Samael

Samael is an archangel whose prominence is attested in Talmudic and post-Talmudic traditions. His name, meaning 'Venom of God', reflects the duality of his character as both a dispenser of death and an executor of justice. In ancient texts, he is frequently portrayed as the accuser, similar in role to Satan, yet he remains a servant of God. He is revered as the chief angel of death, responsible for condemning and purging sin. His involvement in the fall of Adam and Eve, where he is said to have ridden a serpent, underscores his influence on human destiny. Beyond his role in sin and retribution, Samael is also depicted as a guardian angel and a prince of Rome, illustrating his multifarious responsibilities. In certain Gnostic narratives, he is equated with the Demiurge, thereby deepening the complexity of his mythological persona. Despite his fearsome attributes, many traditions assert that his actions ultimately serve the greater good by enforcing divine justice. His dual identification with both celestial and infernal domains challenges simple moral categorisations. Over the centuries, Samael’s evolving myth has spurred enduring theological debates about the nature of evil and the mechanisms of divine punishment.