The Devil in Love (1966) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Beelphegor deliberately refuses to name Maddalena as his bride in front of the bishop as part of his mission to sabotage the peace between Rome and Florence. The calculated public insult is designed to provoke Florence into resuming war with Rome, which would increase the number of souls claimable by Hell. This provocation works, as Gianfigliazzo immediately leads men to capture the apparent intruder.

• beelphegor
• maddalena
• rejection
• ceremony
• war
• peace

Beelphegor escapes using a combination of supernatural and technological means. His invisible helper Adrammelech assists him throughout, and he also uses Leonardo da Vinci's war machines, which the Florentines had not anticipated. These innovative devices provide the archdevil with the technological edge needed to slip away from capture while the city convulses with anger over the insult to their political alliance.

• beelphegor
• escape
• florence
• leonardo
• machines
• adrammelech

Beelphegor initially plans to seduce and manipulate Maddalena as part of his scheme, but during his time in her court, he becomes genuinely attracted to her independent spirit, courage, and intelligence. His growing feelings surprise even himself, as a demon experiencing mortal emotions for the first time discovers that love and longing can defy his infernal nature. This transformation from manipulation to genuine affection becomes the turning point that leads him to abandon his mission.

• beelphegor
• maddalena
• love
• feelings
• transformation

Ades strips Beelphegor of all infernal powers as punishment for delaying his return to Hell and developing true affection for a mortal. The archdevil is transformed into a full mortal who can suffer pain and fear like any human. This loss of supernatural abilities marks his complete fall from demonhood, forcing him to face mortality and vulnerability for the first time in centuries.

• beelphegor
• powers
• loss
• ades
• mortal
• punishment

Moved by compassion and loyalty, Maddalena chooses to stay with Beelphegor rather than let him die alone in the ceremonial fire. Her defiance and willingness to share his fate demonstrate the genuine bond that formed between them after their armored duel. This act of sacrifice convinces Lorenzo to grant clemency, as he sees the extraordinary connection between the former demon and the mortal woman.

• maddalena
• fire
• execution
• sacrifice
• love
• lorenzo

Beelphegor is dispatched by Ades, the ruler of Hell, to sabotage the fragile peace between Rome and Florence in 1478. The holy ceasefire has reduced the number of souls Ades can claim through war, so the mission aims to reignite conflict between the rival city-states. Additionally, Beelphegor is curious to experience mortal life firsthand while disguised in a human body, giving him the opportunity to understand human pleasures and desires from within.

• beelphegor
• mission
• earth
• ades
• hell
• peace
• war

Beelphegor encounters Francesco Cibo, the Pope's pupil returning from France to marry Maddalena, on the road to Florence. Using his supernatural abilities, including the power to cheat at gambling, Beelphegor defeats Cibo in an escalating sequence of card gambles. He wins Cibo's money, baggage, and shockingly, his life. This victory allows Beelphegor to impersonate Cibo and gain access to Lorenzo's court in Florence.

• beelphegor
• cibo
• card duel
• gambling
• defeat
• impersonate

Gianfigliazzo, the Captain of Lorenzo's guard, harbors unspoken love for Maddalena and views Francesco Cibo (whom Beelphegor is impersonating) as a rival for her affection. His jealousy intensifies when Beelphegor's presence threatens the political alliance and when Maddalena becomes involved with the mysterious intruder. Gianfigliazzo's personal vendetta drives him to lead the charge to capture Beelphegor and later to attempt killing him, even after Beelphegor loses his powers.

• gianfigliazzo
• jealousy
• maddalena
• beelphegor
• attack
• rivalry

After being publicly humiliated by Beelphegor's failed seduction plot, Maddalena steals armor and weaponry from Gianfigliazzo to confront Beelphegor directly. She meets him at a countryside crossroads where a portal back to Hell awaits, attacking him in disguise. The armored duel begins as revenge but transforms into mutual respect as each recognizes the other's bravery, leading to their unexpected bond.

• maddalena
• armor
• duel
• disguised
• warrior
• beelphegor

Despite being a lower demon, Adrammelech remains loyal to his former master throughout the story. When Gianfigliazzo attempts a final attack, Adrammelech returns to assist Beelphegor one last time, pushing Gianfigliazzo into the fire and enabling the lovers to escape. This intervention represents the completion of Beelphegor's transformation, as even his demonic companion recognizes and respects his choice to pursue love and mortality over evil.

• adrammelech
• help
• beelphegor
• gianfigliazzo
• escape
• loyalty

Lorenzo, the wise ruler of Florence, ultimately chooses mercy after witnessing Maddalena's extraordinary loyalty and the genuine love between her and Beelphegor. Recognizing that their bond transcends both political machinations and supernatural origins, he forgives the former demon and seeks to spare both lovers from execution. This decision allows Beelphegor and Maddalena to escape and begin a new life together as ordinary mortals, free from demonic schemes and political intrigue.

• lorenzo
• mercy
• forgiveness
• maddalena
• beelphegor
• decision