Anges

Anges is the plural of ange in French, typically translated as “angel” in English. The word derives from Latin angelus, from Greek aggelos, meaning “messenger.” In religious contexts, anges are considered supernatural beings associated with divine communication and protection; in secular usage, the term can denote a benevolent or guiding figure.

In Judaism and Christianity, angels act as messengers or servants of God; they are not generally worshipped. Their roles include delivering revelations, guiding individuals, and executing divine judgments. Christian tradition sometimes groups angels into hierarchies and identifies archangels such as Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael.

In Islam, angels (malak) are created from light and possess obedience to God; they do not possess free will. Notable angels include Jibril (Gabriel), who conveyed revelations to prophets, and Mikail (Michael), Israfil, and Azrael as the Angel of Death; they perform various tasks such as recording deeds and announcing Judgement.

In culture, angels appear in art, literature, and film, often as guardians or heralds. Artistic depictions vary, with wings or halos common in Western art, though not universal. The concept of anges has influenced languages and idioms to describe benevolent beings or intermediate figures between the divine and human worlds.