Well, they trace their roots to one tale involving the Biblical king Solomon and a stolen soul. Films, books, videogames still draw from lore that grew out of it.

A fifth century amulet depicting the demon-fighting King Solomon has been found by archaeologists in Turkey, referencing a book banned from the Bible for including themes of dark magic.

There is a 17th-Century demonology grimoire called "The Lesser Key of Solomon." Seventy-two demons appear in the Ars Goetia book and are also the inspiration behind the name of all the Archons ...