Azael

Azael is a figure primarily known from ancient Jewish texts, particularly in apocryphal and mystical traditions. He is often described as an angel, sometimes associated with the Nephilim, the offspring of fallen angels and human women mentioned in the Book of Genesis. Within these narratives, Azael plays a role in teaching humanity forbidden knowledge, such as metallurgy, cosmetics, and warfare, which are considered to have led to an increase in wickedness on Earth.

The name Azael is sometimes linked to the Hebrew root "azazel," which appears in the Old Testament, specifically in the ritual for Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) described in Leviticus. In this context, "azazel" refers to a goat sent into the wilderness, symbolizing the carrying away of the sins of the people. However, the exact nature and identity of "azazel" in Leviticus are subject to scholarly debate, with some interpretations suggesting it refers to a place or a demon rather than a specific angelic being.

In later Jewish magical and Kabbalistic literature, Azael is sometimes depicted as a more complex figure, potentially a demon or a fallen angel who has been punished for his transgressions. These traditions often portray him as a tempter or a source of dangerous knowledge, reinforcing the idea of him as a being associated with the corruption of humanity. The figure of Azael, therefore, exists within a spectrum of interpretations, evolving from a potentially ambiguous entity in early biblical texts to a more defined, often negative, angelic or demonic figure in later mystical and apocryphal writings.