The Devil's Story: How Lucifer Became Supernatural's Ultimate Villain
Lucifer: The Devil in History and Popular Culture
Lucifer is one of the most fascinating and controversial figures in the history of religion and culture. He is commonly known as the Devil, the adversary of God and the ruler of hell. But who is he really? Where did he come from? How did he become the embodiment of evil? And how has he been portrayed and interpreted in different times and places?
In this article, we will explore the origin, meaning, and symbolism of the name Lucifer, the biblical account of his rebellion and fall from heaven, his role and appearance in various cultures and religions, and his influence and representation in the arts and media.
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Who is Lucifer?
The name Lucifer is derived from the Latin word lucifer, which means "light-bringer" or "morning star". It refers to the planet Venus, which is the brightest object in the sky before sunrise. In ancient times, Venus was often associated with various deities of light, beauty, love, and fertility. In some cultures, it was also considered a son or a herald of the dawn goddess.
The origin of the name Lucifer
The term lucifer appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Isaiah 14:12, where it is used to describe a fallen king of Babylon: "How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star, son of Dawn! How you are cut down to the ground, you who laid the nations low!" (NRSV). The Hebrew word translated as "Day Star" or "Morning Star" is heylel, which is related to the word for "shining" or "brightness". The Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, renders heylel as heosphoros, which means "dawn-bringer". The Vulgate, the Latin translation of the Bible, translates heosphoros as lucifer.
Some biblical scholars argue that Isaiah 14:12 does not refer to a specific person or being, but to a metaphorical or poetic expression of the king's pride and downfall. Others suggest that Isaiah 14:12 may have been influenced by a Canaanite or Babylonian myth about a rebellious god or star who tried to usurp the throne of the supreme god but was defeated and cast down to earth. In any case, there is no clear indication that Isaiah 14:12 has anything to do with Satan or the Devil.
The biblical portrayal of Lucifer
The name Lucifer became associated with Satan or the Devil in Christian tradition, based on a particular interpretation of Isaiah 14:12 and other biblical passages. Some early Christian writers, such as Origen and Tertullian, identified Lucifer with Satan, who was seen as a fallen angel who rebelled against God and led a third of the angels into sin. They also linked Lucifer with other biblical figures who were considered enemies or opponents of God, such as Cain, Nimrod, Pharaoh, Antiochus Epiphanes, Judas Iscariot, and the Antichrist.
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The most influential source for this identification was the Book of Revelation, which describes a war in heaven between Michael and his angels and "the great dragon ... that ancient serpent, who is called the Devil and Satan" (Revelation 12:7-9). The dragon is also called "the deceiver of the whole world" (Revelation 12:9) and "the accuser" (Revelation 12:10). He is said to have been thrown down to earth along with his angels, where he continues to wage war against God's people until he is finally defeated and thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 20: How is Lucifer represented in the arts and media?
Lucifer, the fallen angel and the ruler of hell, has been a source of inspiration and fascination for many artists and creators in various fields of art and media. His image and story have been adapted, reinterpreted, and transformed in different ways and contexts, reflecting different cultural and historical perspectives. Here are some examples of how Lucifer has been portrayed in classical music, modern music, literature, film, television, comics, and video games.
Lucifer in classical music and literature
In classical music and literature, Lucifer is often depicted as a tragic figure who rebelled against God out of pride and ambition, but was defeated and cast down to hell. His name, which means "light-bringer" or "morning star" in Latin, is sometimes used as a symbol of enlightenment, beauty, or creativity. Some of the most famous works that feature Lucifer as a character or a theme are:
The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri (1320), an epic poem that describes the poet's journey through hell, purgatory, and paradise. In the Inferno, Lucifer is depicted as a giant beast with three faces, each chewing on a sinner: Judas Iscariot, Brutus, and Cassius.
Paradise Lost by John Milton (1667), an epic poem that retells the biblical story of the fall of man from the perspective of Satan. Lucifer is portrayed as a charismatic leader who rallies his fellow angels to rebel against God, but is ultimately overcome by his own pride and envy.
The Devil's Trill Sonata by Giuseppe Tartini (1713), a violin sonata that the composer claimed was inspired by a dream in which he saw the Devil playing a beautiful melody on his violin. The sonata is famous for its virtuosic and expressive passages that challenge the performer.
Faust by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1808-1832), a two-part play that tells the story of a scholar who makes a pact with Mephistopheles, a representative of Lucifer. Faust agrees to give his soul to the Devil in exchange for unlimited knowledge and worldly pleasures.
The Master And Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov (1967), a novel that satirizes Soviet society and culture through a fantastical plot involving the Devil's visit to Moscow. Lucifer appears as Woland, a mysterious magician who causes chaos and mischief in the city.
Lucifer in modern music and literature
In modern music and literature, Lucifer is often used as a metaphor for rebellion, temptation, or evil. He may also represent an alternative or oppositional worldview that challenges the dominant or mainstream values. Some of the works that use Lucifer as a reference or an inspiration are:
Sympathy For The Devil by The Rolling Stones (1968), a rock song that features Mick Jagger singing as Lucifer. The song recounts some of the historical events that Lucifer claims to have influenced or witnessed, such as the crucifixion of Jesus, the French Revolution, and the assassination of John F. Kennedy.
The Satanic Verses by Salman Rushdie (1988), a novel that explores the themes of identity, religion, and migration through a controversial story involving two Indian actors who survive a plane crash. The title refers to a disputed episode in Islamic history in which Muhammad allegedly recited verses that praised pagan deities under the influence of Satan.
N.I.B. by Black Sabbath (1970), a heavy metal song that tells the story of Lucifer falling in love with a human woman and changing his ways. The song's title stands for "Nativity In Black", but is also an acronym for "Name In Blood", referring to Satan's signature on his contract with Faust.
American Gods by Neil Gaiman (2001), a novel that depicts a war between the old gods of various mythologies and the new gods of modern society. Lucifer appears as Mr. World, the leader of the new gods who represents globalization and technology.
Lose Yourself by Eminem (2002), a rap song that describes the rapper's struggle to achieve success in the music industry. The song contains references to Lucifer as an embodiment of fear and doubt that tries to hold him back.
Lucifer in film and television
In film and television, Lucifer is often portrayed as a charismatic, manipulative, or seductive antagonist who challenges or tempts the protagonists or heroes of the stories. He may also appear as a sympathetic or complex character who has his own motives and agenda. Some of the films and shows that feature Lucifer as a character or a theme are: - Constantine (2005), a film based on the DC Comics character John Constantine, a cynical occult detective who can see the true nature of angels and demons. Lucifer, played by Peter Stormare, is the ultimate antagonist who seeks to claim Constantine's soul for his own. - Lucifer (2016-2021), a television series based on the DC Comics character of the same name, a spin-off of The Sandman. Lucifer, played by Tom Ellis, is the charming and charismatic owner of a nightclub in Los Angeles who helps