Marvel Database
Marvel Database

She's not an angel perched on a fluffy cloud waiting to impart unknown wisdom to me from the afterlife!

Miguel O'Hara[source]

In many of Earth's monotheistic religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam, etc.), as well as in Zoroastrianism, angels are believed to be guardians of mankind and messengers of God.[1]

During the Hyborian Age, the Zoroastrian God Mithra, under his name Mitra and monotheistic worship, was told to command to a Heavenly Host of angels and saints,[3] while the worship of Erlik and of the Tarim involved angels as well (playing lyres in the "Garden of Tarim"), including the Sea-God.[4]

It is unknown if there is a relation between those angels.

Angels are celestial beings that live in Heaven.[1]

History

Origins[]

There are different origins among the angels. The most powerful angels claim to have served God since the dawn of time.[1] They were created by God with the sole purpose to serve him.[citation needed] Some mortal souls who reached Heaven after their deaths have also seemingly become angelic beings.[1]

Early years[]

Among the most powerful angels was Lucifer the Morningstar, the Son of the Dawn and the Bringer of Light. Allegedly, he led an army of angels to repel the N'Garai from Earth.[1][5]

Rebellion against God / War in Heaven[]

For more details on this event, please see the War in Heaven page.

The angels were charged with protecting mankind from the evils of the universe. However, some of the angels were jealous of the humans.[citation needed] Lucifer led a rebellion against God, starting a war in Heaven.[1]

Among the angels mentioned to have joined Lucifer's rebellion as his lieutenants were 14 angels,[5][1] including Asmodeus,[6] Lilith the Mother of All Demons,[6][7] Samael,[7] Pazuzu,[5][8][9] Xaphan,[8][5] Micah (later Kazann),[10][8] Beelzeboul,[5][1] and Olivier.[5][1]

Although only Lucifer, Micah, and Olivier's claims are corroborated by non-fallen angels,[1] Pazuzu, Lilith, and Xaphan's claims are considered to be confirmed as well.[8] Other demons' claims are not formally confirmed, but do appear to be true.

Lucifer was ultimately defeated[5] after being sold out by Zadkiel, whom he saw as a friend.[11]

Aftermaths[]

Lucifer and his 14 lieutenants were cast down into Hell.[1]

Zadkiel and his subordinates of the Black Host, including the Malakim brothers Emmael and Vraniel, because of their previous alliance with Lucifer, were no longer allowed to serve in the Choirs, but were instead to serve as a "black ops" team,.[11] They were also cast down to a portion of Heaven where they could not hear God and He could not hear them.[12]

One-third of the angels were expelled from Heaven.[13] According to some sources, there were about 130 million fallen angels; unconfirmed sources listing as fallen angels (all of whom are believed to have followed Lucifer as their leader in the war against Heaven) whose fate is unrevealed include the following: Abbadona, Adramaelec, Agares, Amezyarak, Amnixiel, Amy, Anane, Ananel, Anmael, Arakiba, Araqiel, Araziel, Arel, Arioch, Armen, Artaqifa, Asael, Asbeel, Asmoday, Astaroth, Astoreth, Atarculph, Auza, Azael, Azaradel, Azibeel, Azkeel, Azza, Azzael, Badariel, Bael, Balam, Baraqel, Baraqijal, Barbatos, Barbiel, Bartarel, Batarjal, Beelzebub, Beleth, Belial, Beliar, Belphegor, Busasejal, Byleth, Balberith, Cameron, Carnivean, Carreau, Caym, Chobaliel, Dagon, Danjal, Ertrael, Ezequeel, Flauros, Focalor, Forcas, Forneus, Gaap, Gadreel, Gressil, Gurson, Hakael, Hananel, Harut, Hauras, Helel, Hosampsich, Iblis, Ielahiah, Imamiah, Incubus, Iomuel, Ithuriel, Iuvart, Jeqon, Jetrel, Jomjael, Kasdaye, Kasdeja, Kawkabel, Kazbiel, Lauviah, Leviathan, Los, Mammon, Mara, Marbas, Marchsias, Marou, Marut, Mephistopheles, Meresin, Meririm, Moloch, Mulciber, Murmus, Nelchael, Neqael, Nilaihah, Nithael, Oeillet, Ophis, Orus, Ousir, Ouzza, Paimon, Penemue, Procell, Pruflas, Pursan, Qemuel, Rabdos, Ramiel, Raum, Regent, Rimmon, Rofocale, Rosier, Rumjal, Salamiel, Sammael, Samsaveel, Saraknyal, Satan/Shaitan, Saturunus, Sealiah, Semyaz, Senciner, Seriel, Shamshiel, Simapesiel, Sonneillon, Sophar, Sumiel, possibly Symnay, Tabaet, Taus-Melek (later pardoned by God), Tausa, Thammuz, Thaphabaoth, Thausael, Theutus, Tumael, Turael, Turel, Urakabarameel, Urian, Urthekau, Usiel, Uzza, Verrier, Verrin, Vual, Wall, Wormwood, Yetzer Hara, Yomyael, Zaciel Parmar, Zavevebe, and Zophiel.[1]

