After Iblis (whose name in Arabic means ‘he/it that causes despair’) disobeyed he was given the name Shaitan, which is both a noun and an adjective, meaning either ‘adversary’, ‘enemy’ or ‘rebel’, or ‘evil’, ‘opposing’ (a word still in use in today’s Arabic or languages influenced by Arabic to describe a demon or the devil, as a huge part of oriental superstition still involves demons of all kinds). You will notice the linguistic similarity to ‘Satan’. The name Satan however (according to the Wordsworth Dictionary of English Etymology) derives from the Hebrew word sátán, denoting an enemy or accuser. Intriguingly, Islam also teaches that djinns, like humans, will be examined on the Day of Judgement and sentenced to heaven or hell, according to their deeds.
Back to the Islamic legend: Shaitan’s penalty was to be decided upon Judgement Day. So he claimed to lead as many of Adam’s descendants astray and reduce man to filth and corruption during his period of waiting to be punished. God accepted and granted Iblis and the ones following him recompense in the form of hellfire. Iblis – now called Shaitan – became a ‘whisperer’, a creature who whispered into the hearts of humans, urging them to commit sin (wonderfully played out by Mark Pellegrino, by the way, whose interpretation of Lucifer so far has been quite subtle, leaving a lot of room for increasing the volume as the show will progress).
God allowed Iblis to roam the earth to attempt to prove his claim and divert others from the divine path – in order to test mankind and djinn alike. Along with him, Adam and Eve were sent to earth, after they had been lured into eating from the forbidden tree by Iblis.
Eric Kripke stated in interviews that he developed the story with popular myths in mind, and in regard to Joseph Campbell, one of the most renowned analysts of mythology (and, to my humble opinion, one of the most poetically intelligent minds I’ve ever read).
In his book ‘Myths To Live By’, Campbell reads Lucifer’s fall from Heaven in the chapter on The Mythology Of Love as such:
‘One of the most amazing images of love that I know is Persian – a mystical Persian representation of Satan as the most loyal lover of God. You will have heard the old legend of how, when God created the angels, he commanded them to pay worship to no one but himself; but then, creating man, he commanded them to bow in reverence to this most noble of his works, and Lucifer refused – because, we are told, he loved and adored God so deeply and intensely that he could not bring himself to bow before anything else. And it was for that that he was flung into Hell, condemned to exist there forever, apart from his love.Now it has been said that of all the pains of Hell, the worst is neither fire nor stench but the deprivation forever of the beatific sight of God. How infinitely painful, then, must the exile of this great lover be, who could not bring himself, even on God’s own word, to bow before any other being!’
This might strike you as familiar – please recall the scene from ‘The End’ – Dean walks in on Sam/Lucifer who gives him a speech of the exact meaning:
‘You know why God cast me down? …because I loved Him. More than anything. And then God created….you. The little…hairless apes. And then he asked all of us to bow down before you. To love you more than Him. And I said: “Father…I can’t… These human beings are flawed…murderous.†And for that God had Michael cast me into Hell.’
In praise of Jared Padalecki’s acting (and here she applauds the man’s performance again) – you feel the loss Lucifer experienced when being cast down, like a tragic lover who was sentenced to exist without ever being able to look upon this beloved again.
Of course we are convinced that this is nothing but a masterfully executed moment of deception, but the way Jared plays this scene tempts me to actually believe him. He is sad, moving, lonely, but, of course, evil to the core. Jared, being the talented actor that he is, manages to tread the dangerously fine line of being unbelievably appealing and utterly appalling at the same time (forgive me for quoting myself here – I remain in constant awe watching Jared deliver this scene. We have seen some amazing Lucifers in movie history, like Max von Sydow (Needful Things), Viggo Mortensen (The Prophecy), Al Pacino (The Devil’s Advocate) or Peter Stormare (Constantine), and thanks to his ever growing abilities as an actor, Jared moves in line with those great actors), a quiet, but greatly menacing creature.
The Envy of the Devil
Christian teaching about the devil denotes him as a fallen angel who rebelled against God, though much of the history of the great adversary is not biblical – it is safe to assume to have been hugely influenced by historical events and superstitions in pre-medieval and medieval times and the progress from Paganism into a Christian civilisation.
