The Origin Story Behind Angels and Demons
Angels and Demons
Angels and demons have fascinated mankind since antiquity. It's natural that these divine beings, which many view to be spiritual or mythical, have taken on a life of their own in literature, folklore, art, and other media.
The origin story of angels and demons begins in ancient Sumeria, which is believed to be the birthplace of many of the world's oldest myths and beliefs. Sumerians believed in a pantheon of gods, with each god being associated with a particular element or aspect of the natural world.
The oldest Sumerian myth about angels and demons is found in the Epic of Gilgamesh. In the epic, Gilgamesh, a demigod, journeys to the afterlife in order to slay Humbaba, a giant demon of chaos and destruction. During his journey, Gilgamesh meets a variety of creatures, both angelic and demonic.
In ancient Greece, angels and demons were also prevalent in the mythology. In particular, the gods of Greek mythology were thought to control various aspects of nature. For example, Zeus was the god of thunder and lightning, while Poseidon was the god of the sea. Other gods, such as Hermes and Apollo, were believed to be messengers of the gods, travelling between the heavens and the underworld.
Angels and demons, however, were largely associated with the Abrahamic religions: Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. In these religions, angels are typically associated with purity and goodness, while demons are associated with evil and temptation. Angels are believed to be messengers from God, sent to protect or warn people, while demons are viewed as fallen angels who have rejected God’s will.
Regardless of the mythology, angels and demons have captivated the imagination of people for centuries. Whether they are viewed as spiritual or mythical figures, or simply symbols of good and evil, they are sure to remain a part of our culture and storytelling for many years to come.