The fallen angels became known as either demons or devils.[13] These two factions have been at war with each other for over 1 million years.[citation needed]

...[10][8]

Grigori's exile[]

When God created humanity, He sent the Grigori to watch over them, but they liked what they saw too much.[14]

Christian apocrypha mentioned 200 angels, although those numbers are unverified.[1]

Originally Heaven's weapons-master, Gadriel taught humanity to make weapons, and was consequently demoted to the Grigori.[15]

Great Flood[]

After the Great Flood, Zadkiel was tasked by the Throne to oversaw Heaven's more clandestine of missions, including the overseeing of the Spirits of Vengeance.[16]

Modern Days[]

Heaven's on Fire[]

For more details on this event, please see the Heaven's on Fire page.

[17]

The war ended with Zadkiel claiming the Throne of Heaven for himself.[18]

Classification[]

Hierarchy[]

Both Judaism and Christianity have the angels divided into hierarchies, but they are different between the two religions.[1]

Judaism[]

In Judaism, the angels are ranked in descending order as Chayot Ha Kadesh, Ophanim, Erelim, Hashmalim, Seraphim, Malakhim, Elohim, Bene Elohim, Cherubim, and Ishim.

Elohim is also one of the general designations for angels in Hebrew.[1]

Christianity[]

In Christianity, the angels are divided in three Spheres, each including three Choirs:[1]

Angels has become a common term for their entire kind, and many Seraphim appear to be Archangels, which suggests that it is more of a title than a rank.[1]

Choirs' leaders also sometimes appear to be Archangels:

Groups[]

Additionally to the Choirs, many groups exist within the Angels:

The Seraphim and Cherubim are seemingly associated together among Seraphim and Cherubim, Inc..[20]

The angels as a whole and some of these groups are sometimes mentioned as the Heavenly Host(s).[citation needed]

The Ephemera[]

A group of Angels created with a short lifespan for one specific purpose, such as saving souls of specific mortals. Such angels would include Anielle.[1]

Powers and Abilities

Powers

The appearances of angels are widely varied and many seem able to alter their appearance at will, but most favor beautiful humanoid forms with large bird-like wings protruding from their shoulder blades. They are immortal and do not age.

Angels, depending on their ranking in the hierarchy of Heaven, have varying levels of superhuman capabilities.[citation needed]

  • Superhuman Strength: Most angels have varying degrees of superhuman strength.[1] Some can use their magical powers to augment their strength, but to an unknown degree.[citation needed]
  • Superhuman Speed: Ruth is capable of running and moving at speeds greater than even the finest human athlete.[citation needed]
  • Superhuman Stamina: The various mystical energies flowing through angels' bodies augment their musculature so that it generates virtually no fatigue toxins during physical activity. As a result, angels possess almost limitless superhuman stamina.[citation needed]
  • Superhuman Durability: The tissues of angels' bodies, while similar in appearance to those of human beings, are considerably tougher and more resistant to injury than the tissues of human beings to the extent that their bodies are virtually invulnerable to conventional injury. Angels are capable of withstanding great impact forces, high caliber bullets, exposure to temperature and pressure extremes, and powerful energy blasts without sustaining injury.[citation needed]
  • Regenerative Healing Factor: Despite their superhuman durability, it is possible to injure angels. However, their unique physiology and mystical energies enable them to rapidly recover from almost any form of injury. They are capable of regenerating almost any damaged or destroyed tissue, even missing limbs.[citation needed]
  • Immortality: Angels are immortal and do not age.[1] Angels are immune to all known Earthly diseases and infections. They are also beyond the need of food, water, or oxygen. If killed, they will merely reform themselves in Heaven.[citation needed]
  • Magical Manipulation: Angels can use this magical energy for various effects, only a few which have been shown. Known abilities include the ability to project fire bolts[1] and shapeshift. They can also summon Celestial armor[citation needed] and burning swords at will.[1]
    • Ensnare Astral Bodies: Angels also possess certain powers that enable them to capture and detain the astral bodies (sheaths of the soul) of recently deceased human beings.[citation needed]
    • Invisibility to humans: Angels can make themselves (or simply their wings) invisible to humans, although rare sensitives (four or five million of them on Earth) may still see them (or their wings).[22]
    • Many angels can generate illusions and compel humans to obey their will[1] and inflict pain on themselves. Powerful angels can even "switch off" humans for a limited amount of time, with potentially dangerous effects (such as miscarrying for pregnant women) that were performed by Malachi.[22]
    • Resurrection: Some angels can resurrect the dead by sharing their own divine essence with the deceased.[1]
  • Winged Flight: Angels possess large bird-like wings that protrude from their backs, which allow them to fly at incredible speed and defy the laws of gravity. It has been shown that angels can fly with their wings on show, so they may be symbolic.[citation needed]

