Folklore and TV Show have often depicted several scenes where angels died, of course killed by another angel. But in religious perspectives, especially Christianity and Islam, angels are portrayed as immortal beings who cannot experience death.
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These two conflicting views between movies and religions have increasingly birthed an argument whether angels can die if killed by another angel or they are immortal. In this post, we will explore the mystery behind angelic death through the lens of religions and movies.
Angels can die if killed by another angel: Fictional perspective
In fictional stories as well as movies, it is seen that angels, typically seen as immortal and divine, can meet their demise at the hands of their celestial peers. This portrayal has fuelled fascination about the death of angels.
One of the most iconic examples of this portrayal can be found in the popular television series “Supernatural.”
In this show, angels are formidable, otherworldly creatures with incredible powers. However, they are not immune to death, and their mortality becomes evident when they engage in battles with each other.
The show’s lore introduces angel blades, weapons specifically designed to kill angels. When used by one angel against another, these blades can lead to the ultimate demise of these heavenly beings.
Another notable instance can be seen in the book series “His Dark Materials” by Philip Pullman. Within the multiverse depicted in these novels, angels are depicted as sentient, ethereal beings that can be killed by their celestial counterparts.
In the video game “Bayonetta,” the player encounters angels as enemies throughout the game. These celestial foes are formidable adversaries, but the protagonist, Bayonetta, herself a witch with extraordinary powers, possesses the ability to dispatch them.
The game’s narrative implies that angels can indeed be killed by the actions of other supernatural entities.
The fictional concept of angels meeting their end at the hands of their celestial brethren serves as a fascinating plot device. It introduces conflict, tension, and moral dilemmas, as characters must grapple with the ethical implications of killing beings traditionally considered divine and immortal. This concept challenges the perception of angels as infallible and opens up new avenues for storytelling.
It’s, however, important to note that the concept of angels dying at the hands of other angels is purely a product of creative imagination and storytelling.
Angels can die if killed by another angel: religious perspectives
In religious traditions such as Christianity and Islam, angels are commonly perceived as divine and immortal beings, serving as messengers and agents of God.
However, the notion that angels can die if killed by another angel is not a belief supported by these religious texts.
In both the Bible and the Quran, angels are depicted as powerful and obedient beings who carry out the will of the Divine.
They are not described as beings capable of death or destruction at the hands of their celestial counterparts. Instead, they are seen as incorporeal and beyond the confines of earthly existence.
In Christianity, the Bible contains numerous references to angels, but none suggest that angels can be killed by one another.
For instance, in the book of Revelation, angels are described as mighty beings who serve God and play significant roles in the unfolding of divine events. However, their mortality is never hinted at or implied in the text.
Similarly, in Islam, the Quran portrays angels as beings created from light, who follow God’s commands without question.
The Quranic descriptions of angels do not include any indication that they can be killed by other angels. Rather, angels are presented as spiritual entities with distinct responsibilities in the celestial hierarchy.
The idea that angels can die if killed by another angel is more commonly found in apocryphal or non-canonical texts, which are not part of the official religious canon.
These texts often delve into speculative or imaginative interpretations of celestial beings. For example, some Gnostic writings propose a more complex view of angels, suggesting that they possess free will and can engage in conflict, leading to their potential demise.
One example is the “Book of Enoch,” an ancient Jewish text that is not included in the Hebrew Bible but is of interest to some Christian traditions.
In this book, angels known as the Watchers descend to Earth, interact with humans, and are ultimately judged and punished by other angels. This narrative implies a degree of vulnerability among these angels that is not present in mainstream religious texts.