A fallen angel, a concept steeped in mythology and folklore, evokes a fascinating archetype. Here’s a breakdown of its meaning:

Fallen Angel Definition:

A fallen angel is a celestial being who was once part of heaven but is now banished due to a transgression. This often refers to a being who was once pure and powerful but succumbed to temptation or made a devastating error, leading to their downfall and expulsion from the divine realm.

Examples:

• Lucifer: The most well-known fallen angel, Lucifer, is described in the Book of Ezekiel and the Book of Revelation. He was once a powerful angel, but pride and greed led him to rebel against God, resulting in his expulsion from heaven.
• Iara: In Greek mythology, Iara was a beautiful and powerful ocean spirit who was transformed into a fallen angel due to her association with the dead.

Symbolism:

• Loss of innocence: The fallen angel represents the loss of innocence and purity. They were once divine beings, but their flaws and hubris led to their downfall.
• Corruption: The fallen angel symbolizes corruption and decay. They once possessed great power and beauty, but their corruption led to their downfall and exclusion from heaven.
• Temptation: The fallen angel serves as a cautionary tale against temptation and greed. Their story warns against succumbing to desires that lead away from righteousness.

Cultural Influence:

The fallen angel concept has had a profound impact on literature, art, music, and philosophy. Some examples include:

• Paradise Lost: John Milton’s epic poem “Paradise Lost” explores the fall of Lucifer and its consequences.
• Dante’s Inferno: Dante’s “Inferno” imagines a vision of hell, where fallen angels are confined.
• The fallen angel trope: The fallen angel theme is widely used in literature, film, and even video games.

Overall:

The fallen angel is a powerful archetype that explores themes of loss, corruption, temptation, and redemption. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed, pride, and the potential for downfall.