Angels
The list of angels mentioned in various religious texts is extensive and varies across different traditions. Here is a compilation of some of the most prominent angels along with their noted abilities or roles:
Angels in Abrahamic Religions
Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
- Michael
- Role: Archangel, leader of the heavenly armies.
- Abilities: Warrior angel, protector, often seen as the one who will defeat Satan in the end times.
- Gabriel
- Role: Messenger of God.
- Abilities: Delivers divine messages, announced the births of Jesus and John the Baptist in Christianity, revealed the Quran to Muhammad in Islam.
- Raphael
- Role: Healer.
- Abilities: Healing, guidance, associated with healing the earth.
- Uriel
- Role: Angel of wisdom and light.
- Abilities: Illuminates the mind with divine inspiration, brings enlightenment.
- Raguel
- Role: Angel of justice and harmony.
- Abilities: Enforces God's will, brings justice.
- Saraqael (Sariel)
- Role: Archangel.
- Abilities: In charge of spirits who sin in the spirit, healing and guidance.
- Remiel (Jeremiel)
- Role: Angel of hope.
- Abilities: Guides souls to heaven, brings hope.
- Azrael
- Role: Angel of death.
- Abilities: Guides souls from the physical world to the afterlife.
- Metatron
- Role: Scribe of God.
- Abilities: Records all deeds in heaven, often associated with guiding the spiritual evolution of humans.
- Sandalphon
- Role: Angel of music and prayers.
- Abilities: Delivers prayers to God, often associated with music.
Angels in Other Religious Texts and Traditions
Zoroastrianism
- Amesha Spentas
- Role: Holy immortals serving Ahura Mazda.
- Abilities: Each has specific attributes, such as truth, good thinking, and divine dominion.
Hinduism
- Devas
- Role: Divine beings or gods.
- Abilities: Various abilities depending on the deity, such as creation, preservation, and destruction.
- Gandharvas
- Role: Celestial musicians.
- Abilities: Skilled in music and singing.
Buddhism
- Devas
- Role: Divine beings or gods.
- Abilities: Various abilities, generally associated with different levels of heaven.
Gnosticism
- Aeons
- Role: Divine beings emanating from the Godhead.
- Abilities: Various abilities depending on their position within the pleroma (fullness).
Specific Abilities and Roles in Christianity
- Seraphim: Highest order of angels, often depicted as six-winged beings, who worship God and proclaim His holiness.
- Cherubim: Guardians of the divine throne, known for their knowledge and insight.
- Thrones: Carry out God's judgment, known for their steadfastness and endurance.
- Dominions: Regulate the duties of lower angels, known for their authority and leadership.
- Virtues: Bring divine grace and perform miracles, known for their control over the elements.
- Powers: Warrior angels, known for their courage and strength.
- Principalities: Protect nations and groups of people, known for their leadership and guardianship.
Other Notable Angels in Various Traditions
- Jophiel: Angel of beauty and wisdom.
- Zadkiel: Angel of mercy and benevolence.
- Chamuel: Angel of love and peaceful relationships.
This list is not exhaustive, but it covers many of the major angels mentioned across different religious traditions along with their noted abilities or roles.