‘I saw a beast coming out of the sea,… and the dragon gave him power, and his throne, and great authority. And … the whole earth wondered after the beast; and they worshipped the dragon, because he gave his authority unto the beast, … And he opened his mouth for blasphemies against God, to blaspheme his name, his tabernacle, even them that dwell in the heaven. And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them…And I saw another beast coming out of the earth … and he exerciseth all the authority of the first beast in his sight. And he maketh the earth and them dwell therein to worship the first beast… He that hath understanding, let him count the number of the beast; for it is the number of a man: and his number is six hundred and sixty and six.’ (Rev 13)
This might read as an exotic fairy tale, but it is an occidental source, picking up the trail of Lucifer, as he is supposed to be the red dragon. Magic numbers and horned beasts belong to the image of the devil as the scent of sulphur does. He is the lord of darkness, threatening and terrible, a seducer par excellence.
The devil’s first appearance in the Old Testament is the serpent in the Garden of Eden who lures Adam and Eve into eating the forbidden fruit. Often in Christian scripture the devil is identified with the serpent. ‘This great dragon – the ancient serpent called the devil or satan, the one deceiving the whole world, was thrown down to earth with all his angels’ (Rev 12;9)
Also, the Book of Wisdom paints him as follows: ‘But by the envy of the devil, death entered the world and they who are in his possession experience it’ (Wisdom 2;24) – Horsemen, anyone?
I have no knowledge, of course, of how closely the writers of Supernatural plan to stick to scripture or various myths concerning Lucifer and his minions (and they have done beautifully so far with creating their own mythology, though clearly inspired by ancient legends), but sometimes it all comes together perfectly and powerfully – the last scenes of “Abandon All Hope” with Lucifer summoning the Horseman Death, allowing it to enter the world by providing demonic sacrifice, and, we know, the world according to the Winchester Gospel will experience death. Some dear friends already have, and reapers are still waiting to be of service.
Are the Horsemen to be the devil’s shock troops? One, War, was already taken out by the brothers in “GoodGod,Y’all.” But has War indeed been eliminated? The Horsemen are not demons, neither are they angels. It might well be possible we will find all four fighting side by side in the great confrontation we are all waiting for as eagerly as we are terrified by it.
In the New Testament the devil has a more outstanding role, being mentioned more often, as many attempts of his at working against God are being reported. The gospels of Matthew and Luke tell us of the devil tempting Jesus. Fasting in the desert, Jesus was approached by the devil who offered him rulership over the world’s kingdoms (but of course, on an ironic note, being subordinate to the devil).
Furthermore, Jesus is accused by his critics of being in league with Beelzebub (a potent demon, sometimes identified with Satan or Lucifer and one of the devil’s many names), receiving his powers from the demon.
Pan and Baphomet
Back in biblical times the devil did not have a particular appearance. It was much later, probably during the early medieval period, that people began depicting him as a creature with horns, a goat’s hindquarters, sometimes a forked tail and a pitchfork. It is most likely that these images sprung from pagan horned gods, such as Dionysus or Pan (during the early Middle Ages many people still practised pagan and Christian rituals alike, especially in countries that did not convert to Christianity right away).
In particular the ancient Greek god Pan, the god of shepherds and their flocks, rustic music, and companion of nymphs, holds a striking resemblance to the almost traditional image of Lucifer: he has horns, sometimes looking like a goat from the waist down – a god of the fields, very much like his Roman counterpart, Faunus.
Pan inspired fear in lonely places (probably the word panic derives from him), and – according to Greek mythology – as the Titans attacked Olympus, Pan inspired fear and disorder in the attackers, so the gods remained victorious, and Pan demanded credit for that. Also, legend has it, that in the Battle of Marathon Pan favoured the Athenians and evoked panic in the hearts of the Persians, their enemies, with his music, which was able to arouse chaos, inspiration, sexuality, disorder or terror (hello Lucifer’s modus operandi), depending on the gods’ intentions.
Wow … what an article!
It is a fascinating subject as when people talk about the Devil such a clear image arises yet when you dig deeper into the origins of the myth Lucifer becomes a more and more vague figure, obsecure and illusive.
