angels

Angels are supernatural beings found in many religious and cultural traditions, typically described as spiritual messengers or servants of a deity. The word angel comes from the Latin angelus, itself from the Greek aggelos, meaning “messenger.” Their roles and characteristics vary widely across traditions, but they are commonly portrayed as intermediary beings between the divine and humans.

In Judaism, angels are depicted as agents of God who carry out divine will, deliver messages, and assist or protect people. They appear in biblical and post-biblical writings with varying degrees of power and authority. Notable angels in later Jewish and Christian texts include Michael and Gabriel, among others. Angles are usually regarded as created beings without independent will, though interpretations differ on their nature and hierarchy, such as seraphim, cherubim, and other orders in mystical literature.

In Christianity, angels are considered spiritual beings created by God who worship him, serve as messengers, protectors, and helpers of humans. They are organized into hierarchies and include archangels and guardian angels. The tradition also contains narratives of fallen angels, most famously Satan, whose defection from God is interpreted differently across denominations.

In Islam, angels (mala’ika) are created from light and possess no free will. They serve God, record human deeds, and carry out divine tasks. The archangel Jibril (Gabriel) is a primary messenger who conveyed revelations to prophets, including Muhammad. Other named angels include Mikail, Isra’il, and Malik, among others.

Across cultures, angels appear in art, literature, and folklore with diverse depictions—often winged and luminous, but not universally so. They remain a motif for communication with the divine, guardianship, and the embodiment of virtuous qualities.