Key Aspects of Angel Mythology:
Pseudo-Dionysius and other traditions classify angels into orders, including Seraphim, Cherubim, Powers, and Principalities.
Michael (warrior/leader), Gabriel (messenger), Raphael (healer), and Uriel are considered the most powerful, often overseeing the four cardinal points.
Angels act as guardians, intermediaries, and agents of divine will, while some, like the Powers, guard the boundary between Heaven and Earth.
Angels who rebelled or were cast out, such as Lucifer or Azrael, often associated with temptation or corruption.
A specific group of angels tasked with observing humanity, some of whom fell by taking human wives (the Nephilim).
Common Archangels in Lore:
Michael: Leader of heavenly armies, protector of the faithful.
Gabriel: Messenger of divine news.
Raphael: Divine healer.
Uriel: Often associated with wisdom, judgment, and guarding the Garden of Eden.
Azrael: Commonly identified as the Angel of Death.
Raguel: Known as an angel of justice and harmony.
Metatron: A high-ranking angel often associated with recording divine deeds.
Otherworldly Forms: Beyond humanoid forms, some, like the Ophanim, are described as wheels filled with eyes, representing complex, non-humanoid divine entities.