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 Irish 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 demonology, Caim appears in Ars Goetia (The Art of Witchcraft), the first part of the so-called 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.
Other spellings: Camio, Caym.
See also The Lesser Key of Solomon, Ars Goetia.