Abilities

Warriors, scholars, philosophers

Angels speak Aramaic.[23]

Average Strength Level

Varying levels of strength

Weaknesses

Angels can be harmed and killed with heavenly-made weapons and also by Judas' silver.[13]

An angel's powers can be decreased by removing their wings. This will make them mortal and they can be just as easily as killed as a human. In that state they are humans and their souls will be judged as such, and if they have sinned, they will go to Hell rather than Heaven.[citation needed]

On Earth-85133, angels can kill humans only if commanded by Yahweh. That rule was verified with Gabriel, who was unable to defend himself against the Devil-Slayer.[24]

Habitat

Habitat

Heaven

Gravity

Earth-like

Atmosphere

Earth-like

Population

No exact recorded number

Possibly about 400 million at the time of the War in Heaven, about 260 million immediately after the War[21]

Miscellaneous

Type of Government

God (father/creator)[citation needed]

Level of Technology

Beyond humans

Cultural Traits

Servants of God

The angels use the Angelic Script for their writings.[25]

Representatives

Notes

Trivia

  • Most angels are a relatively recent addition to the Marvel Universe. While demons have appeared as villains in many titles for many years, Marvel Comics generally avoided featuring angels or directly mentioning the presence of the Judeo-Christian God until the 1990s (though a few angel characters had appeared prior to this, mostly in older titles from the 1950s).

See Also

Links and References

References

  1. 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17 1.18 1.19 1.20 1.21 1.22 1.23 1.24 1.25 1.26 Marvel Zombies: The Book of Angels, Demons & Various Monstrosities #1 ; Angels' profile
  2. Ghost Rider (Vol. 6) #20
  3. Official Handbook of the Conan Universe #1 ; Gods and Worship
  4. Conan the Barbarian #39
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 Marvel Zombies: The Book of Angels, Demons & Various Monstrosities #1 ; Lucifer's profile
  6. 6.0 6.1 Marvel Zombies: The Book of Angels, Demons & Various Monstrosities #1 ; Asmodeus' profile
  7. 7.0 7.1 Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe: Horror 2005 #1 ; Lilith's profile
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 Marvel Zombies: The Book of Angels, Demons & Various Monstrosities #1 ; Demons' profile
  9. Marvel Zombies: The Book of Angels, Demons & Various Monstrosities #1 ; Pazuzu's profile
  10. 10.0 10.1 Marvel Zombies: The Book of Angels, Demons & Various Monstrosities #1 ; Kazann's profile
  11. 11.0 11.1 Ghost Rider (Vol. 6) #18
  12. Ghost Rider (Vol. 6) #14
  13. 13.0 13.1 13.2 Spirits of Vengeance #2
  14. Punisher (Vol. 4) #1
  15. Punisher (Vol. 4) #2
  16. Ghost Rider (Vol. 6) #30
  17. 17.0 17.1 Ghost Rider (Vol. 6) #21
  18. 18.0 18.1 Ghost Rider (Vol. 6) #33
  19. Gambit (Vol. 2) #2
  20. Bizarre Adventures #34
  21. According to Spirits of Vengeance #2, one-third of the angels were expelled from Heaven. According to some sources mentioned in the Angels' profile of Marvel Zombies: The Book of Angels, Demons & Various Monstrosities #1, there were about 130 million fallen angels.
  22. 22.0 22.1 Ghost Rider (Vol. 5) #1
  23. Howard the Duck (Vol. 3) #4
  24. Dead of Night Featuring Devil-Slayer #4
  25. Punisher (Vol. 4) #4
  26. Marvel Tarot #1 ; Marvelous Catalogue of Correspondences
  27. Ghost Rider (Vol. 6) #32