Raziel

Raziel is a name used in various religious, historical, and popular culture contexts. Its etymology is Hebrew, from raz meaning secret and El meaning God, with common translations including “secret of God” or “God’s secret.”

In Jewish mysticism, Raziel is an archangel associated with knowledge, revelation, and the mysteries of creation. He is depicted as a guardian of secrets who reveals divine wisdom to select recipients. In medieval legends he is sometimes said to stand near the Throne of God, presenting humanity with hidden knowledge. The figure is linked to the Sefer Raziel HaMalakh, a legendary grimoire attributed to Raziel that purports to contain sacred names, magical formulas, and instructions for astral and spiritual practices. The book’s origins are unclear, with manuscript traditions attested in various regions and periods, and it has influenced later Kabbalistic and occult writings.

Sefer Raziel HaMalakh is commonly described as a compendium of deeper spiritual, magical, and astrological knowledge. It is not universally accepted as an authentic ancient text; rather, it is regarded as part of medieval and early modern magical literature. The manuscript tradition explores topics such as divine names, talismans, and methods for invoking or harnessing spiritual forces.

In popular culture, Raziel is the name of a central character in the Legacy of Kain video game series, most notably in Soul Reaver (1999). Raziel begins as a vampire and is transformed into a wraith, wielding the wraith-blade Soul Reaver. The character’s journey spans multiple games, involving themes of fate, betrayal, and the struggle against oppression within the fictional world of Nosgoth.