Not strange in fictions very cosmologically different from this one.
Maybe so, but the point still stands. If more benign groups like the Valar or the Angels from Abrahamic Religions can have someone representing Death, why can't these Angels? Kelemvor, the God of Death is Lawful Neutral. If you were to put the Angels of Diablo into a D&D alignment system, where would they fall? Lawful-Good to Lawful Neutral (you might even be able to put an arguement forward to put Imperius in the Lawful Evil crowd, but I wouldn't try to push that one too hard).
Furthermore, why should what we know about Diablo's cosmology, (which is admittedly not as much as we'd like) interfere with there being an Angel of Death? The first time we see that Angels have specific domains is when we meet the Angiris Council, of which Malthael is a part (correct me if I'm wrong). This council, including Malthael, are the ones setting the precedence of what domains Angels have.
Whilst we don't necessarily have examples of all of these things taking place (although their are some), I'm merely referencing character. You tell me, based off of this, which one is more likey to respect Death and the Dead.
I agree with that. But more likely does not necessarily mean true.
Still, you raise an strong indication in support of this, and I cannot say that I have an alternative to present at this point.
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Whilst we don't necessarily have examples of all of these things taking place (although their are some), I'm merely referencing character. You tell me, based off of this, which one is more likey to respect Death and the Dead.
I agree with that. But more likely does not necessarily mean true.
Still, you raise an strong indication in support of this, and I cannot say that I have an alternative to present at this point.
Fair enough. Also, if Blizzard comes out and says that he's not the Angel of Death, I'll happily and humbly change my tune.
On that note, two other possible titles came to me, although I still think Death works better. Mourning and/or Remorse. Neither of them explain his intimidation factor though.
As for Imperius, whilst my first reaction is "Angel of War," Unlike Death, I have never heard of an Angel of War. It does seem a bit odd. I can see it being possible, as they say that religion has caused more wars than anyone, and his demeanor fits, and the Angels seem to have a much better organized military, but I'm not anywhere near certain on this one.
Maybe Wrath. I've heard of an Angel of Wrath before, although it may not fit as well. I hope we get official word on the titles of the Angiris Council. Would be a good thing to bring up at the Lore panel at Blizzcon (/hint hint wink wink nudge nudge).
he female angel looked to a fourth member of their council, a very gaunt figure whose robes were black and whose breastplate was likewise colored.
Quote from name="The Veiled Prophet, page 185?"" »
A visible shiver ran through not only Mendeln but also the rest when the angel Malthael spoke. His voice brought nightmares of death to Mendeln — a permanent, empty death.
It seems probably this is the angel of death, the colors and descriptions fit. Still, this is also in contrast to Hell; they dabble in death just as much if not more so, yet the epithet of death would belong to Heaven? It doesn't seem right, but I can't think of what else to give to him.
Summary
This article hasn't been aimed at a specific target, but has instead simple explained various features about demons and angels. I cannot really summarize what s written here.
Next Time
I am not really sure what will come next time. This article created some additional aspects I wish to explore, but I do not know if they warrant an article of their own. You will just have to wait and see what comes next.
I am new around here but not to diablo by any means. It seems to me you answer your own questions about "The Angel of Death." You are correct in thinking Heaven would have an epithet for Death when Hell does not. First off look at the actual Christian religion with Loki also titled "The Angel of Death." But this is just a title. I am not saying that Diablo is synonymous with religion, because clearly it is not. (Angels not being depicted as totaly good.) But re-read what you said about Demons. They are less likely to think in that manner, they all represent Death, murder etc. in their own way; Baal "The Lord of Destruction" for example. Destruction can easily be linked to death. Wish I could say more but, I'm at work and duty calls.
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So, I'm new here, but not to Diablo by any means (I do believe I was around to by D2 and LoD when they were knew, but that was awhile ago). And sorry for the necro post, but it somewhat fits my missive on the Angel of Death issues.
Anyway, I feel you all are taking "Death" as a MORTAL human would (understandable, I doubt any of you are immortal aliens), as in, "shuffle off this mortal coil." Basically, dying is something unavoidable. I very much doubt that either the Angels, or the higher up Demons, would agree. It might be a possibility, but not a necessity of living, like it is for us flesh piles.
Think of it more like this: When you clean up some space, and you find something that doesn't fit, you move it. But if the thing that doesn't fit also doesn't fit have it's place anywhere, you get rid of it. You throw out trash, swat bugs, flush waste, etc. To an Angel, Death might mean the complete erasure of time. Malthael may simply be the Angel in charge of removing things that do not have their place in the Angels idea of Order (well, at least those things that can be removed by a single angel). They felt that humans are/were abominations, and thus should be DESTROYED, as in cease to exist, erased from all of existence.
That would probably make Malthael the Angel of Death, Oblivion, Nothingness, or something else. He could possibly be the opposite of Baal. Instead of wanton destruction, he would govern the excise of unwanted things. The surgeon who removes tumors, if you will. It could also be said that he's the opposite of Mephisto, what with the orderly remove of that which does not fit being about as far from Chaos as you can get.
Finally got around to fixing the page citations. All of the except two from the Black Road are now correct. Also added a small part to Tyrael, as there is a passage which clearly puts him as stronger than Inarius.
To an Angel, Death might mean the complete erasure of time. Malthael may simply be the Angel in charge of removing things that do not have their place in the Angels idea of Order (well, at least those things that can be removed by a single angel). They felt that humans are/were abominations, and thus should be DESTROYED, as in cease to exist, erased from all of existence.
