fallen

Fallen is the past participle of the verb fall and is used as an adjective and a noun. It describes something that has dropped, collapsed, or declined. In religious contexts, fallen imagery is common in reference to fallen angels—beings cast from grace after rebellion—and to the Fall of Man, the biblical account of humanity’s expulsion from Eden. The phrase the fallen is occasionally used to refer collectively to morally corrupted or condemned beings.

In culture and media, Fallen appears as a title for various works. In film, Fallen (1998) is an American supernatural thriller directed by Gregory Hoblit, in which a detective investigates a series of murders believed to be committed by a demon that can transfer between bodies.

In literature, Fallen most prominently refers to Lauren Kate’s 2009 young adult novel Fallen, the first in a series about a girl who discovers a centuries-old romance involving angels, with sequels such as Torment and Passion.

In music, Fallen has been used as a title for multiple releases. The best-known example is Evanescence’s 2003 debut album Fallen, which helped define the band’s blend of metal, rock, and gothic influences. Other artists have released songs or albums titled Fallen across various genres.

Overall, Fallen functions across grammar, theology, and popular culture, serving as a descriptor of decline or loss and as a recurring title in film, novels, and music.