I think that SPN’s Lucifer borrows heavily from Milton, lurking in disguise to lure his prey, filled with a self-righteous and convinced that he was right and has been mistreated and wrong all for doing the right thing, for loving too much.
I can’t wait to see where SPN takes Lucifer, how they’re going to develop the character. he’s so convinced everything is going to work out just as he planned, it will be interesting to see how he expects that to happen and what he will do if it doesn’t.
Also I did theology at University and my Medieval professor said that the systematic destruction of the templars on one day over several continents on Friday 13th is the origin behind the superstition. I’d love it if SPN could work that in, it would be a great nod!
Jas, what’s wrong with you? I was trying to enjoy this as I read it but was slowly being overtaken by a Luciferian jealousy, that I wish I had written this, grumble.
Stupendous stuff, and I love how the writers have taken from bits here and there, whether overt layers or not, or merely from their own experiences and contact with various stories. Isn’t of feeling dogmatic, it’s almost an Impressionist piece. Sure, Lucifer exists, but it’s the general vibe of evil permeating everything, so much more than a list of stock villains.
Hell yeah, toss some Templar stuff in there; already had a nod to Alistair, why not that, some Eliphas Levi, too, funky magic.
Really, really cool article, Jas! Someone really did their homework! The myths and legends and source materials behind the story of Lucifer are just so fascinating. Thank you so much for putting them together in one cohesive piece.
I’m also kind of glad that they all have such ambiguous methods for defeating or entrapping Lucifer because that means the SPN writers can really take the material and make it their own, not that they’re afraid of doing that in any other instance, of course. I can’t wait to see what they come up with!
Bethany, Randal, Dany and Ardeospina, thank you, friends!
I know the end of hellatus is on everyone’s mind right about now, and any moment y’all be watching the new episode (sigh, I’ll have to wait till tomorrow…quote Randal: ‘grumble’), and still you took the time to read this. Honoured!
Bethany, I am always hugely fascinated by the myths behind a figure, and the image of Lucifer as we know it today connects so many from all cultures that it was enormous fun to shape it into this piece.
The mysteries behind the Templar order are also deeply intriguing, and you will probably concur after your brush with them in University. This is not a history-site, else I’d love to write on that, also, hehehe….
Randal, well, what can I say? Thank you would be a good start… I need to put all those books that inhabit my rooms to some good use… You haven’t turned green, have you? 😉
Dany, dear, I think you have mentioned that you like my writing, but please, do so whenever you please – I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t like to hear it. I do. And I deeply appreciate it…so thank you!
Ardeospina, I’m equally curious to see what the writers will come up with to bring down the devil…
Can you imagine the fun I had putting this together? great, great fun…
And now, let’s get on that episode-eleven-horse. It’s certainly going to be a hell of a ride…
:D, Jas
Jas, I like your writing!
This was so interesting. I had done some research myself ages ago, and there are so many different interpretations of the devil. But they all come down to the same thing: he´s evil, period.
And, yes, Jared and Mark deliver him brilliantly!
You know, what came to my mind while reading this? How about an article about God?
Love, Lara
I am fascinated by all the research you must have done and how brilliantly written this piece is! Well done!
I am fairly new to this site. I randomly found it one day, and I’m glad I did! Hope to read more articles from you, and many others on this site 🙂 Ooh, I agree with FreeBird, a God article! Maybe we can hear your take on why some angels believe that “God have left the building”?
And don’t be sad about not getting to watch the episode today, if it makes you feel any better, I’m *supposed* to be studying for my exams, so I have to refrain from watching tv for the next six days or so :”'(
Hey, cathy1967, Freebird and gentlesoul, thank you so much!
Cathy1967, I believe there is always more than one side to any matter and I was trying to shed some light on the great enemy…
Lara and gentlesoul – would you please stay out of my head, ladies? You inadvertently guessed one of my next projects – I’ve already started working on an article on God. I’m a yin and yang person. So, finding out whether God really left the building only seems organic.
Thank you for expressing your wishes for that!
So – God it is…
Lara, I think that evil is (just about like pretty much everything else) in the eye of the beholder, and everyone might find some aspects of Lucifer meaningful while others don’t… there are even worshippers out there…
gentlesoul, welcome to this site and thank you for your kind words!
