Today we will review the figure of Lucifer. This fallen angel in some traditions with a great iconic universe to discover.
Who is Lucifer?
Lucifer is a character that has been present in various traditions and religions throughout history. In the Christian tradition, he is a fallen angel who rebels against God and is expelled from heaven. According to the Bible, he is known as Satan or the Devil.
The name “Lucifer” itself comes from a reference in the Bible, specifically in the book of Isaiah in the Old Testament. In Isaiah 14:12, the fall of a king of Babylon is mentioned, and the metaphor of the morning star or “Lucifer” is used to describe his fall. Over the centuries, this reference was interpreted as an allusion to the Devil.
In different traditions and literary works, Lucifer has been portrayed in different ways. In literature, especially in John Milton’s masterpiece “Paradise Lost”, he is presented as a complex and rebellious character who defies God. As we know, he has been associated with the bringer of light and has been attributed with exceptional beauty and wisdom.
What other names does Lucifer go by?
Lucifer, in the context of Christian tradition, is known as the fallen angel or the devil. However, in different traditions and mythologies, he may receive other names and representations. It is important to note that names and representations may vary in different religious traditions, cultures and literary works.
- Satan: This is one of the most common names for Lucifer. Satan is a prominent figure in many religious traditions and is considered the adversary of God.
- Beelzebub: This name is derived from the Hebrew “Baal Zebub” and is used in some traditions to refer to he as the prince of demons.
- Devil: This name is widely used to refer to Lucifer. In many traditions, the devil is considered to be an evil and tempting being.
- Mephistopheles: This name is found in the literary work “Faust” by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and has been used in other plays and literature to refer to a demon or evil spirit similar to he.
- Ahriman: In the Zoroastrian religion, Ahriman is a malevolent deity who opposes the supreme god Ahura Mazda. Some consider him comparable to his figure.
Representations and associations
The representation of Lucifer in culture is varied and often reflects the different interpretations and myths associated with this character. This figure may vary according to the cultural, religious or philosophical perspective of each individual or community.
- Evil: In Western culture, Lucifer has become synonymous with Satan and evil. He is depicted as a cunning, seductive and tempting being, associated with corruption, treachery and destruction. This representation is common in literature, film and the media, where he is often portrayed as the main antagonist.
- Revolt: In some more symbolic interpretations, Lucifer is associated with the quest for freedom and rebellion against oppressive authority. This view is based on the idea that Lucifer was expelled from heaven because of his desire for autonomy and free will. Some movements and subcultures have adopted this figure as a symbol of resistance and defiance of established norms.
- Revealing: In certain esoteric and occult currents, he is seen as the bearer of light and occult knowledge. He is considered a symbol of spiritual enlightenment and the search for truth beyond dogmatic restrictions. This vision moves away from the purely evil conception and seeks a more positive and transgressive reinterpretation of Lucifer.
- Art: Throughout the history of art, he has been represented in various forms. He may appear as a fallen angel with black wings, a deformed and monstrous figure, or even as a seductive and beautiful figure. These artistic representations reflect the different cultural interpretations and visions of Lucifer.
Literature and media about Lucifer
There are several stories and tales associated with Lucifer in different traditions and cultures. As we can see, all of them have a universal scope, many have been used as the basis for stories of all kinds. Besides, on multiple occasions the figure of Lucifer is more of a symbol than a representation of pure evil.
- Biblical story: In the Judeo-Christian tradition, he is mentioned in the book of Isaiah in the Bible. He is described as a powerful and beautiful angel who rebels against God and is expelled from heaven. This story is interpreted as the fall of Satan, who becomes the symbol of evil and temptation in the Christian worldview.
- The Divine Comedy: In Italian poet Dante Alighieri’s masterpiece, “The Divine Comedy,” he appears as the ruler of Hell. He is described as a deformed and gigantic being, with three faces and bat-like wings. Lucifer is punished in the center of Hell, frozen in a lake of ice called Cocytus, and symbolizes the ultimate representation of sin and betrayal.
- Paradise Lost: In the epic poem “Paradise Lost” by the English poet John Milton, the story of Lucifer’s rebellion and fall is told. The work explores the figure of Satan as a complex and tragic character, with human motivations and emotions.
- Myth of Prometheus: In Greek mythology, a figure similar to Lucifer is found in the myth of Prometheus. Prometheus is a titan who steals fire from the gods and gives it to humans, defying the divine order. This act of rebellion and generosity towards humans has similarities with his figure in his role as a fallen angel and bearer of forbidden knowledge.
In movies and TV-Shows
Here we show you some of the best known movies and series that feature Lucifer as a character or explore his mythology. After all, it should be mentioned that the list could be immense, as there are other productions that also include his references or appearances.
Movies
- “The Devil’s Advocate” (1997): In this movie, Al Pacino plays a character named John Milton, who is revealed to be Lucifer. The film follows the story of a young lawyer played by Keanu Reeves who becomes involved in a pact with the devil.
- “Constantine” (2005): Based on the DC comic book, this film tells the story of John Constantine, an occult detective who confronts demons and fallen angels, including he.
TV-Shows
- “Lucifer” (2016-2021): This popular TV series follows the life of Lucifer Morningstar, played by Tom Ellis, who leaves his realm in hell and moves to Los Angeles, where he helps solve crimes while dealing with his own identity and redemption.
- “Supernatural” (2005-2020): Throughout the seasons, he appears as a recurring character in this long-running series. He is introduced as a fallen archangel and becomes a central figure in the apocalypse-related plot.
- “Good Omens” (2019): Based on the novel by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman, this series follows an angel and a demon as they work together to stop the apocalypse. In it, David Tennant plays the demon Crowley, who has an interesting relationship with the character of him.
