solomon.
• Malthus preys on the vulnerable, using deception to achieve its goals.
• The Annabelle doll serves as a vessel for Malthus, amplifying its power and reach.

The Origin Of Malthus

To understand Malthus, we must journey back to ancient texts. The demon is first mentioned in The Devil’s Welcome, a spellbook that outlines the Rite of Evocation. This rite involves summoning evil spirits, and Malthus is one of the most malevolent among them.

The Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered in 1947, hint at the existence of demons like Malthus, suggesting a long history of malevolence. The scrolls date back to around 20 BCE, making them some of the oldest references to such entities.

Malthus In The Lesser Key Of Solomon

Malthus is classified as an Earl of Hell in The Lesser Key of Solomon, a 17th-century grimoire detailing various demons. This book serves as a significant source of lore for the Conjuring franchise, listing 72 demons, each with specific roles in the hierarchy of Hell.

Interestingly, Malthus is depicted not as a ram-like creature but as a wicked figure with a hoarse voice. This portrayal contrasts with the cinematic representation, where Malthus is often associated with a cult known as the Disciples of Ram.

The Disciples Of Ram

The Disciples of Ram are a cult that worships Malthus, performing rituals to summon the demon. The evocation page in The Devil’s Welcome states that blood must be shed to summon Malthus, emphasizing the dark nature of these rituals. The cult’s followers embody the uncleanliness required for such a summoning, making them prime targets for Malthus’s manipulation.

Haunting The Mullins Family

Malthus’s early interactions with humanity began with the Mullins Family. After the tragic loss of their daughter, Annabelle, the family became vulnerable to Malthus’s influence. The demon exploited their grief, leading them to believe they could communicate with their deceased daughter through the Annabelle doll.

This manipulation marked the beginning of a terrifying infestation, where Malthus used the guise of the Mullins’ daughter to gain strength. The family’s hope turned into horror as they realized the entity was not their child but a malevolent force seeking to claim their souls.

Adoption By The Higgins Family

Years later, the Annabelle doll found its way to the Higgins Family, where it continued its reign of terror. Janice, a young girl with polio, became Malthus’s next target. The demon used Janice’s vulnerability to manipulate her, leading to a series of horrifying events that culminated in possession.

Malthus’s tactics included isolating Janice and exploiting her emotional state, showcasing the demon’s cunning nature. The possession of Janice marked a significant turning point, allowing Malthus to expand its influence further.

The Summoning Ritual

The summoning ritual performed by Janice and her cult boyfriend involved a blood sacrifice, fulfilling the requirements to awaken Malthus. This act of desperation unleashed a wave of supernatural occurrences, leading to chaos in the Higgins household.

Malthus’s power grew as it manipulated the Annabelle doll, causing unexplainable events and terrorizing the family. The demon’s ability to deceive and manipulate was on full display, showcasing its true nature as a master of lies.

Terrorizing The Form Family

The Form family soon became the next victims of Malthus’s wrath. After acquiring the Annabelle doll, Mia Form experienced a series of terrifying events, including a fire and the doll’s unexplainable movements. Malthus’s influence was evident as it sought to claim Mia’s soul, using her maternal instincts against her.

The demon’s tactics mirrored those used on previous victims, demonstrating its adaptability and cunning. Malthus’s ultimate goal remained the same: to possess and manipulate those it targeted.

Annabelle Comes Home

In the film Annabelle Comes Home, Malthus’s story continues as it seeks to escape its confines. The Warrens, who have secured the doll, face the demon’s wrath as it attempts to unleash chaos once more. The film highlights the ongoing battle between good and evil, with Malthus representing the relentless pursuit of souls.

Malthus’s Future

As the Conjuring Universe expands, the future of Malthus remains uncertain. The demon’s ability to adapt and learn from its encounters makes it a formidable foe. With the potential for new stories and characters, Malthus’s legacy of terror is far from over.

In conclusion, Malthus stands as a testament to the enduring power of evil in the horror genre. Its intricate history, rooted in ancient texts and modern storytelling, continues to captivate audiences. As we explore the depths of the Conjuring Universe, one thing is clear: Malthus is a demon that will not be easily forgotten.