A brief history of the devil - Brian A. Pavlac
TED-Ed・3 minutes read
Various literary and artistic works depict Satan from the Old Testament as a tormentor, tempter, and dragon, inspiring different perceptions and interpretations over time. From a three-headed behemoth in "Inferno" to a more human form in the Renaissance, Satan's portrayal varies, influencing different movements and perspectives on the character.
Insights
- The evolution of Satan in literature and art, from a minor character in the Old Testament tormenting Job to a three-headed behemoth in Dante's "Inferno," showcases a transformation from a distant figure to a complex, multifaceted character that evokes both disgust and sympathy.
- Different cultural and historical contexts have shaped the portrayal of Satan, with influences from religious texts like the Bible, classical mythology such as Greek gods like Pan, and literary works like Milton's "Paradise Lost" and the German legend of Doctor Faust, reflecting changing perceptions of morality, heroism, and the consequences of temptation.
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Recent questions
Who is Satan inspired by in the Old Testament?
Satan is inspired by a minor character who tormented Job.
How is Satan portrayed in Dante Alighieri's "Inferno"?
Satan is portrayed as a three-headed, bat-winged behemoth.
Who is Lucifer in John Milton's "Paradise Lost"?
Lucifer is a rebellious angel who becomes Satan.
How is Satan depicted in the Renaissance?
Satan is depicted with cloven hooves and curling horns.
What is the German legend of Doctor Faust about?
The legend shows the consequences of making a Faustian bargain.
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Summary
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Evolution of Satan in Literature and Art
- Satan, Lucifer, and Mephistopheles are all inspired by the Satan of the Old Testament, a minor character who tormented Job. In the New Testament, Satan tempts Jesus, possesses people with demons, and is depicted as a giant dragon cast into hell, inspiring medieval artists and writers.
- Dante Alighieri's "Inferno" portrays Satan as a three-headed, bat-winged behemoth in the ninth circle of hell, evoking both disgust and sympathy as he is trapped in ice. The devil evolves into a more human form in the Renaissance, depicted with cloven hooves and curling horns inspired by the Greek god Pan.
- John Milton's "Paradise Lost" presents the devil as Lucifer, a rebellious angel who becomes Satan after being cast out of heaven. This portrayal influenced the Romantics, who saw Lucifer as a hero pursuing essential truths. The German legend of Doctor Faust shows the consequences of making a Faustian bargain with the devil, sacrificing integrity for short-term gains.
