infernal

Infernal is an English term derived from the Latin infernus, meaning lower or beneath. In general usage, it is an adjective describing things related to hell or the underworld, including fiendish beings, fiery landscapes, or extreme heat and noise. The word is closely linked to the related noun Inferno and has appeared in English since the medieval period.

In religious and mythological contexts, infernal denotes realms, forces, or beings associated with punishment or torment after death. Christian theological writing commonly uses the term to describe hellish aspects or demonic powers, while broader mythologies and literary traditions employ the concept to evoke torment, temptation, or moral danger.

In fantasy fiction and gaming, Infernal commonly appears as a thematic or nomenclatural element. In role-playing games such as Dungeons & Dragons, Infernal is the language spoken by devils and is tied to fiendish powers and organizations. The term may also appear as a name for factions, magic, or artifacts within various settings, reinforcing a demonical or Hell-related atmosphere.

In modern culture, Infernal is used both descriptively and as a stylistic label to evoke a sense of hellish intensity. It can describe environments, music, or art that aims to convey fiery, malevolent, or otherworldly characteristics, while also functioning as a precise theological or literary term in appropriate contexts.

See also Inferno, Hell, Demonology.