Fallen Angels (theology)

The Fallen Angel is arguably one of the most recognised of all religion-based villains due to them being mentioned in many major religions as well as mythology, folklore and countless fictional settings - although many religions place Fallen Angels as the original demons (of which Satan is highest) some modern adaptations place Fallen Angels as separate beings altogether.

In the most basic sense of the word a Fallen Angel is a former messenger of God (or other deity) who has either willingly forsaken their role or has somehow become corrupted, as a result these angels have been cast out of paradise and either taken resident on one of the many depictions of Hell or have taken to wandering amongst the mortal races - some stories tell of how interactions between Fallen Angels and humans led to the creation of superhuman beings akin to giants, who were eventually destroyed by God either via the Flood or some other event.

Regardless of where the Fallen Angels were condemned to they are believed to have lost their link with the ideals of their particular faith, causing them to work against the forces of good and side with evil - in many monothestic belief systems Satan was the first of the angels to experience this phenomena and following his fall an entire legion of lesser angels followed him, though it is never clarified what causes angels to fall from grace (though in Satan's case it is generally believed it was his pride that caused his downfall when he tried to usurp his creator).