(καύσος, demon, and παράδοξος, terrible), in Pagan Mythology, a mysterious divinity, regarded by some as the author of creation, and by others as a great magician to the power of whose spell all the inhabitants of Hades were subjected. The origin, attributes, and history of this dread Deity are involved in obscurity; but all writers concur in representing Demogorgon as an object of terror rather than of worship. Hence Milton—

behold the throne Of Chaos, and his dark pavilion spread Wide o'er the wasteful deep: with him enthroned Sat subterranean Night, eldest of things, The first fruit of his reign; and by him stood Oreus and Ades, and the dreaded name Of Demogorgon.

Paradise Lost, B. ii.