That would probably make Malthael the Angel of Death, Oblivion, Nothingness, or something else. He could possibly be the opposite of Baal. Instead of wanton destruction, he would govern the excise of unwanted things.
That's actually a pretty good thought. It makes sense.
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The angel dipped his head ever so slightly. AND PERHAPS THE WORST OF THE THREE…HE WHO IS THE ESSENCE OF TERROR…THE LORD DIABLO.
What Tyrael expresses here seems to confirm what was suggested earlier: Diablo is the foremost of the Three.
It is not entirely clear though, for Mephisto is apparently able to seal a truce between Heaven and Hell, which includes Diablo, and Tyrael only says that Diablo is perhaps the worst. Not very clear at all.
Still, two times in favor of Diablo, as well as a lot of appearances from him. If nothing else, Diablo is probably a first among equals.
But wait a minute some of you will say. What about the 4th cinematic in D2, the one where Mephisto seems to be commanding Diablo into Hell?
It has been argued that this scene, where Mephisto says "Send forth your Terror into Hell." implies that Mephisto is the foremost of them. The problem though is that Diablo is well on his way through the gate before Mephisto says anything. It seems less of a command, and more of a... encouragement, for lack of a better word.
I have always had the impression that Mephisto is the "leader" of The Three.
Tyrael's quote merely suggests that Diablo is the most powerful or most evil. However, in one of the Sin War books, there is a scene describing the statues of The Three in the Cathedral of the Triune. It says that Mephisto's statue is always in the middle because he is considered the foremost of The Three.
Unfortunately, I don't have an exact page reference, but I'm certain it's there somewhere.
If nothing else, I strongly believe that Mephisto is the "brains" of The Three, Diablo the "brawn" and Baal is just the crazy dude.
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‘I'M NOT LEAVING UNTIL WE ALL HAVE AIDS!’—The importance of calling them ‘mercenaries.’
Furthermore, why should what we know about Diablo's cosmology, (which is admittedly not as much as we'd like) interfere with there being an Angel of Death? The first time we see that Angels have specific domains is when we meet the Angiris Council, of which Malthael is a part (correct me if I'm wrong). This council, including Malthael, are the ones setting the precedence of what domains Angels have.
Still, you raise an strong indication in support of this, and I cannot say that I have an alternative to present at this point.
Fair enough. Also, if Blizzard comes out and says that he's not the Angel of Death, I'll happily and humbly change my tune.
On that note, two other possible titles came to me, although I still think Death works better. Mourning and/or Remorse. Neither of them explain his intimidation factor though.
As for Imperius, whilst my first reaction is "Angel of War," Unlike Death, I have never heard of an Angel of War. It does seem a bit odd. I can see it being possible, as they say that religion has caused more wars than anyone, and his demeanor fits, and the Angels seem to have a much better organized military, but I'm not anywhere near certain on this one.
Maybe Wrath. I've heard of an Angel of Wrath before, although it may not fit as well. I hope we get official word on the titles of the Angiris Council. Would be a good thing to bring up at the Lore panel at Blizzcon (/hint hint wink wink nudge nudge).
I am new around here but not to diablo by any means. It seems to me you answer your own questions about "The Angel of Death." You are correct in thinking Heaven would have an epithet for Death when Hell does not. First off look at the actual Christian religion with Loki also titled "The Angel of Death." But this is just a title. I am not saying that Diablo is synonymous with religion, because clearly it is not. (Angels not being depicted as totaly good.) But re-read what you said about Demons. They are less likely to think in that manner, they all represent Death, murder etc. in their own way; Baal "The Lord of Destruction" for example. Destruction can easily be linked to death. Wish I could say more but, I'm at work and duty calls.
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Anyway, I feel you all are taking "Death" as a MORTAL human would (understandable, I doubt any of you are immortal aliens), as in, "shuffle off this mortal coil." Basically, dying is something unavoidable. I very much doubt that either the Angels, or the higher up Demons, would agree. It might be a possibility, but not a necessity of living, like it is for us flesh piles.
Think of it more like this: When you clean up some space, and you find something that doesn't fit, you move it. But if the thing that doesn't fit also doesn't fit have it's place anywhere, you get rid of it. You throw out trash, swat bugs, flush waste, etc. To an Angel, Death might mean the complete erasure of time. Malthael may simply be the Angel in charge of removing things that do not have their place in the Angels idea of Order (well, at least those things that can be removed by a single angel). They felt that humans are/were abominations, and thus should be DESTROYED, as in cease to exist, erased from all of existence.
That would probably make Malthael the Angel of Death, Oblivion, Nothingness, or something else. He could possibly be the opposite of Baal. Instead of wanton destruction, he would govern the excise of unwanted things. The surgeon who removes tumors, if you will. It could also be said that he's the opposite of Mephisto, what with the orderly remove of that which does not fit being about as far from Chaos as you can get.
That's actually a pretty good thought. It makes sense.
Tyrael's quote merely suggests that Diablo is the most powerful or most evil. However, in one of the Sin War books, there is a scene describing the statues of The Three in the Cathedral of the Triune. It says that Mephisto's statue is always in the middle because he is considered the foremost of The Three.
Unfortunately, I don't have an exact page reference, but I'm certain it's there somewhere.
If nothing else, I strongly believe that Mephisto is the "brains" of The Three, Diablo the "brawn" and Baal is just the crazy dude.