Caim

Caim is simply and merely a Gaelic rendering of biblical 'Cain', who appears in a variation of the fantastical pedigree of Dardanus that is spun out in "Lebor Bretnach", the Middle Irish language recension of the compilation called "Historia Brittonum" (known in the 9th century version by Nennius). The "Lebor Bretnach", greatly modifies the line, making emendations to earlier sources and tracing the line through Ham rather than Japheth with further spurious names: :"Dardain m. Ioib m. Sadoirn m. Peil m. Palloir m. Zorastres m. Mesraim m. Caim".

In the predominantly Welsh speaking regions of Wales (Gwynedd, Dyfed and Ynys Mon), Cain, Caio, Caim and Cail are commonplace first names for males. These names are derivatives of an ancient Welsh name "Cai" which is recorded in a book of Welsh folklore known as the Mabinogion.

In demonology

[
thumb|right|Caim_as_depicted_in_Collin de Plancy's "Dictionnaire Infernal", 1825 edition.]

Of Cain, originator of murder, consigned to Hell by early Christian writers, much may be elaborated by willing imaginations deprived of access to libraries

In demonology, Caim appears in "Ars Goetia", the first part of "Lesser Key of Solomon" as a Great President of Hell, ruling over thirty legions of demons. Much detail is offered: he is a good disputer, gives men the understanding of the voices of birds, bullocks, dogs, and other creatures, and of the noise of the waters too, and gives true answers concerning things to come.

He is depicted in 19th and 20th century occultist illustrations as appearing in the form of the black bird called a thrush, but soon he changes his shape into a man that has a sharp sword in his hand. When answering questions he seems to stand on burning ashes or coals.

The title 'président' of Hell would suggest a parallel with the presiding officer of a college or convocation, the only pre-modern uses of the term. Other authors consider Caim a 'Prince' of Hell instead and depict him as a man wearing rich and elegant clothes, and the head and wings of a blackbird.

Demonological directories give an etymology from a supposed Latin word 'Chamos', 'Chamus', said to be a name given to Baal Peor, and possibly corrupted from Hebrew 'Chium', an epithet given to several Assyrian and Babylonian gods. Epigraphy does not confirm this etymology.

In Celtic tradition

In pre-Christian Celtic culture of Wales, Scotland and Ireland “Caim” was a protective spirit (Mabinogi). The introduction of Christianity in the early centuries of the first millennia within these regions gave rise to the abandonment or demonisation of traditional Celtic and Druid spirits. In some instances Celtic spirits were either demonised or abandoned in one region but in other's incorporated into early Celtic Christian worship – In the case of Caim, in Scotland “Caim” the Celtic protective spirit became “Caim” a prayer of protection http://allsaintsbrookline.org/celtic/caim.html, In Wales, Caim became and continues to be to this day a commonplace first name for males which means "amddiffynydd" (Welsh for protector)

ee also

* The Lesser Key of Solomon
* Caym

ources

*S. L. MacGregor Mathers, A. Crowley, "" (1904). 1995 reprint: ISBN 0-87728-847-X.

External links

* [http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Aegean/2444/specs/trojans.htm 'The Trojans and Gildas Quartus' traces the growth of some mythic genealogies.]