Just go to the archives and start reading, so many fine writers have given us some a lot of brain food… You’re gonna need time, though.
Also not watching? For me it’s only waiting till tonight (hopefully I’ll be online by ten pm, finally and watch the show, when practically everyone else will have watched it five times already….), but you will have to wait for another six days? Oh, you have my most heartfelt sympathy… But, if I recall my own exam-periods (hell-time, indeed)… you need to take the odd break to let your mind rest a bit. Supernatural could provide some needed distraction…
:-); Jas
Don’t worry, if I’ve turned green, I’m sure there’s a pill for that.
A god article, eh? We promise we won’t pressure you to hurry up on that. Left the building. God is Elvis, I knew it! Thankyouverymuch.
Oh Randal, Elvis was turned into a vampire and strolling around Louisiana, with a drug-dead brain, and everybody calls him Bubba…
8-),Jas
Hang on a sec, Jas, I’m copying it down, there’s a loon-addled sonnet in there somewhere. 😉
There once was a loony from Memphis
Who wondered how he would end this
He spent all his money
On booze, drugs and honey,
Till he enjoyed a vamp’s kiss
Awwwwwwwh,Randal, kill me now… :roll::
There once was a loony from Deutschland
Who wondered why Elvis was so grand
It wasn’t a tramp stamp vamp
Or a jelly donut-ed ramp
But TVs shot by his own hand.
We should go on tour. 😀
When Randal and Jas did a tour
For insanity’s mess found a cure
They had so much fun
Vamps came undone
And more things went all obscure…
We should! I’m dying from laughter. My patients will indeed find out I’m a kook
😆
Christ woman!! (excuse the pun)
I want to live in your brain. Seriously 🙂
This was a fascinating meta of the Big Bad himself.
I’m familiar with the Milton& Dante sagas by a mere glimps alone (know the basic gist of things) but what you have written here makes very intriguing pondering indeed. What will TPTB of SPN make off all this… The sky is the limit and I’m now even more mezmerized by the possibilities. You have “pinned” Luce down quite nicely (as if that ever could be done) and he is potrayed amazingly in our Show. Mark and Jared are phenomenal (and so are the others you mentioned) in the way that they make you feel sympathy and unease at the same time. I can’t wait to see him again in the show. And more angels too, new angels. I can’t wait to see some more angel on angel (fallen or none) interaction. On a side note: It would have been so cool to see Uriel stand by Lucifer. Where are Lucifers rebel angels anyway?
And we haven’t even seen Michael yet! I can’t wait to meet him and get his side on this whole story. I hope you do a piece on him too.
But THANK YOU for this. I really love this article
Randal & Jas: 😀 😀 😀
Yay, a God-article!!!
Enjoy the veal, be sure to tip your waitress.
Supernarttu, a-ha! Where *are* his fellow cast-thee-downs? We’ve had bits of angel-on-angel violence, and I can’t imagine that ALL of it was done by heavenly rebels, the old guard had to be in the mix as well.
Supernarttu, thank you so much! I can’t believe the great response to this meta piece. It is very meta, you know… Wonderful, like taking a bath in honey… (no, Randal, don’t say it…)
I agree, I’d also love to see more angels, well, some nice angel-on-angel violence… Ali and Forman? Bring it?
So, an article on Michael? Oh dear, thank God I’ve brought all my books…
Randal, could I ask (since I’m not always familiar with US-puns… this ‘enjoy the veal’ – any special meaning to it? What exactly does it mean? :-), Jas
Hi Jasminka
Finally! I was able to read your article. All I can say is its Fantastic.
I’m not very learned on the topic so it was interesting to read about the different beliefs.
Hey Jas and Randal if you want I can try and arrange bookings for you.
I think there might be some openings in the Glenwood Spring Psychiatric Hospital, however I think The Roosevelt Asylum is still closed for renovations. 😎
Love the verses!
Karen, thank you!! I’m happy you found time to read this despite all that other stuff you have to do!And I’m happy you liked it!
You could actually book us into Glenwood, I’d prefer wraiths and not loony shrinks… Randal will just have to concur…
Love, Jas